SUSTAINABLE FUNDING STRATEGIES FOR SOCIAL STUDIES AND CIVIC EDUCATION: NAVIGATING CHALLENGES IN A RESOURCE-CONSTRAINED ECONOMY OF AFIJIO LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA

This study investigates the challenges and sustainable funding strategies for Social Studies and Civic Education in resource- constrained economies, with a focus on Afijio Local Government Area in Oyo State, Nigeria. The purpose of the study is to identify the difficulties faced in funding these educational disciplines, explore innovative funding strategies, and evaluate the roles of stakeholders in addressing these funding gaps. A total of 110 respondents, comprising teachers, education administrators, and stakeholders, were selected for the study. The research utilized a descriptive survey design and self- designed questionnaire to gather data. The collected data were analysed using simple percentages, means, and standard deviations to assess the perceptions of the respondents. The findings revealed high agreement levels above 80% on funding challenges, indicating widespread recognition of the problems and proposed solutions, with low standard deviations indicating minimal variability. Challenges such as inadequate government funding, lack of teaching resources, and insufficient teacher training. However, participants identified public-private partnerships, community involvement, and international funding as potential strategies to bridge the funding gaps. Furthermore, the study highlighted the need for greater collaboration among government agencies, the private sector, and international organizations to enhance the sustainability of Social Studies and Civic Education programs. Based on the findings, the study recommends increasing government funding for these educational programs, promoting public-private partnerships, and leveraging international donor support to improve the quality and accessibility of Social Studies and Civic Education in Afijio Local Government Area. These measures are crucial for fostering an informed and responsible citizenry in Nigeria’s resource-constrained educational context.