Combatting the Menace of Youth Restiveness in Nigeria Through Citizenship Education

Mohammed Umar Mustapha

doi:10.7176/jep/10-8-01

Abstract

Peaceful coexistence, tolerance, perseverance and security are looking more elusive in Nigeria today due to the activities of the youth. The rate of involvement of youth in violent crimes is giving the government and every patriotic Nigerians serious concern. The common maxim that the youth are the leaders of tomorrow seems more elusive than real. The youth are at the centre of all the violent crimes in Nigeria. The writer identifies poor family upbringing, bad governance and unemployment are the major causes of restiveness in Nigeria. The paper examines citizenship education as a veritable means of curbing the menace and recommend job creation, proactive value re-orientation and public enlightenment as a way out of the wood. Keywords: Youth; Youth Restiveness; Citizen; Citizenship Education DOI : 10.7176/JEP/10-8-01 Publication date :March 31 st 2019

Highlights

Youth are commonly considered as the trustees of society they are presented as having a critical stake in the survival of any society
Youth Restiveness in Nigeria To put the Nigerian society in the right perspective in respect of the values, it is pertinent to highlight some of the qualities, attitudes and virtues which citizens of a country are expected to exhibit if the nation as well as citizens within it are to survive and progress
The National Policy on Education (2004) outlines some of the virtues to be derived by entrenching citizenship education in schools namely; a display of shared responsibility for the common good of society cherishing a sense of respect and tolerance for others by individuals; and a cultivation of social attitudes, trustworthiness, diligence and obedience

Summary

Introduction

Youth are commonly considered as the trustees of society they are presented as having a critical stake in the survival of any society. Mokwuonye (1991) defined Citizenship Education as a conscious process of inculcating certain values, habits, skills and attitudes, which the society considers desirable and essential for its survival as a unit and for its development. Citizenship Education will develop in individual attitudes, values and skills that will enable them to participate actively in society.

Results

Conclusion