The 12th National Conference of the Social Studies and Civic Educators Association of Nigeria (SOSCEAN) was recently held at the University of Abuja, with Prof. Danladi Abok Atu, Director of the APUDI Institute of Peace and Social Rehabilitation (APIS), delivering the keynote address. The conference theme was “Repositioning Social Studies and Civic Education for Sustainable National Development and Global Impact.”
In his address, Prof. Atu highlighted the significance of Population Education within Social Studies during the 1990s, driven by Nigeria’s demographic realities. He noted that the persistent societal challenges stem from the failure to adapt Social Studies education by incorporating social constructionist theory, which would enable meaningful contributions toward resolving these issues. He emphasized the need to engage and empower the youth to tackle unemployment, poverty, and other social vices through rehabilitation, allowing them to become productive members of society and contribute to national development. He stressed that this strategy extends beyond curricular concerns and must be addressed comprehensively.
Prof. Atu also urged participants to embrace modern techniques, particularly ICT and technology, to enhance knowledge dissemination. He pointed out that social media, a vital tool for social development, has not yet been fully utilized by Social Studies experts or integrated into Nigeria’s educational system.
Dafir Zughumnaan
Media Aide to
Prof Danladi Abok Atu
APIS (Nigeria).
