An Assessment of the Role of Social Studies Education in Shaping Nigeria Foreign Policy: A Critical Analysis of Policy Formulation and Implementation (1999 -2022)

This study examined the role of Social Studies education in shaping Nigeria’s foreign policy, with particular emphasis on policy formulation and implementation between 1999 and 2022. Foreign policy decisions are not made in isolation; they are influenced by citizens’ political awareness, civic values, and understanding of global affairs, all of which are core outcomes of Social Studies education. Despite Nigeria’s active engagement in international relations, concerns persist regarding policy inconsistency, limited public participation, and weak alignment between national values and external actions. The study adopted a descriptive survey design, drawing data from educators, policy analysts, and civil servants. Structured questionnaires were used for data collection, while descriptive and inferential statistics guided analysis. Findings revealed that Social Studies education plays a significant role in promoting civic consciousness, national interest awareness, and global understanding, which indirectly influence foreign policy formulation and implementation. However, inadequate curriculum emphasis and weak policy–education linkage limit its impact. The study concludes that strengthening Social Studies education is essential for developing informed citizens capable of supporting coherent and people-centered foreign policy decisions in Nigeria.