Social Studies Education and National Security Awareness Among Nigerian Youths: Challenges and Prospects
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61166/demagogi.v4i6.213Keywords:
Social Studies Education, National Security, Youths, Citizenship Education, National Integration, NigeriaAbstract
National security is an essential condition for the political stability, social development and economic progress of Nigeria (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999). However, contemporary security challenges, including terrorism, violent extremism, banditry, communal conflict, kidnapping, cybercrime, cultism, misinformation and youth-related violence, continue to affect communities and institutions across the country (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2019; United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization [UNESCO], 2023). Social Studies Education provides an important platform for developing responsible citizenship, national consciousness, social values, peaceful coexistence and awareness of civic responsibilities among young people (National Council for Curriculum and Assessment, 2012; UNESCO, 2015). This paper examines the contribution of Social Studies Education to national security awareness among Nigerian youths, with particular attention to citizenship education, national integration, conflict prevention, peace education, responsible use of social media and community participation. The paper adopts a qualitative documentary research design based on relevant scholarly literature, policy documents and institutional publications. It argues that Social Studies Education can contribute to national security by developing informed citizens who understand their responsibilities towards the state and society. However, inadequate instructional resources, overcrowded classrooms, insufficient teacher preparation, examination-oriented teaching, unemployment, political manipulation and the influence of harmful online content may limit its effectiveness (Federal Republic of Nigeria, 2013; World Bank, 2018). The paper recommends strengthening security-related civic content in Social Studies curricula, improving teacher training, promoting peace and digital literacy education, encouraging community-based learning and strengthening collaboration between schools, families, communities and relevant security institutions.
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