Dating Among University Undergraduates Living with Disability in South-Western Nigeria

Authors

Usman A. Ojedokun, University of Ibadan, NigeriaFollow
Bukunmi I. Oluborode, University of Ibadan, NigeriaFollow
Lateef J. Adeyemo, University of Ibadan, NigeriaFollow

Abstract

In many university campuses in Nigeria, undergraduates living with disability are visible and functionally involved in academic, political, social, and religious activities. However, the social life of these students is hardly the focus of scholarly research. Therefore, this study explored dating behaviours among undergraduates of selected public universities in south-western Nigeria living with disability. The social disability model was employed as the conceptual framework. Data were elicited through in-depth interview and focus group discussion methods.  Findings showed that the choice of partners among undergraduates living with disability was guided by trust, communication, emotional safety, shared values, and acceptance of disability status without pity. Dating outcomes among undergraduates living with disability were generally mixed, with some fostering growth and companionship while others ended in heartbreak. University managements need to make their campuses more accessible and emotionally supportive for students living with disability.

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This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivative Works 4.0 International License.

Recommended Citation

Ojedokun, Usman A.; Oluborode, Bukunmi I.; and Adeyemo, Lateef J. (2026) "Dating Among University Undergraduates Living with Disability in South-Western Nigeria," The Journal of Social Encounters: Vol. 10: Iss. 1, 191-203.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.69755/2995-2212.1408
Available at: https://digitalcommons.csbsju.edu/social_encounters/vol10/iss1/17