STUDENT UNION POLITICS AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA; A CASE STUDY OF AJAYI CROWTHER UNIVERSITY STUDENT ASSEMBLY (ACUSA)

ABSTRACT This study investigates the role of the Ajayi Crowther University Student Assembly (ACUSA) in promoting youth political participation in Nigeria. It aims to assess the effectiveness of ACUSA in fostering political awareness and involvement among students, and to explore how engagement within student union politics may contribute to broader national political participation. Employing a quantitative research approach, the study used the Yamane formula to determine a sample size of 375 students, from which 205 valid questionnaire responses were received and analyzed. Findings show that while awareness of ACUSA is high among students, its perceived effectiveness in actively encouraging meaningful political participation and preparing students for national governance is relatively low. The influence of ACUSA on increasing students’ interest in Nigerian politics beyond the campus is also limited. Key challenges identified include student apathy (90.7% agreement), lack of trust in the student political process (77.0%), electoral malpractices within student elections (78.1%), and inadequate support from university authorities (66.3%). These factors significantly hinder ACUSA’s capacity to stimulate robust political participation among youths. The study recommends the implementation of structured political engagement programs, development of political literacy initiatives, formal recognition of student unions in political discourse, and increased support from both university management and government to empower student political structures.