ABSTRACT

The performance of university students is usually measured through standardized tests and examinations but there are some factors that can hinder the academic success of university students. These factors are academic in nature. This research investigates how non academic factors affects university students' academic performance. The study  researched on how factors like family background, physical health, Mental health, socioeconomic status and university support systems affects university students' academic performance. Some scholarly works were reviewed. Data was collected through structured questionnaires.

  The results indicated that students are affected negatively by non academic factors. It was revealed that students' family background has an impact on their academic performance. It was also revealed that physical health has an impact on university students' academic performance. The findings from the research showed that students' are affected by mental health challenges. Challenges like stress, depression and anxiety has an impact on university students' academic performance.  Research revealed that socio economic status has an impact on university students' academic performance. The financial situation of a student and working hours can affect a student's academic performance. The university support systems was also identified as an important tool in the university environment for the academic success of a student. It was revealed that there is need to create awareness for the use of the university support services like the counselling center, work study, library and so on.

It was also revealed that there is a need to create awareness for the use of mental health services to help students cope with academic challenges. The research provided recommendations to help students who are faced with non academic challenges like mental health and also provided recommendations for the University of Benin to help students cope with challenges and improve their performance academically.me students may exaggerate or under report responses. This may be on physical health, mental health and their family background.