THE INFLUENCE OF PEER GROUP ON ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF SECONDARY SCHOOL STUDENTS IN MAIDUGURI METROPOLIS BORNO STATE

ABSTRACT The study is centered on the assessing the influence of peer group on the academic performance of secondary school students in Maiduguri Metropolis, Borno State, Nigeria. The study was guided by three (3) objectives and three (3) research questions. Related literatures were reviewed Conceptual Framework, Effects of Peer Group on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students, Positive and Negative Impact of Peer Group Influence on Academic Performance of Secondary School Students, Peer Group Influence and Academic Performance and Moderating Peer Group Influence. A sample of 500 respondents comprising teachers and students, randomly selected from public and private schools was used for the study. The data generated from the administered questionnaires were analyzed using frequency count and percentage score. The findings of the study revealed that peer group influence is an inevitable reality among secondary school students that could foster an improved students' academic performance. The findings of the study also show that majority of the participants (teachers and students) in the study ascertained the existence of age group or peer friends which has significantly aid students with their academies. It was therefore recommended that the Borno State Government through the Ministry of Education should create more clubs focused on academic activities that would promote peer participation. This will aid moderate peer influence and enhance academic performance on the long run.