ABSTRACT
This study was carried out to find out the factors affecting academic performance of students in higher education Data of this study was collected through the use of questionnaire and observation, its findings were interpreted in percentage value and subsequently followed by discussion of results. The population of the study consists of all students from the department of Adult Education from 100 level to 400 level students in Faculty of Education University of Benin, Benin City with the total number of 516. The sample size selected for this study was 225 students selected randomly from the department of Adult and Non Formal Education in Faculty of Education, University of Benin, Benin city, using simple random sampling technique. In order to determine the reliability of the instrument, the test retest method of reliability was adopted. The instrument was administered to twenty (20) respondents who were not part of the study and was retrieved after two week interval, and then re-administered, the reliability yielded 80 using Cronbach alpa which means the instrument was reliable The comprehensive analysis of the findings from the four research questions revealed critical factors affecting students’ academic performance at the University of Benin. Socio-economic background significantly affects access to essential resources, healthcare, nutrition, and stable home environments. The quality of teaching, characterized by effective teaching strategies and knowledgeable professors, emerges as a pivotal determinant of academic success. Political factors, particularly strikes, have a detrimental impact on academic performance by disrupting the academic calendar, continuity of learning, and creating a tense atmosphere. Lastly, various interventions and institutional practices, including academic support services, promoting academic resilience, peer mentoring, academic advising, and technology-enhanced learning resources, prove effective in mitigating the adverse effects of inadequate resources and poor study habits. Based on the findings, it was recommended that; Government and educational institutions should implement policies aimed at reducing socio-economic disparities. Invest in ongoing professional development for teachers to adopt and refine effective teaching strategies. Advocate for stable political conditions and address the root causes of strikes within the education sector. Expand academic support services, including tutoring, counseling, and remedial programmes, to assist students in overcoming academic challenges.
