When Nigeria Speaks: The Divergent Paths of #BringBackOurGirls and #EndSARS

This thesis explores the divergent trajectories of two major Nigerian social movements, #BringBackOurGirls and #EndSARS, which relied heavily on digital platforms but experienced differing international reach and domestic engagement levels. This research investigates how resource mobilization, framing, and political opportunity interact to shape movement outcomes through a comparative case study approach and thematic analysis of secondary sources. The analysis reveals that while both movements leveraged digital tools to amplify their causes, they succeeded in different arenas. #BringBackOurGirls gained widespread international attention through elite endorsements and emotionally powerful messaging, whereas #EndSARS formed deep grassroots participation through youth-led organizing. These contrasting trajectories reflect how each movement strategized its framing, mobilized resources, and navigated political opportunities. By synthesizing multiple social movement theories and applying them to a non-Western context, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of contemporary activism. It highlights the value of multi-framework analysis in capturing the dynamics of activism in Nigeria.