RELEVANCE OF THE SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN CREATING NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS IN LEARNERS FOR SOCIETAL TRANSFORMATION

Abstract

A feeling of love for and pride for one’s country is seen in many learners in Africa. That conscious attempt to defend the course of one’s country is mostly dominant in secondary school students. The school curriculum enables them to create the awareness of this national consciousness in them. Some of the secondary school subjects that enable learners imbibe national consciousness are as follows: History, Social Studies, Civic Education, Religion and National Values, and Citizenship Education. National consciousness plays an important role in the socio-economic and political developments in many nations especially in Africa. Mostly, national consciousness promotes national unity, sustainable development, peace, respect for diversity, co-existence, and patriotism. This national consciousness is one of the educational objectives in Africa, and it is being brought about by the school curriculum. National consciousness provides the basis for national integration, bonding and coalescing that reduces the differences among ethnic groups to the barest minimum. It encourages them to work together to advance the nation’s political, cultural, economic, social or psychological needs. Societal transformation is the product of every curriculum. This is often fostered by the awareness of the learner in the belief of their nation. This article is solely content analysis based on literature search. It vividly brings out scholars’ views on the vital position of the school curriculum in creating national consciousness in learners, hence leading to sustainable societal development.