Prospects and Challenges of Social Studies Teachers Professional Development in Nigeria

Introduction

Social Studies concepts were introduced into the educational systems in several countries to meet certain specific needs and aspirations of the people. In Britain for instance, Social Studies was introduced into the school curriculum after World War I and II, as a panacea for social problems (Edinyang &Ubi, 2013).While in America, Social Studies was introduced with the intent of social competency and citizenship education (Adeshina, 2010, 2013). Social Studies is referred to as multiple names in different countries, such as cultural studies, oriental studies, environmental education/studies, citizenship education or social science (Amos, 2014) This is due to the ways people perceive the concept, which is as a result of variations in countries objectives depending on the needs, aspirations and desires of the people (Bertrand, 2004).

Mezieobi (2008) elucidates that that the goal and emphasis differs from country to country and from one level of the educational system to the other. Education is a potent instrument that facilitates the attainment of national development goals through the production of responsible citizens that are contributing maximally to the growth of the society (Edinyang & Ubi, 2013; Edinyang, 2015). The school is considered by the Nigerian government as an instrument par excellence for effecting national development (National Policy on Education, 2004). The goals of the National Policy on Education (2004) amongst others include the development of the individual into a sound and effective citizen; and the full integration of the individual into the community. Social Studies is one of the subjects to achieve these lofty goals.

The basic education in Nigeria comprises 9 year program, comprising 6 years of primary education and 3 years of Junior Secondary School education. In Nigeria, Social Studies is taught at primary and secondary schools. Social Studies is taught as a core subject in primary and Junior Secondary School; while it is offered as a single –major and double major course in most colleges of education and tertiary institutions . The importance of to Social Studies is recognized by the Nigeria Policy on Education (1977, 1981, 2004) as a compulsory subject in the Junior Secondary School (JSS) and elective at the Senior Secondary School (SSS). The National Policy on Education (2004) underscores the importance of Social Studies Education as an effective platform for inculcating the norms of active citizenship.