ENDSARS PROTEST AND POLITICAL PARTICIPATION OF YOUTHS IN DEMOCRACY IN OYO STATE(2015-2023)

This study examines the impact of the EndSARS protest on youth political participation in Oyo State, Nigeria, between 2015 and 2023. The research focuses on how the movement influenced political engagement, particularly among young people aged 18–35. A sample of 182 students was drawn from a population of 730 undergraduates at Ajayi Crowther University using a proportional sampling technique. A descriptive survey design was adopted, and data were collected using a structured questionnaire. The analysis was conducted using SPSS software, with descriptive statistics, chi-square tests, and linear regression applied to evaluate relationships and predictive strength among variables. Findings show that the EndSARS movement significantly increased political awareness, voter registration, and civic engagement among youths. Chi-square analysis revealed a strong association between youth participation and perceptions of government accountability (χ² = 28.45, p < 0.05). Regression analysis identified Protest Participation (B = 0.510), EndSARS Awareness (B = 0.420), Protest Effectiveness (B = 0.380), and Digital Activism Belief (B = 0.330) as key predictors of political involvement. However, barriers such as financial hardship, fear of government repression, and exclusion from formal political structures hinder sustained participation. The study concludes that while EndSARS ignited youth political consciousness, long-term engagement requires institutional reforms. It recommends that the government and civil society promote youth inclusion through political education, digital access, and policy initiatives that bridge economic and structural gaps in governance. Keywords: EndSARS, Youth Activism, Political Participation, Digital Activism, Democracy.