Christian Discipleship and Behavioural Change Among University Students in Maiduguri

This study examines the relationship between structured Christian discipleship programmes and measurable behavioural change among undergraduate students at the University of Maiduguri, North East Nigeria. The university context in North East Nigeria is characterised by post-conflict trauma, academic disruption, and heightened social vulnerability, making intentional discipleship a particularly urgent pastoral concern. A descriptive survey design is employed, with data collected from 220 student respondents affiliated with campus Christian fellowships including the Fellowship of Christian Students and the Catholic Students Association. Instruments include structured questionnaires measuring frequency of discipleship engagement and behavioural attitude scales covering academic integrity, sexual ethics, substance use, and community responsibility. Findings indicate that students who participate in at least two discipleship activities per week demonstrate significantly better scores on academic integrity, conflict avoidance, and personal responsibility compared to those who attend only Sunday services. Mentored discipleship relationships are identified as the single most transformative element of campus Christian formation. The study recommends that campus fellowships at the University of Maiduguri formalise mentorship structures, develop contextually appropriate discipleship materials that address post-conflict realities, and collaborate with university counselling services. Keywords: discipleship, behavioural change, university students, Maiduguri, Christian formation