Scholars in Social Studies and Civic education from institutions of higher learning across Nigeria have risen from the 12th annual Conference of Social Studies and Civic Educators of Nigeria, SOSCEAN, in Abuja with a call on them to always motivate and live exemplary lives to impress on their students to help their country by being good citizens so that Nigeria’s bad name in the diaspora will be revised.
This formed part of the highlights of the three-day Conference held at the Faculty of Education, Lecture Theatre, University of Abuja.
Chairman of the occasion, Prof Abok Atu Danladi, (Director General, Apudi Institute for Peace Studies and Social rehabilitation, Federal Capital Territory) delivered the opening remarks where he applauded the conference organizers, and call on the students to help their country by being good citizens so that Nigeria’s bad name in the diaspora will be revised.
In his address of welcome, the Dean of the Faculty of Education, Associate Prof . M. S. Dada, represented by the Head of Department of Educational Foundations, Prof. H. A. Apeh, expressed the need to have patriotic citizens in the country, which comes through the teaching of Social Studies and Civic Education.
He further enjoined the Social Studies and Civic Educators to be insightful and carry their students along.
The Acting Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Prof. Aisha Sani Maikudi, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration Prof Philip Afaha, urges the participants to endeavour to show good attitudes in their dealings with their students, so that they can imbibe the virtue of patriotism.
He advocated that Social Studies and Civic Education should be taught as General Studies to all the students in higher institutions to instil values of patriotism among students.
Prof Afaha expressed his dismay over the way many Nigerians do not take the national symbols of their country with serious concern and respect.
He gave example of the way some politicians decorates Nigerian flag with other colours that do not represent the actual symbol, some put golden colours around the flags which does not represent Nigeria.
Prof Afaha laments the intolerable nickname Naija which was even written on Nigerian players’ Jersey and was viewed worldwide.
He relates this attitude with lack of patriotism and nationalism towards Nigeria.
The outgoing national president of SOSCEAN, Prof. K. A. Mezieobi, from Ignatius Ajuru University of education, who was unavoidably absent, represented by the national secretary Prof J. C. Onuoha laments the attitude of our leaders towards corruption, insatiability and lack of focus and direction in governance.
The lead paper presenter, Prof. H. I. Bayero, Dean Faculties of education, Ahamadu Bello University, Zaria titled “Repositioning Social Studies and Civic Education for sustainable Development and Global Impact,” pointed out the challenges facing Social Studies and Civic education in Nigeria such as: Curriculum gaps, Lack of resources, and
Outdated teaching methods.
In the paper, the lead presenter suggested the repositioning strategy for Social Studies and Civic education which shall include among others: Curriculum reform and integration Enhancing resource availability; Adopting modern teaching methods; as well as Enhance civic responsibility and engagement.
The Communique Committee of the Conference was chaired by Dr Habibu Hayatu Babajo with Mr Abdulgafar Tijjani as Secretary. Members of the Committee included: Mrs Bishara Anita, Dr Joshua O. Oyesikun; Dr Felicia Awah and Dr Martins Omole.
Earlier, the outgoing National Executive of SOSCEAN had paid a courtesy visit on the Acting Vice Chancellor who was unavoidably absent, however, Professor Philip Afaha represented the Acting Vice Chancellor.
He appreciated the efforts of the Executives for organizing the conference which he emphasised that the theme of the conference is desirable and timely.
