CAUSES AND EFFECTS OF BULLYING AMONG FEMALE UNDERGRADUATES IN ADEKUNLE AJASIN UNIVERSITY, AKUNGBA-AKOKO (AAUA)

This study examined the causes, effects, and effective measures against bullying of female students of Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba-Akoko (AAUA). The study was prompted by the increasing cases of intimidation, harassment, and peer victimisation within Nigerian universities, which continue to undermine students’ wellbeing and academic performance. A quantitative survey research design was adopted, and a structured questionnaire was administered to 120 students drawn from five faculties within the university. Data collected were analysed using simple percentages and frequency distribution tables. The findings revealed that bullying of female students in AAUA is largely influenced by peer pressure, family background, environmental exposure to violence, and institutional weaknesses such as poor enforcement of rules and policy gaps. The effects of bullying were found to be severe, ranging from poor academic performance, loss of concentration, and social exclusion to emotional distress such as low self-esteem, anxiety, and depression. The study also showed that some female students adopt negative coping mechanisms, including joining aggressive peer groups for protection and retaliation or revenge, which further escalated to violence on campus. Respondents identified several effective measures against bullying, including the creation and enforcement of clear anti-bullying policies, strict disciplinary actions, consistent implementation of university regulations, counselling services for both victims and perpetrators, and regular awareness programmes to challenge the normalisation of bullying. The study concludes that bullying of female students in AAUA is a multifaceted problem shaped by social, familial, and institutional factors. It recommends that university management strengthen anti-bullying policies, enforce discipline consistently, and provide adequate counselling and sensitisation programmes. If effectively implemented, these measures will help reduce bullying, improve students’ academic performance, and promote a safe and conducive learning environment.