The Role of Youths on Protests. A Case Study of Nigerian 2024 Protests Over the End of Bad Governance in Kano State
CHAPTER ONE
Objective of the Study
The primary purpose of this study is to examine the role of youths in the 2024 protests against bad governance in Kano State, Nigeria. Specifically, this study aims to:
- Investigate the factors that motivated youth participation in the 2024 protests.
- Analyze the strategies employed by the youth to mobilize and sustain the protests.
- Assess the impact of the youth-led protests on governance and policy reforms in Kano State.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
Conceptual Review
Youth and Political Participation
Youth political participation refers to the active engagement of young people in political processes, whether through voting, activism, or direct involvement in political institutions. In many parts of the world, including Nigeria, the youth demographic plays a pivotal role in shaping the political landscape due to their numbers and their engagement with modern communication tools such as social media. Youth participation is crucial for the renewal of political systems and the advancement of democratic principles (Adebayo, 2019). However, despite their significance, Nigerian youth often face challenges in accessing formal political spaces, which limits their potential to influence governance meaningfully.
Historically, young people have been at the forefront of social and political movements, both globally and in Nigeria. Movements such as the 2020 End SARS protests demonstrated how effectively Nigerian youth could organize and mobilize to challenge governance failures and demand reforms (Ojo, 2020). These youth-led movements often stem from frustration with the status quo, where systemic corruption, poor service delivery, and a lack of accountability dominate. The increasing disenfranchisement of youth in Nigeria has fueled their participation in protests as a form of political engagement, particularly when formal political channels are perceived as unresponsive to their needs.
In addition to protests, youth political participation also encompasses involvement in voting and running for political office. While there has been some progress with initiatives such as the “Not Too Young To Run” law, which reduced the age barrier for political candidates, significant obstacles remain. Issues such as financial constraints, political party structures dominated by older elites, and a lack of political mentorship have hindered more extensive youth involvement in formal political processes (Onuoha, 2019). The need for comprehensive reforms to create more inclusive political spaces for youth is thus a critical concern for governance in Nigeria.
The role of youth in governance extends beyond protests and voting to include their influence in shaping political discourse through digital platforms. Social media has emerged as a powerful tool that allows young people to bypass traditional media gatekeepers and speak directly to a wide audience, both locally and internationally. This has amplified their voices in governance discussions and created new avenues for political participation (Aina, 2020). The increasing digital literacy among Nigerian youth has made online platforms central to their political engagement, where they can critique government policies, advocate for change, and build networks of solidarity across the country.
CHAPTER THREE
METHODOLOGY
Research Design
This study adopted a quantitative survey research design. Quantitative research is defined as a systematic investigation involving the collection and analysis of numerical data to understand patterns and phenomena (Saunders, Lewis & Thornhill, 2019). The survey design was chosen because it allows for the collection of standardized data from a large population, enabling the researcher to generalize findings. Furthermore, it facilitates the measurement of variables and the testing of hypotheses in a structured way, aligning with the study’s objective to assess the role of youth in protests and its impact on governance in Kano State. The survey method was justified as it enables the researcher to gather data that reflects public opinions and experiences regarding youth participation in protests (Creswell & Creswell, 2018).
Population of the Study
The target population for this study comprised 1,200 respondents, including youths aged 18-35 from Kano State. This population was justified as it reflects the demographic most actively involved in the 2024 protests. Youth are significant in the context of political protests, as they often represent the most dynamic and aggrieved segment of the population, particularly in northern Nigeria, where socio-economic challenges are acute (Bernard & Ryan, 2019). This population size allowed for an adequate sample from which data could be drawn to provide meaningful insights into the study objectives.
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS AND DISCUSSION
Data Presentation
Table shows the distribution of questionnaires, where 109 out of the 120 distributed were returned and fully completed, representing 90.8% of the total. This high return rate indicates a strong level of participation and engagement, which enhances the reliability of the data collected. The remaining 11 questionnaires, accounting for 9.2%, were either not returned or incomplete. While a non-response rate of 9.2% is acceptable in survey research, the 90.8% valid return rate is robust enough to provide confidence in the representativeness of the sample.
This high response rate strengthens the study’s findings, as the data is drawn from a large portion of the intended respondents, reducing the likelihood of non-response bias. Furthermore, with a cumulative percentage of 100%, it is evident that all 120 questionnaires were properly accounted for, reinforcing the thoroughness of the data collection process
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Summary of Findings
The summary of findings encapsulates the key results and insights derived from the study on youth participation in the 2024 protests against bad governance in Kano State. The research aimed to explore the factors motivating youth involvement, the strategies employed to sustain protests, and the perceived impact on governance.
The analysis revealed that a significant majority of respondents, approximately 90.8%, successfully returned completed questionnaires, indicating robust engagement and interest in the subject matter. Among the respondents, 84.4% identified as male, while 15.6% were female, suggesting a notable gender disparity in participation. In terms of age, the majority (71.6%) fell within the 25-34 years category, highlighting that younger adults were the primary participants in the protests. This demographic representation underscores the crucial role of young adults in driving social change.
Regarding educational attainment, 36.7% of respondents held a bachelor’s degree, and 25.7% had completed secondary education (SSCE). This educational background implies that the protesting youth are relatively educated and likely possess the awareness and critical thinking skills necessary to engage in political discourse. Furthermore, the data indicated that 48.6% of respondents felt that economic challenges such as unemployment and poverty were primary motivators for their participation, corroborating existing literature on how socio-economic factors can incite political action.
The findings also highlighted that dissatisfaction with government transparency was a significant factor, with over 78.9% of participants agreeing that it motivated their involvement. This sentiment reflects a broader disillusionment with political leadership, emphasizing the need for more accountable governance.
Recommendations
The following recommendations were proposed:
- Enhancing Youth Engagement in Governance:Government institutions need to establish platforms that facilitate direct engagement between youth and policymakers. This can include town hall meetings, forums, and online platforms where young people can voice their concerns, propose solutions, and participate in decision-making processes.
- Addressing Socio-Economic Challenges: Policymakers should prioritize addressing the socio-economic issues that motivate youth participation in protests, such as unemployment and poverty. Implementing youth-focused employment programs, vocational training and entrepreneurship initiatives can empower young people and reduce grievances against the government.
- Promoting Education and Healthcare Access:The government should invest in improving access to quality education and healthcare services for youth. Educational reforms that enhance curriculum relevance, coupled with programs that ensure affordable healthcare, can significantly improve the quality of life for young people and reduce the likelihood of discontent.
Suggestions for Further Studies
Future research on youth participation in protests should consider expanding the geographical scope beyond Kano State to include other regions in Nigeria and West Africa. By comparing the motivations and strategies of youth in diverse socio-political contexts, researchers can uncover broader trends and patterns in youth activism. This comparative approach would allow for a more comprehensive understanding of how local cultural, economic, and political factors influence youth engagement in protests. Additionally, exploring differences in protest dynamics between urban and rural areas could yield valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities faced by young activists in varying environments.
Another avenue for further studies is to investigate the long-term impacts of youth-led protests on policy changes and governance reforms. While this study highlights the immediate effects of the 2024 protests in Kano State, a longitudinal approach could provide a clearer picture of how these movements influence political behaviour and public policy over time. Researchers could conduct follow-up studies to assess whether the demands of the youth were addressed and how these engagements shaped the political landscape in subsequent years. This could involve qualitative interviews with key stakeholders, including policymakers, activists, and civil society organizations, to gather insights on the perceived effectiveness of youth protests.
Finally, future research should examine the role of education in shaping youth political engagement and protest participation. Investigating how educational institutions contribute to or hinder youth activism can shed light on the broader socialization processes that influence political behaviour. Studies could focus on the curriculum, extracurricular activities, and civic education programs that encourage critical thinking and political awareness among students. By understanding the relationship between education and activism, researchers can identify strategies to foster a more politically engaged youth population, ultimately contributing to a more vibrant and responsive democratic society.
References
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- Afolaranmi, A. O. (2022). Use of social media for sustainable peace by church pastors of the Nigerian Baptist Convention, 2010-2020. Munich: GRIN Verlag. https://www.grin.com/document/1352250.
- Afolaranmi, A. O. (2023a). The nexus between the Federal Government of Nigeria, social media and peaceful coexistence: A critical review. Journal of Emerging Technologies, 3(1), 13-22. https://doi.org/10.57040/jet.v3i1.430.
- Afolaranmi, A. O. (2023b). Effects of social media on the peaceful coexistence of African people: A critical review. In J. E. Chukwuere, D. Adom, & J. J. Dyikuk (Eds.), Disruptive social media: Towards a resilient social media ecosystem in Africa (pp. 93-107). Mahikeng: Jozac Publishers. https://academic.jozacpublishers.com/index.php/books/catalog/view/6/34/54
- Afolaranmi, A. O., & Amodu, A. A. (2022). Peaceful coexistence, social media, and the Nigerian Baptist pastors: Challenges and possible ways out. EPRA International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research (IJMR), 8(6). https://doi.org/10.36713/epra10521
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