STUDENTS UNION POLITICS AND ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE OF THE ELECTED STUDENTS IN ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY, AKUNGBA AKOKO

This study examined the relationship between student union politics and the academic performance of elected student leaders at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. The objectives were to assess the effects of student union political activities on academic performance, identify the challenges student leaders face in balancing political duties with academics, examine the time management strategies adopted, and analyze the perceptions of student leaders regarding their political involvement. The study employed a descriptive survey design, and data were collected through a structured questionnaire administered to 222 respondents selected using stratified random sampling. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Pearson Product Moment Correlation (PPMC) to test the hypotheses and measure the strength of relationships between variables. Reliability and validity tests were also carried out to ensure accuracy of results. The results revealed a strong, statistically significant relationship between involvement in student union politics and academic performance (r = 0.725, n = 222, p = 0.000), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis. Descriptive findings further showed that many student leaders experienced reduced study hours, stress, and missed lectures due to political engagements. However, a considerable number also reported improvements in organizational skills, confidence, class participation, and leadership readiness. These outcomes indicate that student union politics, though academically demanding, can also be a platform for acquiring transferable skills. The study concludes that while student union politics poses academic challenges, it also contributes positively to personal development. It recommends that student leaders adopt effective time management practices, and that the university provide academic support mechanisms such as counseling, mentoring, flexible deadlines, and leadership training to help student leaders balance politics with their academic responsibilities. The findings imply that universities should view student politics not merely as a distraction, but as a training ground for future leaders, and should therefore design policies that maximize its benefits while reducing its negative effects.