CHAPTER 1----INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
Civic Education constitutes an essential portion of adult education which provides the citizens the skills, attitude and knowledge to effectively participate in the democratic process of the nation. It enables them to understand their rights, carry out their responsibility and engage in the act of governance. It essentially educates the citizens on their role as free human beings to exercise their rights in the democratic process. The significance is to raise leaders and build a democratic society. (Branson, 1998). Some scholars, state that civic education provides an understanding of the political system, and enhances the individual to participate in government. It is the exposition of the citizens’ rights and obligations. It educates the individual on the political traditions of the nation and moral values (Janowitz 1983, 1994, quoted in Kanaev 2000). Therefore, understanding your right is fundamental to participating in democracy. The learning of civic education should therefore be made accessible to members of the adult society and not reserve as a class room exercise. (Ruitta, 2007). Civic education also offers education on the political rights of women, andvoter education programmes. It adopts a practical discussion group method where study members interact with local communities to solve issues the benefit the communities. These processes of sharing and learning are called “Mode 2” knowledge (Field 2005, 4). Consequently, civic education leads to the development of well informed and civilized citizens and a sustained democratic society. It is therefore imperative that, policymakers, members of civil societyand educators promote the ideals and acquisition of civic education in all segments of the society. This is because democracy and democratic societies are sustained by people with the right skill, knowledge and attitude acquired through Civic Education. The study seeks to appraise the role of civic education in curbing electoral malpractices in Nigeria.
1.2 STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
The twenty first century society is built and sustained by democracy and democratic institutions. Many nations are changing their system of government to a democratic society. Politicians are in search of innovative ideas to inject into the system. The world of information, IT and Communications Technology is taking over the conventional process of democratic process. The application of new technologies in the democratic process has been adopted by many nations of the world such as online political interaction/campaign, e-validation of voter’s card, electronic voting, e-registration of voters etc. However, many developing nations are yet to solve their socio-political and economic problems and their citizens reluctant to participate in the democratic processes including election, as a result of lack of civic education and unrefined perception. Also, lack of leadership qualities impedes and further discourages the people participation in government affairs. This circumstance can be corrected positively through civic education. Therefore, for the nation to progress democratically it is essential that the citizens possess the skills, attitude, values and leadership qualities to aid the successful development of the basic requirements and principles of a democratic political system, they should be able to understand and exercise their right, protect their interest, values and maintain the rule of law. They must be willing to participate in politics for the institution of government through adequate understanding and knowledge of civic Education. The problem confronting the study is to investigaterole of civic education in curbing electoral malpractices in Nigeria.
1.3 OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The main study objective is to investigate the role of civic education in curbing electoral malpractices in Nigeria, while the specific objectives of the study include;
i. To appraise the relevance and significance of civic education.
ii. To appraise the nature of electoral malpractices in Nigeria.
iii. To determine role of civic education in curbing electoral malpractices in Nigeria.
1.3 RESEARCH QUESTIONS
i. What is relevance and significance of civic education?
ii. What is the nature of electoral malpractices in Nigeria?
iii. What is the role of civic education in curbing electoral malpractices in Nigeria?
1.4 Research Hypothesis
Ho1: There is no significant relationship between electoral malpractices and civic education in Nigeria.
1.5 SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The study shall identify the underlying factors regarding the role of civic education in curbing electoral malpractices in Nigeria.
It shall also be useful to government policy makers.
1.6 SCOPE OF THE STUDY
The study focuses on the appraisal of the role of civic education in curbing electoral malpractices in Nigeria.
1.7 LIMITATION OF THE STUDY
The study was confronted with logistics constraints.
1.8 DEFINITION OF TERMS
CIVIC EDUCATION DEFINED
Civic Education constitutes an essential portion of adult education which provides the citizens the skills, attitude and knowledge to effectively participate in the democratic process of the nation. It enables them to understand their rights, carry out their responsibility and engage in the act of governance.
GOVERNANCE DEFINED
The administration of the country’s social and economic resources for development through the exercise of political power.
FEDERALISM DEFINED
Federalism is the form of government in which power is shared between two levels of government .The Federal system of government is a mixture of the central government with the regional governments.
CONFLICT DEFINED
Conflict is viewed as the state of disagreement or opposition between communities,nation, individuals, opinion, or needs
