IMPACT OF GENDER DIFFERENCES IN SPORT PARTICIPATION AND PERFORMANCE IN ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY AKUNGBA-AKOKO, ONDO STATE

ABSTRACT This study investigated the impact of gender differences on sports participation and performance at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA). The objectives were to examine how gender influences participation, assess the effect of social, cultural, and institutional factors, evaluate the role of gender-related expectations, and determine how perceptions and gender-equity initiatives shape athletes’ experiences. A descriptive survey design was adopted, with data collected from 120 respondents using a structured questionnaire. Both descriptive and inferential statistics including independent t-tests and ANOVA were employed for analysis. Findings revealed that male athletes participated more actively in sports than female athletes. Cultural beliefs, religion, family expectations, and institutional support significantly affected performance outcomes. Hypothesis testing showed that: gender significantly influenced participation (tcal = 3.758 > ttab = 1.980, p = 0.001, H₀₁ rejected); social, cultural, and institutional factors had a significant effect on performance (Fcal = 4.350 > Ftab = 3.124, p = 0.000, H₀₂ rejected); gender-related expectations significantly influenced opportunities and experiences (tcal = 5.268 > ttab = 1.960, p = 0.000, H₀₃ rejected); perceptions of spectators, athletes, and organizers differed significantly by gender (ANOVA results, p < 0.05, H₀₄ rejected); and female athletes exposed to gender-equity programs performed significantly better than those not exposed (t-test, p < 0.05, H₀₅ rejected).