Background of the Study:
Human rights education has emerged as a critical tool in promoting societal values, individual freedoms, and collective responsibility, particularly within youth populations. Across the world, youth engagement is a powerful mechanism for fostering long-term democratic principles, such as active participation and respect for fundamental rights (Friedman, 2023). In Nigeria, a country with a burgeoning youthful population, it is crucial to assess how human rights education influences civic engagement among young people. Kano State, with its unique socio-cultural and religious dynamics, serves as an interesting case for exploring this impact. Kano Municipal, as the state's capital, is home to a diverse population, and it has been at the forefront of various development initiatives, including human rights advocacy and youth mobilization programs (Bala & Mustapha, 2024). However, the degree to which these efforts translate into meaningful civic engagement among the youth remains largely unexplored.
Human rights education aims to empower individuals with knowledge about their rights and responsibilities and encourages their active participation in community life (Olaniyi, 2025). This is crucial in a region like Kano, where traditional norms, economic challenges, and political instability often limit youth involvement in decision-making processes. Despite the growing interest in human rights education, its real-world implications for civic engagement in Kano remain unclear. This study seeks to fill this gap by examining whether human rights education has a tangible impact on the youth’s participation in civic activities, their awareness of political issues, and their advocacy for social justice. Understanding this dynamic is essential for tailoring future educational policies and community outreach programs designed to promote youth participation in civic and political spheres.
Statement of the Problem:
Although human rights education has been integrated into various educational curricula across Nigeria, the extent to which it influences the civic engagement of young people in Kano Municipal remains uncertain. There is a growing concern about the lack of active participation among youths in democratic processes such as voting, advocacy, and social activism. While some scholars argue that human rights education can foster positive social change (Adeyemi & Aliyu, 2023), its impact in Nigeria, particularly in Kano, is not well-documented. Existing studies have largely focused on general human rights awareness, neglecting the more specific outcomes of civic participation. The problem is further compounded by the fact that many youths in Kano are exposed to human rights education in formal school settings but may not have access to or opportunities for applying this knowledge in practical, civic contexts. Thus, there is a need to explore how human rights education affects the willingness and ability of youths to engage in civic matters, especially given the unique socio-cultural environment of Kano Municipal.
Objectives of the Study:
To assess the level of awareness among youths in Kano Municipal regarding their human rights.
To evaluate the influence of human rights education on youths' civic engagement in political and social activities in Kano Municipal.
To identify the barriers and challenges that youths in Kano Municipal face in translating human rights education into civic action.
Research Questions:
To what extent are youths in Kano Municipal aware of their human rights?
How does human rights education influence the level of civic engagement among youths in Kano Municipal?
What are the challenges youths in Kano Municipal face in translating human rights education into active civic participation?
Research Hypotheses:
There is a significant relationship between the level of human rights education and the awareness of youths about their rights in Kano Municipal.
Human rights education has a positive impact on the civic engagement of youths in Kano Municipal.
Socio-cultural and economic factors significantly influence the ability of youths in Kano Municipal to participate in civic activities following human rights education.
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study focuses on youths between the ages of 18 and 35 in Kano Municipal, Kano State. The research will be limited to assessing their knowledge of human rights education and their subsequent civic participation. It will not address other variables such as family influence or peer pressure, which may also play significant roles. The study's findings may not be generalized to other regions of Kano State or Nigeria due to the unique socio-political context of the Municipal area. Furthermore, the study may be limited by the availability of respondents and potential biases in self-reported data from the youth participants.
Definitions of Terms:
Human Rights Education: A process of learning about human rights principles, the mechanisms for their protection, and their application in everyday life.
Civic Engagement: Active participation in political, social, or community activities aimed at influencing public policies and societal norms.
Youth: Individuals between the ages of 18 and 35, typically considered at a stage of life where they are transitioning into adulthood.
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