REFOCUSING SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION IN NIGERIA FOR EFFECTIVE NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Abstract

This paper revealed social studies as a subject of relevance which assist learners to acquire basic knowledge, skills and positive attitudes needed to be responsible citizens and capable of contributing effectively to the society. Having known the capacity of Social Studies education towards the development of good citizens, the paper therefore examines Social Studies as a concept of needs, its objectives in citizenship development and the analysis of the objectives of Social Studies. The paper also considered social studies education as a sure way for national development and how Social Studies education should be refocused for effective national development. It also identified the roles of social studies education towards realizing national development; the manner and approach of refocusing social studies education for national development in Nigeria. This paper therefore concluded that the quest for national development should begin with having responsible citizens who are capable of contributing to the growth of the society and the paper also recommended that Social Studies education should be strengthen by repositioning of curriculum contents, method of teaching and training of teachers to provide the students with basic knowledge and ways of thinking that will prepare them to participate in civic and community life as active and informed citizens. These attributes will proffer national development in Nigeria.