CIVIC EDUCATION AND YOUTH ENGAGEMENT THROUGH THE NATIONAL YOUTH SERVICE CORPS AS PATHWAYS TO ACHIEVING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT GOALS (SDGs) IN OSUN STATE, NIGERIA

Abstract

This research investigated the concept of civic education and youth participation in the National Youth Service Corps as ways of realizing the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals in Osun State, Nigeria. The research was anchored on four objectives that considered issues related to civic education awareness, forms of youth participation in community development activities, the contribution of NYSC towards SDGs achievement, and challenges that hinder effective participation. A mixed-method research design was employed in this research, which used both descriptive survey and qualitative methods for a better understanding of the subject matter. The population of this research consisted of the corps members who served in Osun State, from which a sample size of 200 was drawn using a multistage sampling technique (a technique involving purposive and proportional sampling procedures was adopted). Data were obtained using a structured questionnaire with a reliability of 0.81, together with an interview guide. Quantitative data analysis techniques that were employed included descriptive statistics, Pearson Product-Moment Correlation, Simple Linear Regression, and Multiple Regression Analysis, while thematic analysis was used for analyzing qualitative data. Pearson correlation (r = 0.62, p < 0.01) revealed a significant positive relationship between civic education awareness and youth engagement. Community development participation was also shown to have a significant impact on SDG achievements, contributing to 34% of the variation in outcomes, whereas challenges faced contributed to 50% of the variation in the effectiveness of civic engagement. From the qualitative data, it can be concluded that corps members were found to be making a contribution in terms of education, health, and environmental sustainability programmes; however, their efforts are hampered by several issues such as lack of funds, poor logistics, and institutional barriers. Recommendations have been made for improving civic education training, ensuring proper funding, enhancing logistics, institutional collaboration, and the motivation of youths.