Impact of religious education on moral change among youths for socio-economic development in Nigeria.

Impact of religious education on moral change among youths for socio-economic development in Nigeria.

Abstract: This study investigates the impact of religious education on moral change among youths in Nigeria and explores its implications for socioeconomic development. Given Nigeria's diverse religious landscape, religious education, encompassing both Islamic, African Traditional Religion and Christian Religious teachings, plays a critical role in shaping the moral values and ethical behaviours of the youths in Nigeria. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research includes quantitative surveys and qualitative interviews with students, teachers and community leaders across some secondary and tertiary institutions in Lagos State, Nigeria. The instrument for data collection was a self-developed questionnaire (REMCY- Religious Education and Moral Change among Youths). The Sample consists of 100 students, 10 teachers and 10 community leaders. The survey assessed students' perceptions of how religious education influenced their moral values. Students rated their agreement with various statements on a scale of 1 (Strongly Disagree) to 4 (Strongly Agree). 85% of students agreed that religious education significantly influenced their sense of honesty. 80% of students agreed that religious education fostered their integrity. 85% of students agreed that religious education promoted a sense of responsibility. The correlation between religious education and honesty was 0.72, indicating a strong positive relationship. The correlation between religious education and integrity was 0.68. The correlation between religious education and responsibility was 0.74. The strong positive correlations suggest that religious education is strongly associated with the development of significant moral values. These attributes contribute to broader socioeconomic development by fostering trust, reducing corruption and enhancing community development. Qualitative interviews were conducted with a smaller focused group of teachers and community leaders. The teachers observed noticeable behavioural changes in students who actively participated in religious education classes. Some community leaders highlighted the broader impact of religious education on community values.The study recommends the importance of integrating religious education into the educational system as a means to promoting moral integrity and drive socioeconomic progress in Nigeria.

KIJHUS Volume. 5, Issue 1 (2024)

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Impact of religious education on moral change among youths for socio-economic development in Nigeria.