Prof. Abdulraheem Yusuf of the Department of Social Science Education, University of Ilorin (Unilorin), has called on the Federal to reintroduce the teaching of Social Studies in Nigerian schools.
The professor of education made the appeal on Thursday in Ilorin during a paper presentation.
He said that the subject, which was replaced with Civic Studies, if reintroduced in the nation’s education curriculum would produce better leaders and citizens.
Yusuf made the submission at the 223rd Inaugural Lecture of the Unilorin, entitled: “Socialising or Civilising the Citizens: The Quandary of a Failing Nation”.
He recommended that the subject should be taught at all levels of education for Nigeria to grow into a vibrant country.
Yusuf explained that the teaching of Social Studies would instill patriotism and the right social norms among the citizenry.
He also observed that the subject would instill discipline in the leaders especially the elected representatives at all levels.
“The teaching of Social Studies will effectively produce politicians who will become ‘honourable’ rather than horrible,” he said.
The don, who teaches in the university’s Faculty of Education, explained that Social Studies is a subject that examined humans and their environment as a whole which starts with the system of self and expands to the study of the universe.
“Social Studies is the only subject taught in schools that covers national values; leadership, followership, unity, equity, conscience, honesty and integrity.
“These are effective tools for national development and also serve as powerful inspiration for Nigerians to support the nation’s unity, consciousness, peace, love and respect for one another,” Yusuf added.
The educationist postulated that carefully chosen social issues, such as drug trafficking, insecurity, poverty, unemployment and Human Immuno Virus/Acquired Immune Deficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS) were addressed in the subjects under social studies.
“Additionally, there will be those who are interested to enter politics for the sake of helping their nation rather than to gain wealth or power.
“Nigeria must socialise to battle social vices and other criminal tendencies because socialising comes before civilising.
“This is why every student needs to be aware of and comprehend his environment as well as to control or influence them,” he said.
(NAN)
