THE ROLE OF CIVIC EDUCATION IN CURBING ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES IN NIGERIA

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study: Civic education is a vital component of adult education because it equips citizens with the skills, mindset, and information necessary to engage in the democratic process of the country in an effective manner. They are able to comprehend their rights, carry out their responsibilities, and participate in the process of government as a result of this. In essence, it imparts knowledge onto the populace about their function as free citizens in the democratic process so that they may exercise their rights. The relevance lies in the development of leaders and the construction of democratic societies. (Branson, 1998). According to the findings of a number of academics, civic education enables individuals to get an awareness of our political system and makes it easier for them to engage in government. It is the document that lays forth the rights and responsibilities of the citizens. It enlightens the person on the ethical principles that have been upheld throughout the nation's history (Janowitz 1983, 1994, quoted in Kanaev 2000). Participating in democratic processes requires first and foremost an awareness of the rights you possess. Therefore, civic education should not be something that is just done in the confines of a classroom but should be made available to members of society who have reached adulthood. (Ruitta, 2007). In addition to education on the political rights of women and voter education programs, civic education also covers the political rights of males. It uses a technique called practical discussion group, in which participants of the study engage with people of the local community to address problems that benefit the local community. "Mode 2" knowledge refers to the methods of knowledge transfer and acquisition described above (Field 2005, 4). As a consequence, civic education contributes to the development of citizens who are well informed and civilized, as well as to the maintenance of democratic societies. It is consequently vital that politicians, representatives of civil society, and educators promote the values of the attainment of civic education in all sectors of society. This is due to the fact that citizens who possess the appropriate skills, information, and attitude, all of which can be obtained via Civic Education, are what keep democracies and democratic society alive. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the efficacy of civic education in preventing fraudulent voting activities in Nigerian elections.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

Democracy and the institutions that support democracy are what build and maintain the society of the twenty first century. A democratic society is becoming the dominant form of governance in a growing number of countries. Politicians are on the lookout for fresh ideas that they might include into the system. The traditional procedures of the democratic process are being replaced by the world of information, information technology, and communications technology. Many countries throughout the globe have begun to incorporate new technologies into the democratic process, such as online political participation and campaigning, electronic voting, e-validation of voter's cards, and electronic voter registration, amongst other examples. On the other hand, a great number of developing countries have not yet resolved their sociopolitical and economic issues, and the citizens of those nations are hesitant to participate in democratic processes like elections due to a lack of civic education and a lack of refinement in their perceptions of democracy. In addition, a lack of leadership characteristics makes it difficult for citizens to participate in the business of their government, which further discourages them to do so. Through the use of civic education, a constructive correction to this predicament is possible. For this reason, for the nation to advance democratically, it is essential that the citizens possess the skills, attitude, values, and leadership qualities that will aid in the successful development of the fundamental requirements and principles of a democratic political system. Specifically, they should have the ability to comprehend and exercise their rights, protect their interests and values, and uphold the rule of law. They need to have a sufficient awareness and knowledge of civic education in order to be willing to engage in political activities on behalf of the institution of government. The challenge that this research faces is figuring out how to explore the function of civic education in preventing vote fraud 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;

1. To appraise the relevance and significance of civic education.

2. To appraise the nature of electoral malpractices in Nigeria.

3. To determine whether civic education play any significant role in curbing electoral malpractices in Nigeria.

1.4 Research Questions

The study will be guided by the following questions

1. What is relevance and significance of civic education?

2. What is the nature of electoral malpractices in Nigeria?

3. Does civic education play any significant role in curbing electoral malpractices 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. Therefore, this study will delimited to some selected secondary schools in Warri, Delta State.

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.