THE EFFECT OF SOCIAL MEDIA ACTIVISM ON STUDENTS' RIGHT ADVOCACY IN OGUN STATE UNIVERSITIES.

ABSTRACT This study examined the effect of social media activism on students’ rights advocacy in universities across Ogun State Nigeria. The core objectives of the research were to review the documented cases of social media activism by students’ leadership in Nigeria universities, identify the linkages between social media activism and traditional students’ rights advocacy, highlights the challenges of online students’ activism to result on the interest of students’ right advocacy in Nigeria university, provide solutions to the identified problems of students’ rights advocacy in Nigeria’s’ higher institution. The study employed a descriptive survey design, using structured questionnaires as the primary instrument for data collection. A total of 200 copies of the questionnaire were distributed using stratified random sampling techniques, out of which 190 were successfully retrieved and analyzed. The study is anchored on three theories: network society theory, which highlights how digital technologies decentralize activism; public sphere theory, which sees social media as a space for civic dialogue; and resource mobilization theory, which emphasizes the strategic use of resources in advocacy. Together, these theories explain how students use social l media to amplify their voices, mobilize support, and influence policy. The findings revealed that social media platforms such as Twitter, Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram significantly contribute to students’ ability to advocate for their rights. These platforms enhance awareness, foster unity among students, and amplify demands for improved services and accountability within the university system. However, the study also identified several challenges, including fear of reprisal, misinformation, limited internet access, and lack of institutional recognition for online campaigns. The study concluded that while social media provides a powerful tool for student right advocacy, its effectiveness depends on its integration with traditional methods of engagement and the existence of supportive institutional frameworks. The research recommends that university administrations should embrace constructive social media engagement, provide digital literacy training for student leaders, and collaborate with civil society groups to ensure inclusive and impactful student advocacy.