An investigation of informal education’s impact on secondary school students' knowledge of local government functions in Babura Local Government Area, Jigawa State
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Background of the Study
Understanding the functions of local government is essential for fostering civic engagement and informed citizenship among young people. In Babura Local Government Area, Jigawa State, informal education has emerged as a valuable tool in enhancing secondary school students' knowledge of local government operations. Informal educational initiatives, such as community forums, local government internships, and interactive workshops, provide students with practical insights into the roles and responsibilities of local governmental institutions (Abubakar, 2023). These initiatives complement formal civics education by offering real-world experiences that demystify governmental processes and promote transparency and accountability. Informal education facilitates direct interaction between students and local government officials, enabling learners to gain firsthand understanding of administrative functions, public service delivery, and community governance (Musa, 2024). By engaging in discussions, simulations, and field visits, students are encouraged to explore the intricacies of local governance and appreciate the impact of government policies on their daily lives. Moreover, informal education leverages local traditions and community narratives to contextualize government functions within the cultural and historical framework of Babura, thereby making the learning process more relatable and impactful (Suleiman, 2025). This dynamic and participatory approach fosters civic responsibility and empowers students to become active contributors to community development. The study aims to investigate the impact of informal education on secondary school students' understanding of local government functions, assessing how these alternative learning platforms enhance civic knowledge and engagement. By examining the content, delivery methods, and outcomes of various informal initiatives, the research seeks to identify best practices that can be integrated into formal civics curricula to promote a more informed and participatory citizenry.
Furthermore, the role of informal education in demystifying local government functions is critical in regions where formal curricula may not adequately cover the complexities of civic administration, providing a bridge between theoretical knowledge and practical governance.
Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized importance of civic education in fostering responsible citizenship, secondary school students in Babura Local Government Area often possess limited knowledge of local government functions. Formal education systems typically provide only a cursory overview of civics, focusing on theoretical aspects while neglecting the practical operations of local government, leading to a disconnect between academic learning and real-world governance (Bello, 2023). Informal education initiatives, such as community dialogues and engagement programs, have been implemented to address this gap; however, their effectiveness in significantly enhancing civic knowledge remains underexplored. Variability in program quality, limited access to local government experiences, and inconsistent implementation further exacerbate this problem. Consequently, students may lack the practical understanding necessary to appreciate the roles and responsibilities of local authorities, ultimately hindering active civic participation. This research seeks to address these issues by systematically investigating the impact of informal education on students' knowledge of local government functions. The study will examine how informal activities contribute to the acquisition of practical civic knowledge, identify challenges in current implementation, and explore factors that facilitate effective learning. By providing a detailed analysis of the relationship between informal education and civic knowledge, the study aims to offer actionable recommendations for enhancing civic education in Babura, thereby empowering students with the skills and understanding needed to engage effectively in local governance processes (Adamu, 2024). Ultimately, the findings are expected to contribute to the development of a more informed and participatory citizenry, strengthening democratic processes at the local level (Nasir, 2025).
Objectives of the Study:
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To assess the impact of informal education on secondary school students' knowledge of local government functions in Babura.
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To identify the key informal educational practices that enhance civic understanding among students.
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To recommend strategies for integrating effective informal civic education initiatives into formal curricula.
Research Questions:
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How does informal education influence secondary school students' understanding of local government functions in Babura?
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Which informal educational practices are most effective in enhancing civic knowledge among students?
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What strategies can be implemented to integrate informal civic education with formal curricula to improve local government awareness?
Research Hypotheses:
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Students exposed to informal education programs exhibit higher levels of knowledge about local government functions compared to those who are not.
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There is a positive relationship between participation in informal civic education initiatives and the depth of students' understanding of local governance.
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Integrating informal civic education practices into formal curricula will significantly improve secondary school students' civic knowledge.
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it explores the critical role of informal education in enhancing civic knowledge among secondary school students. The findings will provide valuable insights for educators and policymakers seeking to improve civic education by integrating community-based learning experiences. By identifying effective informal practices, the research contributes to developing a more informed and engaged youth population capable of actively participating in local governance. Ultimately, the study aims to strengthen democratic processes and promote responsible citizenship through improved civic understanding.
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
The study is limited to investigating the impact of informal education on secondary school students' knowledge of local government functions in Babura Local Government Area, Jigawa State. It focuses exclusively on informal educational practices related to civic education and does not account for other factors influencing civic knowledge. Data collection is confined to selected schools and community programs, and the findings may not be generalizable to other regions.
Definitions of Terms:
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Informal Education: Learning experiences outside the formal school system, often involving community-based or experiential learning.
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Local Government Functions: The roles and responsibilities of local governmental institutions in managing community affairs and public services.
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Civic Knowledge: The understanding of governmental processes, civic responsibilities, and the functioning of political institutions.
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