INSTITUTIONAL FAILURE AND YOUTH RESTIVENESS IN NIGERIA: A CRITICAL APPRAISAL OF END SARS PROTEST

Abstract

This study examined the effects of institutional failure and youth restiveness on Nigeria's national development. It attempted to investigate the extent to which an accumulation of youth discontent with the performances of institutions in Nigeria fuelled and sustained a mass youth nationwide protest against the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Nigerian Police Force. (SARS). As analytical research, this study relied on secondary data and applied content analysis for inference. It adopted the Relative deprivation theory to examine how the general feeling of frustration in Nigeria can lead to youth restiveness. The major findings revealed that most institutions saddled with the responsibilities to protect citizens, provide services and address societal challenges in the country are either underperforming or compromised. The study goes on to recommend institutional reforms, accountability and service delivery control mechanisms to contain youth restiveness and promote national development