This article examines how extracurricular activities (ECAs) shape secondary school students’ social and emotional development in Mangu Local Government Area (LGA), Plateau State, Nigeria. Using a cross-sectional survey of 100 students drawn from selected secondary schools, we assessed the availability of ECAs, their alignment with social–emotional goals, impacts on teamwork, communication, relationship building, and core emotional-intelligence (EI) competencies, as well as implementation challenges. Sports were universally available; drama and debate were common; music/art, cultural clubs, science/math clubs, and community service were less frequent. Participation correlated with high levels of collaboration (46%), leadership (41%), sense of belonging (60%), and elevated EI components such as empathy (66%) and motivation (60%). Constraints included lack of resources (66.7%), limited funding (60%), insufficient staff training (58%), and uneven student engagement (55%). We conclude that ECAs are a practical lever for holistic development, and we propose actionable recommendations on financing, staff capacity, student engagement, parental/community buy-in, and program diversification.
IRE Journals:
Dallah Plangshak Anthony , Sintiki Dangana Yero , Vongkat Gideon Zingmak
"The Role of Extracurricular Activities in Promoting Social and Emotional Development Among Secondary School Students in Mangu Lga, Plateau State" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 9 Issue 4 2025 Page 883-889
IEEE:
Dallah Plangshak Anthony , Sintiki Dangana Yero , Vongkat Gideon Zingmak
"The Role of Extracurricular Activities in Promoting Social and Emotional Development Among Secondary School Students in Mangu Lga, Plateau State" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 9(4)