The theoretical rationale for the study is to determine a connection between role concept and political participation among students at Fourah Bay College, University of Sierra Leone.
In January 1977, students of the College protested against the Siaka Stevens regime. They were said to be expressing disappointment at the sagging economy and rumors that the President was complacent in ending political corruption in his government. This action led to the holding of general elections and the appointment of a new cabinet.
In a one-party state where the press and mass media are government-owned and controlled, the expression of public opinion can become thwarted. Students may therefore perceive their role as that of arbiters of public opinion and watchdogs of the people's interest. It would appear as if political participation is a means by which such responsibilities can be put into effect.
The case study method was utilized for this dissertation and was complemented by the administration of two empirical data instruments: A questionnaire specifically designed for the study and an adjective check list. A sample of 77 preliminary year students of the College responded to the survey.
The study indicated a strong probability of a connection between role concept and political participation among the students sampled. Group attitudes from the survey were identified with regard to politicians and the political process. The students indicated that their political activity was derived from their preceptions of the society as a whole and their understanding of social responsibility with regard to national development. Their "positive" description of themselves suggest that in terms of their role in society they perceived their political participation as a national obligation.
