Social Studies is an integrated course whose major emphasis is the study of man interacting and coping with problems and issues in society. It is based upon the various social sciences and humanities as a foundation and source of conceptual framework and methodology. It employs the system of analytical approach to the identification and the study of problems of man in his multi-faceted environment. The social studies units in most universities have continued to produce graduate teachers for the implementation of social studies curriculum only in the Junior Secondary classes where it is taught in our post-primary schools. This practice tends to limit such graduate teachers in principle to one segment of the secondary school system. Research findings show that most post-primary schools due to the shortage of qualified staff, often assign the teaching of social studies foundation subjects specialists. Such findings lend credence to the need for either more qualified or few well groomed teachers, this posing a challenge to the University system in its contribution to the teacher education development programmes. The programme shall award Bachelor of Arts (Education) and Bachelor of Science (Education) degrees respectively to graduands according to subject combination. The following structures are suggested:

B.Sc. (Ed) Honours Social Studies

The proposed amendment aims at providing a broad-based education which will develop the intellectual and the analytical capabilities that would enable its products to cope with the demands of the modern Nigerian society and the manpower needs of Nigeria. It is also suggested by some social studies experts that apart from the amendment, the initial social studies programme should be there but with expansion in course offerings as shall be indicated.

PHILOSOPHY AND OBJECTIVES

The philosophy of this programme is centered on the promotion of the study of Social Studies and its cognate subjects as academic disciplines in an effort to satisfy the dire need for qualified teachers for the effective implementation of the National Policy on Education at the post-primary school level. The objectives of the programme to which the philosophy is likened are therefore:

1. To expose the students to the various aspects of Education, Social Studies and the respective cognate subjects relevant to their preparation as post-primary school teachers;
2. To provide learning experiences which will help students acquire the basic contents and techniques for effective implementation of Social Studies, History, Religion, Economics, Geography and Political Science curricula in Nigerian post- primary schools.
3. To help students understand the interrelationships in the acquisition of knowledge otherwise subdivided into natural sciences, social sciences and humanities;
4. To develop students who understand their own physical and social world, the world of human beings, their activities and their interactions.