Social studies as catalyst for ethnic integration for national development

Abstract

Social Studies has become a veritable tool not only for instruction but also for ethnic integrations for peaceful coexistence. The administration placed on Social Studies has designed it for the training of Nigerian children to become good citizens capable of contributing meaningful towards national development. National integration in an ethnically, religiously and culturally diverse society like Nigeria is very crucial for the existence of peace, security and stability which are essential for the socio-economic development and progress of the country. It is on this note that the fostering of National Integration among the various ethnic groups in Nigeria has been a major pre occupation of the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and social studies is seen an catalysts that can inculcate in the people from various ethnic groups the spirit of togetherness cooperation fairness, love, faithfulness, equity, justice and sense of belonging that can educate the citizenry on the imperativeness of nation integration and unity for national development. Social studies as one of the core subjects in primary and junior secondary school stresses those cultural values that will make society grow, co-exist and develop along the modern line through the study of different ethnic cultural values. The paper approaches national integration from the stand point of discussion how show studies can serve as catalyst to bring integration among the ethnic groups.