IMPACT OF POLITICAL ISSUES ON STUDENT ENGAGEMENT AND LEARNING IN TERTIARY INSTITUTION IN NIGERIA

The study examined impact of political issues on student engagement and learning in tertiary institution in Nigeria. The main purpose of the study is to investigate some of the issues and policies that tend to cause political unrest, academic and administrative breach in tertiary institution since in Nigeria. Three research questions were raised to guide the study. The study adopted descriptive survey research design. The population of the study comprised comprises students, teaching and non-teaching staffs of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko, Ondo State. Two hundred (200) respondents were randomly selected. Simple random sampling technique was use to select the participants in the study. Duly validated questionnaire was used to select the data collection. Data collections were analyzed through the use of descriptive statistics of frequency counts and simple percentage. The findings of the study revealed the factors that most of the respondents indicated fruitful outcomes is moderated by factors like stakeholders’ engagement, policy implementation, and institutional leadership. It also revealed some outcomes depends on the interaction between factors like academic freedom, research funding, and government support. Further findings revealed the extent to which respondents were of the view that the impact of detailed factors on fruitful outcomes is mediated by factors like curriculum reform, faculty development, and student engagement. This study recommends that students should understand that political activities in the campus are not for power tussle or a place to intimidate and embezzle money but a training grown for good leadership. Lastly, Policies that will ensure students participation in campus politics and make meaningful contribution to their academic achievement should be encouraged among others.