Background of the Study
Civic engagement is a cornerstone of a vibrant democracy, requiring active participation and informed citizenship. In Ningi Local Government Area, Bauchi State, informal education plays an instrumental role in preparing students for active civic life. Through community forums, local leadership workshops, and participatory cultural events, informal education fosters an environment in which students learn the principles of civic responsibility, democratic participation, and social justice (Lawal, 2023). These informal settings provide a platform for students to engage with real-life community issues, encouraging them to question, debate, and ultimately contribute to local governance. Unlike the rigid structures of formal education, informal education emphasizes experiential learning, enabling students to observe and participate in civic processes first-hand (Abdulrahman, 2024). This hands-on approach promotes a deeper understanding of the civic landscape, where students can develop practical skills such as communication, negotiation, and critical analysis. Furthermore, the localized nature of these initiatives allows for the integration of indigenous values and traditions, ensuring that civic engagement is not perceived as a foreign concept but rather as an intrinsic part of community life (Bello, 2024). Recent research highlights that students who participate in community-led initiatives tend to exhibit higher levels of civic awareness and are more likely to engage in public service activities (Odu, 2025). In Ningi, the confluence of traditional communal practices and modern democratic ideals offers a unique context for exploring the efficacy of informal education in cultivating civic-minded individuals. This study aims to appraise the effectiveness of informal education in equipping students with the necessary tools for civic engagement. It will examine the various informal mechanisms that promote active citizenship and evaluate their impact on students’ attitudes and behaviors towards community involvement, thereby providing insights into how educational strategies can be optimized to strengthen democratic participation at the grassroots level (Yakubu, 2023).
Statement of the Problem
Despite the recognized importance of civic engagement, there is a noticeable gap in how educational systems prepare students for active participation in community affairs. In Ningi, formal education predominantly focuses on academic achievement, often neglecting the development of civic skills and responsibilities. This has resulted in a scenario where many young individuals feel disconnected from the processes that shape their communities, leading to apathy and disengagement (Usman, 2023). Informal education, with its emphasis on experiential learning and community involvement, offers an alternative pathway; however, its effectiveness in preparing students for civic engagement remains underexplored. The absence of structured evaluation of these informal practices creates uncertainty about their true impact. Moreover, the challenges of integrating traditional community values with modern civic expectations further complicate the issue. Without clear insights into how informal education translates into active civic participation, policymakers and educators face significant obstacles in designing programs that foster informed and engaged citizens. This study, therefore, aims to bridge this gap by investigating the relationship between informal educational practices and students’ readiness for civic engagement. It will analyze the current state of informal learning initiatives, assess their influence on civic attitudes, and identify potential barriers that hinder their effectiveness. The ultimate goal is to provide a comprehensive framework that can guide future educational reforms to better prepare students for active participation in their communities (Adamu, 2024).
Objectives of the Study:
Research Questions:
Research Hypotheses:
Significance of the Study
This study is significant as it highlights the transformative role of informal education in fostering civic engagement among students. Its findings will offer valuable insights for educators, community leaders, and policymakers seeking to promote active citizenship through experiential learning. By linking community-based learning with civic responsibility, the research underscores the potential for informal education to serve as a catalyst for democratic participation and social change (Lawal, 2023; Abdulrahman, 2024).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study focuses exclusively on the effectiveness of informal education in preparing students for civic engagement within Ningi Local Government Area, Bauchi State. It does not extend to formal civic education programs or other regions.
Definitions of Terms:
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