Background of the Study :
Traditional games have long served as vibrant expressions of cultural heritage, providing both recreation and a means of transmitting indigenous values and customs. In Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi State, traditional games remain a significant part of community life and are increasingly recognized for their potential to promote cultural awareness among students. These games, passed down through generations, encapsulate historical narratives, social norms, and communal identity (Ibrahim, 2024). Integrating traditional games into school curricula is viewed as a strategic approach to reconnect students with their cultural roots, fostering pride and continuity in indigenous practices. Despite global trends favoring modern sports, there is a renewed effort in Lokoja to revive traditional games as educational tools that promote cultural literacy and social cohesion (Adamu, 2023). However, challenges such as limited institutional support, modernizing influences, and the erosion of indigenous knowledge systems have hindered their widespread adoption in educational settings. Traditional games offer lessons in teamwork, strategic thinking, and cultural appreciation that are often overlooked in conventional sports programs (Femi, 2025). By providing a platform for intergenerational dialogue, these games encourage students to engage with their cultural heritage in a dynamic and interactive manner. As globalization continues to influence educational practices, preserving traditional games becomes imperative to maintain cultural diversity and identity. This study seeks to critically assess the effectiveness of traditional games in promoting cultural awareness among students in Lokoja by exploring both the opportunities and obstacles inherent in integrating these practices into modern curricula. The research aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of current initiatives, evaluate their impact on cultural consciousness, and offer recommendations for revitalizing traditional games in schools. Insights gained will help educators and policymakers create balanced programs that honor indigenous traditions while embracing contemporary educational needs (Ibrahim, 2024).
Statement of the Problem :
Despite their cultural significance, traditional games face challenges in effectively promoting cultural awareness within Lokoja schools. The gradual decline in indigenous knowledge, partly due to the dominance of modern sports and globalization, has led to an erosion of traditional game practices (Adamu, 2023). Schools in Lokoja often struggle to integrate these games into their curricula, resulting in an inadequate emphasis on cultural education. In addition, there is a shortage of trained educators who possess the requisite knowledge of indigenous games and their cultural contexts, which further undermines the quality of instruction (Femi, 2025). Societal attitudes favoring modern sports over traditional games contribute to the perception that these indigenous activities are outdated and irrelevant. Furthermore, the absence of standardized methodologies for incorporating traditional games into the educational framework hinders their potential to effectively promote cultural awareness (Ibrahim, 2024). The resulting gap between the cultural heritage embedded in traditional games and their practical application in modern classrooms necessitates a critical appraisal of current practices. This study seeks to identify the barriers that limit the integration of traditional games in schools and to propose actionable strategies for revitalizing these cultural practices. In doing so, the research will offer insights into how traditional games can be leveraged to enhance cultural education and promote a sense of identity among students.
Objectives of the Study:
1. To evaluate the effectiveness of traditional games in promoting cultural awareness among students in Lokoja.
2. To identify challenges hindering the integration of traditional games into the school curriculum.
3. To recommend strategies for revitalizing traditional games to enhance cultural education in schools.
Research Questions:
1. How effective are traditional games in promoting cultural awareness among students in Lokoja?
2. What are the main challenges affecting the integration of traditional games in schools?
3. What strategies can be adopted to revitalize traditional games in the educational system?
Research Hypotheses:
1. H1: Participation in traditional games is positively associated with higher cultural awareness among students.
2. H2: A lack of institutional support significantly hinders the integration of traditional games into school curricula.
3. H3: Teacher training on indigenous games improves the effectiveness of these games in promoting cultural awareness.
Significance of the Study :
This study is significant as it examines the role of traditional games in fostering cultural awareness in Lokoja. By identifying challenges and proposing effective revitalization strategies, the research will inform educators and policymakers on integrating indigenous practices into the curriculum. The findings aim to promote cultural preservation, enhance students’ understanding of their heritage, and contribute to the overall enrichment of educational practices (Femi, 2025).
Scope and Limitations of the Study:
This study is limited to evaluating the effectiveness of traditional games in promoting cultural awareness within Lokoja Local Government Area, Kogi State, and does not extend to other regions or aspects of cultural education.
Definitions of Terms:
1. Traditional Games: Indigenous recreational activities that reflect cultural heritage.
2. Cultural Awareness: An understanding and appreciation of one’s cultural heritage and traditions.
3. Indigenous Knowledge: Traditional knowledge and practices passed down through generations.
ABSTRACT:
This research examines the impact of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reporting on organ...
Background of the Study
Physical education, traditionally regarded as an extracurricular activity, is increasingly being recognized as a...
INTRODUCTION
Central bank of Nigeria is the apex financial institution in Nigeria charged with the responsibility of mai...
Background of the Study
Risk mitigation strategies in supply chain management are essential for addressing uncertainties...
Background of the Study
Street hawking among students has emerged as a significant socio-economic issue in many parts of N...
Background of the study
The interaction between Islamic cultural practices and Yoruba traditional beliefs in Shagamu Local...
Background of the Study
In an increasingly globalized world, the influence of foreign media laws on national journalism...
Background of the Study:
Open access has increasingly become an influential factor in promoting academic excellence by demo...
ABSTRACT
This study was carried out on examine the effectiveness of POS and availability of fund during the covid-...
Background of the Study
The global shift toward sustainable development has led to the emergence of green jobs, which ar...