CIVIC EDUCATION

This study investigates the role of religion in shaping voter turnout during the 2023 presidential election in Nigeria, with a particular focus on how religious institutions, faith leaders, and religious identities influenced political participation. Using a mixed-methods approach that combined survey data from respondents with in-depth interviews from selected religious leaders, the research explored four key areas: religious mobilization efforts, turnout patterns in Christian and Muslim communities, the influence of religious affiliation on participation, and voters’ perceptions of religion’s role in electoral decision making.
The findings reveal that religion served as both a motivational and moral force In the electoral process. The quantitative results showed that a significant proportion of voters believed religious institutions shaped their willingness to vote and influenced how they assessed candidates’ credibility. In-depth interviews with religious leaders also buttressed this fact, especially in communities where political
apathy had been historically high. While some religious leaders actively encouraged civic participation, many expressed a commitment to political neutrality, highlighting the tension between moral guidance and partisan restraint. The study concludes that religion remains a powerful social force in Nigeria, capable of encouraging voter participation, shaping political judgement, and reinforcing collective identity. However, it also cautions that the intersection of faith and politics must be managed with care to avoid polarization.
The research recommends greater use of religious spaces for civic education, increased collaboration between faith groups and civic organizations, and further scholarly exploration of regional variations in religious political engagement. This work contributes to ongoing debates on democracy, identity, and political participation in multi-religious societies.

This study aimed at examining the impact of civic education on political participation in students’ unionism in Nigeria. Four research questions were raised to guide the study. The design adopted for this study was the survey research design. The sample consisted of 400 basically University of Benin Students. Questionnaires were used for the collection of data from 400 (Four hundred) respondents. The research instrument was validated by the researcher’s supervisor. The test re-test method was adopted instruments were administered by the researcher herself. The data obtained were analyzed using mean and standard deviation. Findings revealed that students have awareness and understanding of political issues among Nigerian students unionism. It was also revealed that there are roles of civic education in empowering Nigerian students’ unionism to actively participate in the political process and make informed decisions. Based on the findings, it was recommended that Civic education should target the whole citizenry from early ages through to adulthood. Thus, the education should be conducted for both school and out of school person