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An Assessment of the Role of Social Studies Education in Shaping Nigeria Foreign Policy: A Critical Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation (1999 -2022)
Subject area: Arts, Social Sciences and Humanities · Area of research: Social Science
DOI: https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716049
Abstract
This study examined the role of Social Studies education in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy, with particular emphasis on policy formulation and implementation between 1999 and 2022. Foreign policy decisions are not made in isolation; they are influenced by citizens’ political awareness, civic values, and understanding of global affairs, all of which are core outcomes of Social Studies education. Despite Nigeria’s active engagement in international relations, concerns persist regarding policy inconsistency, limited public participation, and weak alignment between national values and external actions. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, drawing data from educators, policy analysts, and civil servants. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection, while descriptive and inferential statistics guided analysis. Findings revealed that Social Studies education plays a significant role in promoting civic consciousness, national interest awareness, and global understanding, which indirectly influence foreign policy formulation and implementation. However, inadequate curriculum emphasis and weak policy–education linkage limit its impact. The study concludes that strengthening Social Studies education is essential for developing informed citizens capable of supporting coherent and people-centered foreign policy decisions in Nigeria.
Keywords
Social Studies Education, Foreign Policy, Policy Formulation, Policy Implementation, Civic Education, Nigeria
References
[1] Adebayo, A. O. (2023). Civic education and national interest consciousness in democratic Nigeria. Nigerian Journal of Social Studies Education, 7(2), 45–58.
[2] Adeyemi, T. A. (2024). Education–policy synergy and foreign policy implementation in Nigeria. Journal of Policy and Development Studies, 18(1), 112–126.
[3] Almond, G. A., and Verba, S. (1963). The civic culture: Political attitudes and democracy in five nations. Princeton University Press.
[4] Eze, C. U. (2025). Curriculum content and global citizenship education in Nigerian secondary schools. African Journal of Curriculum and Instruction, 9(1), 67–82.
[5] Mohammed, S. I. (2022). Social Studies education and global awareness among Nigerian youths. Journal of Citizenship and Civic Education, 6(2), 89–103.
[6] Okonkwo, N. C. (2024). Social Studies education and global engagement in Nigeria’s democratic context. International Journal of Social Science Education, 11(1), 54–69.
[7] Salami, K. A. (2022). Democratic accountability and public participation in Nigeria’s foreign policy. Nigerian Journal of Political Science, 15(3), 101–117.
[8] Yakubu, M. L. (2023). Foreign policy inconsistencies and democratic governance in Nigeria since 1999. Journal of International Relations and Strategic Studies, 10(2), 133–149.
How to cite this paper
@article{1716049,
author = {Ikpe Jaka, Samuel Saidu, Akyara Emmanuel Sambo},
title = {An Assessment of the Role of Social Studies Education in Shaping Nigeria Foreign Policy: A Critical Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation (1999 -2022)},
journal = {Iconic Research And Engineering Journals},
year = {2026},
volume = {9},
number = {10},
pages = {547-551},
issn = {2456-8880},
url = {https://www.irejournals.com/formatedpaper/1716049.pdf},
abstract = {This study examined the role of Social Studies education in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy, with particular emphasis on policy formulation and implementation between 1999 and 2022. Foreign policy decisions are not made in isolation; they are influenced by citizens’ political awareness, civic values, and understanding of global affairs, all of which are core outcomes of Social Studies education. Despite Nigeria’s active engagement in international relations, concerns persist regarding policy inconsistency, limited public participation, and weak alignment between national values and external actions. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, drawing data from educators, policy analysts, and civil servants. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection, while descriptive and inferential statistics guided analysis. Findings revealed that Social Studies education plays a significant role in promoting civic consciousness, national interest awareness, and global understanding, which indirectly influence foreign policy formulation and implementation. However, inadequate curriculum emphasis and weak policy–education linkage limit its impact. The study concludes that strengthening Social Studies education is essential for developing informed citizens capable of supporting coherent and people-centered foreign policy decisions in Nigeria.},
keywords = {Social Studies Education, Foreign Policy, Policy Formulation, Policy Implementation, Civic Education, Nigeria},
month = {April},
doi = {https://doi.org/10.64388/IREV9I10-1716049}
}