The Instrumentality of Social Studies Education as a Tool for Value Education in Nigeria

Abstract

Nigeria is a multi-ethnic nation with over 400 ethnic groups and cleavages exist independently of each other with differing socio-cultural patterns of life (Agbalajobi & Akinlabi). However, colonialism annulled the sovereignty and independence of these socio-political units by lumping them together into a state. The specter hunting the unity of the Nigerian people was largely caused by colonialism, these managers sowed the seed of rancor and disunity making it a problem for Nigerians to speak and act in unity on issues of national importance. They nurtured the emergence of fanatical ethnic consciousness, inter-ethnic competition resulting in prejudice, mistrust and suspicion which have characterized social relations in Nigeria. Ethnic contest has become a major feature of the Nigerian state as groups compete for power and resources to satisfy their parochial interest. This paper therefore, attempts at exploring the teaching of value education through Social Studies Education as an instrument for achieving national unity, peace and stability in Nigeria.