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Social Studies Education as A Tool for Community Resilience: Tackling The Spread of Banditry and Kidnapping in Nigeria
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Social Studies Education
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I6-1712809
Abstract
The escalation of banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria has created a climate of national anxiety, disrupted socio-economic stability, and damaged community cohesion. As policymakers struggle to manage the rapidly evolving security landscape, scholars increasingly argue that effective social reconstruction must begin in the classroom. Social Studies education long viewed as a discipline for citizenship, civic values, and nation-building offers a strategic pathway for strengthening community resilience and reducing criminal motivations. This article explores how Social Studies curriculum reform, value-based learning, civic competence, community engagement, and peace education can serve as preventative tools against violent crime. Using empirical and theoretical literature, the paper examines the socio-economic and historical origins of banditry and kidnapping, analyzes the gaps in Nigeria?s existing educational framework, and proposes a Social Studies?driven model for strengthening civic responsibility, community vigilance, ethical values, conflict mediation, and early-warning systems. The study concludes that a restructured Social Studies programme can help restore social trust, empower youths, counter radicalization, and support long-term national stability.
Keywords
Social Studies, Community Resilience, Banditry, Kidnapping, Nigeria, Curriculum Reform
How to cite this paper
@article{1712809,
author = {Dr. Akhogbai Emmanuel Monday Ph.D},
title = {Social Studies Education as A Tool for Community Resilience: Tackling The Spread of Banditry and Kidnapping in Nigeria},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2025},
volume = {9},
number = {6},
pages = {1113-1117},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1712809.pdf},
abstract = {The escalation of banditry and kidnapping in Nigeria has created a climate of national anxiety, disrupted socio-economic stability, and damaged community cohesion. As policymakers struggle to manage the rapidly evolving security landscape, scholars increasingly argue that effective social reconstruction must begin in the classroom. Social Studies education long viewed as a discipline for citizenship, civic values, and nation-building offers a strategic pathway for strengthening community resilience and reducing criminal motivations. This article explores how Social Studies curriculum reform, value-based learning, civic competence, community engagement, and peace education can serve as preventative tools against violent crime. Using empirical and theoretical literature, the paper examines the socio-economic and historical origins of banditry and kidnapping, analyzes the gaps in Nigeria?s existing educational framework, and proposes a Social Studies?driven model for strengthening civic responsibility, community vigilance, ethical values, conflict mediation, and early-warning systems. The study concludes that a restructured Social Studies programme can help restore social trust, empower youths, counter radicalization, and support long-term national stability.},
keywords = {Social Studies, Community Resilience, Banditry, Kidnapping, Nigeria, Curriculum Reform},
month = {December},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I6-1712809}
}