CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF THE STUDY
To examine the problems affecting the implementation of Social Studies curriculum in some selected Junior Secondary Schools in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State.
This chapter is arranged under sub-sections as given below.
Background to the Study, Statement of the Problem, Purpose of the Study, Significance of the Study, Research Question, Delimitation, Limitation of the Study and Definition of Terms.
The word Social Studies as a subject in Nigerian School curriculum came into being 1969. Before then, an objective study of the Nigeria social norms and values in schools was introduces (Nigeria Education Research Council N.E.F.C. 1969).
The first experience on Social Studies in Nigeria came as a result of a joint venture between the defund Western Regional Government and University of Ohio U.S.A. in 1988.
But the introduction did not last long. However, in 1963 Social Studies education programme was officially introduced into Nigeria schools (Olawapo 1991).
In Lagos State Schools, it is discovered that teaching of the subject did not commence simultaneously in all the Junior Secondary School. Largely due to the period that some of the schools were founded.
In Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State most of the schools were founded in the 80’s and introduction of this subject into this school has remained a success till date. The diffusion of Social Studies into the school curriculum came through the search for redirection in Nigeria of the inherited colonial education system top meet the growing needs of the country.
Thus, the national policy on education declared that the Nigeria philosophy on education is based in the interaction of effective citizenship. However, in the objective of Social Studies which is to socialize and humanize the individual in order to live effectively and in harmony with other and develop in children a positive attitude to citizenship and desire in them to make a positive personal contribution to their community and creation of a United Nigeria.