THE IMPACT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE EDUCATION ON POLITICAL AWARENESS OF UNIVERSITY STUDENTS IN ONDO STATE

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION

BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY

Universities are considered the most important educational institutions, which work on raising the student' level of awareness, so that universities have a significant role in the influence on generations in terms of forming the mentality and frame of scientific knowledge and education, which is consistent with the principles of the society. Thus, the university is an important tool to address the problems and imbalances that may be problematic in the community, and in order for the university to play its role, it should take into account the adequate philosophical, psychological and cognitive foundations. And when developing academic plans and courses , one should not ignore the importance of the social basis on the approach of developing courses as being influential on tutors , so that every society has its own peculiar habits, traditions and values as well as of the problems they are suffering. The educational system is therefore responsible for preparing the necessary cadres to work in all social institutions, and the more attention given to the educational preparation of educators, the better learners and members of the community appear. This means that the curriculum plays a major role in the preparation of generations in consistent with the philosophy of the community by helping learners to understand the nature of society and its institutions, and that is surely affected by the understanding of the nature of society in terms of philosophy, culture and ambition, therefore curricula vary from one society to another, and may also differ in the same society in different times. The degree of awareness of individuals in any community affects the development of the state. Man is both the means and purpose for development, the more the individual in the community is aware of his abilities and potentials, so that the more contribution is manifested in the field of development. Awareness has a regulatory framework that influences educational institutions as having a leading role in the development, aiming at the creation of national development on a scientific basis. (Moussawi, 1990) The study of political awareness is needed for any democratic political construction that respects human rights and fundamental liberties. Hence, the study of the impact of teaching principles of political science as affecting the degree of political awareness of university students, training them to be leaders of tomorrow, and this is an important prerequisite for the success of the development plans. (Mohammad, 1999) This study may be considered the lead in examining the impact of teaching political science course on the political awareness of an important segment of the Nigerian society, which is a university student.

STATEMENT OF THE GENERAL PROBLEM

The level of political awareness and participation among the Nigerian populace and most especially the Nigerian students has been unfortunately way too low as their perception of political events and the entire process have been nothing to write home about. The current political events in Nigeria has not encouraged participation either and most students view Nigerian politics as being very dirty and thus decided to stay away and this has negatively affected political and economic development in the country. Nigerian university students are the future of the country and thus their level of political awareness have to be improved inother to sustain political development in Nigeria.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY

The major aim of the study is to examine the impact of political science education on political awareness of university students in Nigeria. Other specific objectives of the study include;

1. To examine the need for improved political awareness among Nigerians.
2. To study the benefit of effective education on political awareness in Nigeria.
3. To assess the role of political awareness on improved political participation in Nigeria.
4. To examine the level of political awareness among Nigerian university students in Nigeria.
5. To recommend ways of improving political awareness through political awareness in Nigeria.

RESEARCH QUESTIONS

1. What is the impact of political science education on political awareness of university students in Nigeria?
2. What is the need for improved political awareness among Nigerians?
3. What is the benefit of effective education on political awareness in Nigeria?
4. What is the role of political awareness on improved political participation in Nigeria?
5. What is the level of political awareness among Nigerian university students in Nigeria?
6. What are the ways of improving political awareness through political awareness in Nigeria?

RESEARCH HYPOTHESIS

H0: There is no significant impact of political science education on political awareness of university students in ondo state.

H1: There is a significant impact of political science education on political awareness of university students in ondo state.

SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY

The study would be of immense importance to eards the development of politics and political participation in Nigeria as it would reveal the impact of political science education on political awareness among university students in Nigeria. the study would also be of importance to students,researchers and scholars who are interested in developing further studies on the subject matter.

SCOPE AND LIMITATION OF THE STUDY

Th study is restricted to the impact of political sciemce education on political awareness of university students in ondo state.

LIMITATION OF STUDY

Financial constraint- Insufficient fund tends to impede the efficiency of the researcher in sourcing for the relevant materials, literature or information and in the process of data collection (internet, questionnaire and interview).

Time constraint- The researcher will simultaneously engage in this study with other academic work. This consequently will cut down on the time devoted for the research work.