THE ROLE OF SOCIAL STUDIES EDUCATION IN CURBING YOUTH INVOLVEMENT IN ELECTORAL VIOLENCE IN NIGERIA

An obvious evil that has trailed the democratization process in Nigeria is electoral violence. The pitiable part of the situation is massive involvement of the youths used as political thugs, bodyguards and assassins. This paper is essentially a survey on the factors responsible for the involvement of youths in electoral violence and a discussion on the role social studies education can play in curbing the ugly situation. The data collected was analyzed using descriptive statistics, frequency counts and is summarized in tables. Illiteracy was identified as the major monster, while social studies education unanimously believed to be a major aid to curb the menace. Recommendations are proffered to ensure the provision of qualitative social studies education that will inculcate democratic values, ideas and principles in youths for the sustenance of democracy in Nigeria.