Social Studies Education (B.Ed.)

Course Overview

The B.Ed. Social Studies and Civic Education programme is designed in alignment with the National Universities Commission (NUC) Core Curriculum and Minimum Academic Standards (CCMAS) to equip pre-service teachers with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for the effective delivery of Social Studies and Civic Education at the post-primary level. The programme combines foundational education studies with core content in Social Studies and Civic Education, while also drawing from interdisciplinary and teaching subjects to complete the required 120 credit units.

The curriculum fosters a deep understanding of national values, democratic principles, social structures, civic responsibilities, and global interdependence. Through a rich blend of theoretical knowledge, practical experience, and value-oriented instruction, graduates are prepared to teach, lead, and contribute meaningfully in education, civic, and community development sectors.

This is a compound teacher education programme that prepares students to teach both Social Studies and Civic Education in Nigerian post-primary schools. The curriculum is structured to reflect national development goals and the need for responsible citizenship. It blends social sciences, history, government, moral education, and pedagogy to produce competent teachers and civic-minded individuals.

Key competencies developed include critical thinking, interpersonal communication, moral reasoning, and conflict resolution. Students are also trained to understand the political, social, and cultural dynamics of Nigeria and the world, fostering both national pride and global awareness. Teaching methods emphasise learner-centred strategies, integration of current events, and the use of digital resources in classroom delivery.

Course detail

AWARD TITLE

B.Ed

START DATE

September 2025

DURATION

4 years

STUDY MODE

Full-time

CAMPUS

Nigeria, Lokoja

Teaching and Learning

The programme integrates theoretical and practical learning through diverse instructional methods and assessment strategies:

Learning Methods:

  • Interactive classroom teaching

  • Group projects and community-based learning

  • Simulated civic engagement exercises

  • Use of multimedia and ICT tools

  • Field trips to historical, civic, and cultural institutions

  • Teaching practice in approved schools

  • Student-led seminars and debates

Assessment Structure:

  • Continuous assessments (assignments, group work)

  • Quizzes and written examinations

  • Oral presentations and debates

  • Assessment of teaching practice performance

  • Project reports and reflective journals

  • Final year research project and defence

Modules

  1. Introduction to Social Studies and Civic Education: Covers the philosophical and historical foundations of the subjects and their role in nation-building.
  2. Nigerian Government and Politics: Explores political structures, democratic processes, and governance in Nigeria.
  3. National Values and Citizenship Education: Introduces key civic responsibilities, ethics, human rights, and national integration.
  4. Social Institutions and Cultural Practices: Examines the influence of social institutions on community life and development.
  5. Peace and Conflict Studies: Focuses on the causes and resolution of conflict in school and society, with an emphasis on peaceful coexistence.
  6. Human Rights and Social Justice: Explores legal and ethical frameworks that support equity, freedom, and dignity in Nigeria and globally.
  7. Comparative Civic Education: Reviews civic education models in other countries to promote global awareness and best practices.
  8. Instructional Methods in Civic and Social Studies Education: Equips students with effective pedagogical approaches, instructional materials development, and learner-centred strategies.
  9. Environmental and Sustainable Development Education: Promotes environmental consciousness and sustainability practices in civic learning.
  10. Teaching Practice: A supervised teaching placement where students apply pedagogical theory in real classrooms.

Career

Graduates of this programme may pursue career opportunities such as:

  • Civic Education Teacher

  • Social Studies Teacher

  • School Administrator or Proprietor

  • Curriculum Developer

  • Peace and Conflict Resolution Consultant

  • Community Development Officer

  • Social Worker

  • Education Officer in Government Ministries or NGOs

Entry Requirements

UTME Admission (4-Year Programme):

  • Five (5) credit-level passes in SSC or equivalent including English Language, Civic Education, and three relevant Arts or Social Science subjects.

  • Acceptable UTME score.

Direct Entry Admission (3-Year Programme):

  • Five SSC credit passes including English Language and Civic Education.

  • Plus:

    • Two A-Level passes or

    • NCE with merit in three relevant courses

    • Or equivalent qualifications as recognized by the university

Candidates applying for admission into 100 level undergraduate programmes must possess a minimum of five (5) ‘O’ level credit passes at not more than two (2) sittings in WASC, GCE, NECO or its equivalent. Awaiting result is also accepted.

  1. JAMB UTME result print-out.
  2. SSCE/NECO Result (Awaiting Result Accepted).
  3. Two Passport Photographs.
  4. A Letter of Sponsorship, stating the commitment to pay the prescribed fees.
  5. National Identification Number (NIN)
  6. A Reference Letter from a spiritual mentor, vouching for your character

Candidates applying for Direct Entry into 200 level must possess the following

  1. Jamb direct entry form
  2. A/L, IJMB, OND or NCE in the relevant courses.
  3. SSCE/NECO Result (Awaiting Result Accepted)
  4. Two Passport Photographs.
  5. A Letter of Sponsorship, stating the commitment to pay the prescribed fees.
  6. National Identification Number (NIN)
  7. A Reference Letter from a spiritual mentor, vouching for your character.

Fees and Funding

The course fees you’ll pay and the funding available to you depends on factors such as your nationality, location, personal circumstances and the course you are studying. Visit the links below to find the Undergraduate section.

 
More information

Find out about grants, bursaries, scholarships and living costs in our undergraduate taught fees and funding section.

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