Extracurricular activities aren’t just a break from academics, they’re a gateway to discovering passions, building life skills, and shaping future leaders. From sport, arts, debate, peace, earth heroes’ clubs to volunteering, these experiences give students the tools they need to thrive both inside and outside the classroom.
Participating in these activities helps students develop invaluable skills like leadership, teamwork, and time management etc. It encourages them to explore and share their creativity, build confidence, and foster lasting friendships.
Research studies show that those who engage in extracurriculars often excel academically, as the discipline and focus they learn carry over into their studies. According to a study by the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), students who participate in extracurricular activities are more than twice as likely to have a GPA of 3.0 or higher compared to those who do not participate. Specifically, 59% of students involved in extracurricular activities reported a GPA of 3.0 or above, compared to only 29% of those who did not participate
Beyond academics, extracurriculars offer a sense of belonging and purpose. They allow students to connect with peers who share their interests, helping them feel more engaged and motivated in their school community. In the long run, these experiences become standout achievements on college applications and shape future career success.
Some examples of notable Nigerian figures who have excelled through extracurricular activities include:
- Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, the first African and first woman to lead the World Trade Organization, often credits her involvement in extracurricular activities during her schooling for helping develop her leadership and teamwork skills. Growing up, she participated in community activities and academic societies, which built her public speaking and problem-solving abilities—skills she later used in her economic and diplomatic career. Her involvement in extracurriculars helped shape her into a global leader and advocate for international development.
- Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, one of Nigeria’s most celebrated authors, was actively involved in extracurricular activities, including drama and writing clubs, during her time at school. These experiences fostered her love for storytelling and public speaking, eventually leading her to become a world-renowned writer and feminist voice. Through these early experiences, she was able to cultivate her creative talents and find her voice, which has had a profound influence on global literature and discourse on gender and equality.
- Wole Soyinka, Nigeria’s most prominent playwright, poet, and the first African to win the Nobel Prize in Literature, was heavily involved in extracurricular activities, particularly theater and drama clubs, during his education. His involvement in these activities at the University of Ibadan and later at the University of Leeds helped shape his passion for writing and performance. Participating in theater allowed him to explore the world of storytelling and activism, which later influenced his work in literature and political activism. Soyinka’s experiences in these creative extracurricular settings were pivotal in his growth as an artist and as a voice for justice in Nigeria.
Soyinka’s, Chimamanda’s and Ngozi’s experience demonstrates how extracurricular involvement can spark creativity and drive individuals to pursue paths of influence and impact.
To conclude, extracurricular activities are not just an add-on—they are key to unlocking a student’s full potential and paving the way for a bright and balanced future.
Written by;
Rahmah Idris Abdulaziz