IMPACT OF CIVIC EDUCATION ON STUDENTS’ POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN ENUGU EDUCATION ZONE
Abstract
This study examined the impact of civic education on students’ political participation in secondary schools in Enugu Education Zone, Enugu State, Nigeria. Three research questions guided the inquiry. A mixed‑methods sequential explanatory design was adopted, with 384 SS2 students selected via multi‑stage sampling. Findings revealed a moderately positive impact of civic education on political knowledge, but a weaker effect on active political participation, particularly for female students and those in rural schools. The study concludes that curricular civic education alone is insufficient; co‑curricular political engagement activities are necessary. Recommendations include teacher retraining and establishment of student political clubs. Mandatory co‑curricular political activities: Every secondary school in Enugu Education Zone must organise at least two political engagement activities per term – e.g., mock elections, inter‑school debates on national issues, visits to the Enugu State House of Assembly, or inviting local government officials for Q&A sessions. The Ministry of Education should provide small grants for these activities, Teacher retraining on participatory methods: The Enugu State Universal Basic Education Board (ENSUBEB) and Post‑Primary Schools Management Board should organise annual in‑service training for all civic education teachers focusing on: (a) facilitating open classroom discussions, (b) integrating current political events into lessons, and (c) gender‑inclusive teaching strategies, Establishment of student political clubs: Each school should be required to register a Politics and Governance Club with a teacher advisor. Clubs should organise voter pre‑registration drives (for students aged 16+), view and discuss election debates, and write letters to representatives. The best club in the zone should receive an annual award.
Keywords: Civic education, political participation, secondary schools, Enugu Education Zone
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