Political Socialisation and Engagement Patterns among Academically Gifted Students in Federal University of Education, Pankshin 58 20

Abstract

This study investigated political socialisation and engagement patterns of academically gifted students at the Federal University of Education, Pankshin. Employing a case study design, the sample comprised 200 undergraduates (68 gifted, 132 non-gifted). The Political Socialisation and Engagement Questionnaire (α = 0.75) was used for data collection, guided by three research questions. Descriptive statistics, independent t-tests, and multiple regression were employed for data analysis. Findings revealed that social media, student union activities, and lecturers were the most influential socialisation agents among gifted students. Gifted students demonstrated significantly higher political interest (t = 7.45, p < 0.001, d = 0.98), political knowledge (t = 8.12, p < 0.001, d = 1.05), and internal efficacy (t = 7.80, p < 0.001, d = 0.96). They also showed significantly higher participation across conventional (t = 2.68, p = 0.008, d = 0.38), unconventional (t = 6.45, p < 0.001, d = 0.82), civic (t = 5.40, p < 0.001, d = 0.72), and cognitive (t = 7.52, p < 0.001, d = 1.02) domains compared to non-gifted peers. Perceived university support (β = 0.33, p < 0.001) was the strongest predictor of engagement, followed by sense of responsibility (β = 0.30, p < 0.001), political knowledge (β = 0.26, p = 0.001), and internal efficacy (β = 0.22, p = 0.001). The regression model explained 48% of the variance (Adjusted R² = 0.48, F(9, 58) = 6.67, p < 0.001). Findings confirm that gifted students possess heightened civic awareness and participatory tendencies. Recommendations include strengthening institutional support structures and integrating political education into gifted programmes.