FUOYE Journal of Education Vol 2 No. 1 June, 2019

Abstract

This paper reported the outcome of a study on adult learners ' participation in political discussions through WhatsApp social media platform arising from the gap in literature. The case-study research design was adopted and anchored on Paulo Freire's Theory of Radical Conscientization and the OS-R-O-R model developed by Cho, Shah, McLeod, McLeod, Scholl, & Gotlieb, (2009). The study's population comprised 45 respondents who had completed post literacy classes organised by the Department of Adult Education, University of Ibadan and are being prepared for Junior WAEC by the Department. However, the sample comprised 28 respondents who met the inclusion criteria specified for participation in the study. Political Participation Dividends through WhatsApp Questionnaire (PPDQ) {r=89) was used to obtain data which were analysed through simple percentages Findings showed that the political critical consciousness level of the participants, measured from eight clearly identified dividends, was raised and lessons inherent from this were discussed. However, some unintended variables were recorded in the study. The study concluded that WhatsApp social media platform remains a veritable platform for sensitizing, conscientizing, and raising people's knowledge level of democratic political ideals. Based on the findings, the study recommended, among others, that the Independent National Electoral Commission (/NEC), the body responsible for the conduct of elections in Nigeria, needs to urgently and aggressively mount an enlightenment and sensitisation campaigns against vote buying. Similarly, the National Mass Education Commission, together with the State Agencies, must begin campaign on "War against Vote Buying" and incorporate it into their advocacy programmes.