Sunday Abidemi Itasanmi, Oluwatoyin Ayodele Ajani, Catherine Njong Tawo ()

This study explored the relationship between demographic characteristics, academic procrastination, social supportandacademic performance among Open Distance Learning (ODL) students using a randomforestapproach.The study employed a quantitative research approach. The study participants consistedof 315 students from an ODL institution in Nigeria.The study used adapted scales to measure procrastination and social supportand a self-reported performance scale tomeasure academic performance. Data were analyzed using chi-square analysis for classification whileR-studio was used to fit a randomforest modelto classify and predict the study’s constructs. Results of the study revealed a significant relationshipbetween academic performance and age. Similarly, genderhasasignificantinfluenceon academicperformance.Maritalstatus significantly impactedacademic performance, procrastination, and social support. Furthermore, it wasrevealed that programme level influences academic performance.Employment status was found to influence procrastination tendencies. Lastly, students with lower procrastination and higher social support achieved better academic performance.This study underscored the need for ODL institutions to implement demographic-specific support programmes focusing on procrastination reduction, time management skills, and robust social support networks. These can help enhance academic performance and address the diverse challenges faced by ODL students.