Undergraduate Social Studies Students' Perceptions of the Challenges and Opportunities of Integrating Indigenous Governance Systems into Nigeria's Democratic Practices for Improved Governance

Abstract

This study examined undergraduate social studies students' perceptions of the challenges and opportunities of integrating indigenous governance systems into Nigeria's democratic practices for improved governance. The study was guided by three objectives and three corresponding research questions were answered. The study tested two null hypotheses. A survey research design, specifically a cross-sectional survey, was adopted to facilitate the collection of first-hand data from undergraduate Social Studies students at the University of Jos. The study population comprised 416 students across four levels, from which a sample of 100 was selected using a simple random sampling technique to ensure fairness and representativeness. Data were collected through a structured questionnaire titled Students' Questionnaire which was subjected to content validity by experts. The reliability was established at 0.79. The data collected were analysed using descriptive and inferential statics of mean and standard deviation for answering research questions and t-test was used to test hypothesis one and hypothesis two was tested using PPMC through SPSS. The analysis revealed among other things that that, Nigeria’s current democratic system faces significant challenges in addressing socio-economic problems. It also revealed that, traditional governance structures hold significant value in maintaining order, promoting cultural identity, and fostering community-based problem-solving mechanisms among others. The study concluded that a hybrid governance approach, incorporating the strengths of indigenous governance within the democratic framework, could enhance governance effectiveness and foster socio-economic development. The study recommended among other things that, Institutional reforms should be implemented to strengthen democratic structures, ensuring transparency, effective policy implementation, and stronger institutions that can address socio-economic challenges more efficiently. And that civic education programmes should be expanded to promote awareness of indigenous governance systems and their potential contributions to democratic governance, fostering a more inclusive and participatory political culture among others.