The Impact of School Drama Clubs on Students’ Communication Skills in Port Harcourt Secondary Schools

This study examines the impact of school drama clubs on the communication skills of secondary school students in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, South South Nigeria. Effective communication is increasingly recognised as a critical competency for academic and professional success, and drama clubs offer structured environments in which students can develop verbal articulation, non-verbal expression, active listening, and collaborative communication. The research surveys students, drama club coordinators, and English language teachers across fifteen public and private secondary schools in Port Harcourt. A mixed-methods design was adopted, combining quantitative surveys with qualitative interviews to capture both statistical trends and experiential narratives. The study finds that students who actively participate in drama club activities report significant improvements in public speaking confidence, clarity of expression, and interpersonal communication skills. Teachers also note observable differences in classroom participation between drama club members and non-members. However, the research identifies resource constraints and scheduling conflicts as barriers to sustained drama club activity. The study concludes that school drama clubs are valuable co-curricular investments for student development. It recommends that school administrators formalise drama clubs within the school timetable and provide dedicated facilities and funding. Keywords: drama clubs, communication skills, secondary schools, Port Harcourt, student development.