...Inadequate civic education, pervasive corruption reasons youths have poor orientation towards politics, it adds
The declining rate of education in Nigeria appears to be hampering the next generation's ability to think critically, innovate and solve problems.
The development which is among the emerging issues in the country, is also stifling social mobility and perpetuating inequality thus impacting social cohesion, a report by the Kukah Centre, has said.
The report by the centre also noted that in Nigeria, youths have a poor orientation towards politics, democracy, and governance, largely due to inadequate civic education and the pervasive corruption they witnessed.
These came even as The Kukah Centre lamented that 64 years after independence, Nigeria was yet to emerge as a socially cohesive nation, with the capacity to manage diversity and promote inclusivity.
The report is a product of The Kukah Centre's thorough documentation of the engagements of the Macarthur Projects Team members with critical stakeholders in and outside of Lagos to kick-start conversations on the importance of social cohesion and common citizenship in Nigeria.
This came following the 2023 general elections in Lagos State which was observed to be marred by a plethora of issues such ethnic profiling of non-indigenes and the question of who qualifies as a Lagosian, hate-filled rhetoric that fueled fatal attacks by party thugs, animosity recrimination, despair, killing, and other elements of violence that were on public display.
The report which was unveiled at an event in Abuja, tagged: "Bridging the Divide: Strengthening Social Cohesion in Lagos State", noted that "social cohesion is a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach
The report came following engagement of the centre with multiple stakeholders through dialogue, advocacy, and collaboration with a view to providing a platform for stakeholders to convene and provide insights into dynamic issues
"In Nigeria, the declining rate of education appears to have hampered the next generation's ability to think critically, innovate and solve problems. It also stifles social mobility and perpetuates inequality thus impacting social cohesion. In Lagos, overcrowded classrooms, insufficient facilities, and unqualified teachers hinder students from receiving a quality education. This has led to a lack of understanding and appreciation for diverse perspectives, making it harder for people to engage in meaningful dialogue and cooperation, understand their rights and responsibilities, and more likely to hold onto stereotypes and prejudices. Quality education promoted tolerance and understanding, which are essential for social cohesion in diverse societies, "The Kukah Centre report said.
Commenting on the poor political culture of the youths, it said: "Nigerian youths have a poor orientation towards politics, democracy, and governance, largely due to inadequate civic education and the pervasive corruption they witness."
"This leads to cynicism, thus producing youths with a poor political culture who are more susceptible to manipulation by opportunistic leaders or extremist groups. This has resulted in the spread of misinformation, heightened tensions pre, during and after elections, and increased social instability.
During the last elections, Lagos witnessed the youths engaging in negative political rhetoric, divisive politics and partisan conflict, it deepened social divides and fostered animosity between different youth groups," it added.
Speaking at the event, the Executive Director of the Kukah Centre, Father Atta Barkindo, explained that the aim of the project was to enhance national integration and social cohesion in the entire country, starting from Lagos State.
According to him, fostering social cohesion was about striving for greater inclusiveness and more civic participation, creating opportunities for upward mobility and dissipating economic inequality, disparities, and factures.
The Centre advocated inclusive policies, community-building efforts and dialogue to ensure all members of the society feel recognized and fairly treate
The Project Manager of the Kukah Centre, Mrs Asabe Ndahi, speaking at the event that drew stakeholders from different areas of life, tasked leaders on accountability, rule of law, electoral reforms and promotion of national integration through education and culture.
According to her,a robust electoral process was important to forestall electoral fraud, manipulation and violence which often lead to social unrest and division.
She said:' 'By providing a peaceful and legitimate means of transferring power, a well-run electoral system reduces the likelihood of intimidation, harassment and conflict, thereby promoting stability. Integrating technology into elections, such as electronic voting systems and biometric verification can enhance efficiency and security by minizing human error and preventing fraud, including ballot stuffing and multiple voting".
Sign up for free AllAfrica Newsletters
Get the latest in African news delivered straight to your inbox
She said accountability was essential for strengthening social cohesion as it fosters trust, fairness and justice with society.
Mrs Ndahi said other recommendations include mentorship programmes, promoting doctrine of mutuality and reciprocity, promoting common citizenship and national identity and constitutional reforms.
She noted that social cohesion was a complex issue that requires a multi-faceted approach involving different stakeholders.
On his part, Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission Prof Mahmood Yakubu, speaking through his representative and National Commissioner, Prof Abdullahi Zuru, hailed The Kukah Centre for the project even as he assured that his organisation would study the recommendations to strengthen the nation's electoral system.
While calling for replication of the study in other states of the country ,the INEC boss his organisation was committed proposals that would advance its work.
