CHAPTER ONE
1.0
BACKGROUNG OF THE STUDY
Illiteracy or an illiterate person according to Ralinema (1995) is one
who lives in a state of primary or remote consciousness, subliminal of his
roles in society. He is a passive object of history submerged by the exigencies
of his daily life. He is paralyzed by his sense of importance an phobia and he
is enslaved ignorance of his capacity and potentialities as a human being. He
is unable to comprehend the situation or environment which envelops him
therefore is powerless to act for his freedom and liberation. He is a liability
to the world around him in his mental under nourishment. In this consideration,
literacy goes beyond mere reading and writing.
Majid Rahneman (1995)
further explained this position by asserting that illiteracy or the illiterate
situation does not necessarily change if one is taught ho to read and write.
From the above
assertion, it can be seen that political participation depends to a great
extent on a literate and reasonable well educated citizenry. This can be
achieved by means of a system of general education “mass literacy or better
still, political conscientization, an intelligent and in depended press freedom
of association and discussion.”
While well educated
people are not necessarily political conscious. It is clear that democracy
develops successfully only where there is a high degree of literacy. That is
why there is high political participation in countries like England, France,
U.S.A and Latin American countries where illiteracy is still wide spread.
Political participation requires factual and political
education which will encourage independent and critical thinking about public
question. It should produce the civic interest and awareness on the part of the
citizenry upon which the success of democracy ultimately depends.
1.1
STATEMENT OF THE PROBLEM
In Nigeria in general and Benue state in particular, political
participation has change from the traditional African nature to the western
liberal democratic type with the establishment of colonial state and
introduction of western education as a tool for political participation because
of illiteracy.
the level of political participation of any nation, to a great extent,
determine the sustainability of political democracy, while political
participation depends on the people’s attitudes, political socialization,
culture, religion etc. these variables in turn depend on the level of literacy
of the people.
Since the inception of
democratic rule in the country there has been low turnout during voting, low
participation in partisan politics and general aparthy among the populace
especially in Ukum local government area of Benue state and this has been
attributed to illiteracy in the study area.
The researcher intends
to carry-out this research work, i.e the effect of illiteracy on political
participation in Ukum local government area under the following.
1. Political culture of the people and
political participation.
2. Political socialization of the people
regarding political participation.
1.2
OBJECTIVES OF THE STUDY
The research objectives have been raise by the researcher to help in the
study and to educate the illiterates about their political culture, in respect
of political participation. Also, to enlighten the illiterate people of ukum
local government concerning the effect of political socialization and to
delimit their political participation.
1.3
RESEARCH QUESTIONS
The term research question has been defined in the oxford
advanced learner’s dictionary to mean a sentence, phrase or word that asks for
information.
In
determining the effect of illiteracy on political participation in Ukum local
government area, the following three questions have been formulate.
i. Does socio-economic
status significantly influence the political participation?
ii. Does illiteracy have significant influence on political
socialization at the people and their political participation?
Iii. can education influence political participation of the
people in Ukum local government area?
1.4
SIGNIFICANCE OF THE STUDY
The research
work is taken, first and foremost, in partial fulfillment of the requirement
for the award of the Nigerian certificate in education (NCE)
Beside the
above mentioned significance, it also provides on opportunity for the
researcher to venture in to some of possible remote cause of poor political participation
in the study area with concentration on illiteracy.
The study
will also help in uprooting the consequences of illiteracy on the body politics
of Ukum local government area. This
study is also intended to prefer workable solution to the effect of illiteracy
on political participation by way of recommendation base on findings.
More so,
this research will offer ample opportunities for further enquires and research
work into the area by other researcher of similar interest.
1.5
SCOPE OF THE STUDY
A study of
this magnitude would have been conducted on a national level due to the fact
that all and sundry are involved. However, time and financial constraints, have
limited it to Ukum local government area.
1.6
LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY
This
research study is limited to members of the two existing political parties as
well as political sympathizer in the four worlds. BORIKYO, MBATIAN, KENDEV and
UYAM worlds
1.7
DEFINITION OF TERMS.
This aspect
of the research study gives explanation to some terms as they are used in the
context of the research and their terms are: political participation:
technically, political participation is considered as those voluntary
activities by which members of a society share in the selection of a ruler or
rulers directly or indirectly in the formation of public policy. It takes the
form of voting, campaigning, making contact, holding both public and party
offices.
Political culture: political culture here means the
attitudes, sentiments, beliefs ideas and norms that guide the behavior of the
people in the political systems. It embraces such things as the history of the
political system adopted by people, reactions to election and methods of
electing rulers.
Political socialization: this refers to the process by which
the citizens are educated on the values, attitudes and beliefs of the political
system. Political culture is internalized and transmitted through political
socialization. Political socialization help to make citizens understand their
rules in the political system, raised their loyalty, pride, patriotism and
nationalist feelings to the country. Apathy: this is absence of sympathy and
indifference to wards political issues.
CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
2.0 INTRODUCTION
The study seeks to ascertain the impact of illiteracy on
political participation in Benue State with particular reference of Ukum local
government area as a case study.
Tarnande (1997) states that illiteracy is a factor that
makes many people to develop an inferiority complex which derives them away
from politics. Illiteracy as concept
means not knowing very much about a particular area or subject (Oxford Advanced
Learners Dictionary 6thEdition).
2.2 THE CONCEPT OF
POLITICAL PARTICIPATION
According to International Encyclopedia of social sciences,
political participation is the principal means by which consent or mandate is
granted or withdrawn in democracy and rulers are made accountable to the
electorate. It provides a defense against tyranny and a means of enacting
collection wisdom by involving in the affairs of the state.
Political participation may be defined as the process of
voluntary involvement of the people into the politics political activities of
their country. By that, we mean when people take part in choosing their rulers
and also involve in decision making in the government of their country.
Political participation in which the participants are known as political
activists or partial participation or the participants may take observatory
posture in which they are known as political passivists or they are apolitical.
Igwe (2005) contends that political participation refers to
the degree and forms of involvement of the people in government and related
institutions of society, such as the economy and culture, this being essential
index of the extent of maturity of the political culture as well as the
society’s level of political participation with difference degree of influence
and power as well as significance to the citizenry.
Igwe continues that political participation also differs in
their legal and constitutional permissibility as well as ethical worthiness. Hence,
political participation may include on the open side, the actual holding of
government and party posts, political debates and campaigns, voting and
contesting on the elections and on the more subtle, sometimes hidden side,
lobbying or persuading power wielders, bridge building cliquism or narrow group
mindedness, etc. embodying the whole of power brokers, king-making button
pressers and facilitators revolutionaries, the hidden persuaders and influence
peddlers.
2.3 THE EFFECTS OF
ILLITRACY ON POLITICL PARTICIPATION IN NIGERIA
As Tarnande (1997) stated that, illiteracy is a factor the
make many people develop an inferiority complex which derives them away from
politics. There is certain educational qualification for holding position of
responsibility. Party literature and other information of politics needed to
read them, certain information has to be communicated in writing or orally at
party rallies in towns or rural areas such things like campaign, party
stalwarts, addressing people in English language all these makes the un-
educated citizenry only to absent themselves from political participation.
Women in education in Nigeria.
Women in Nigeria have had various challenges in order to
obtain equal education. Education is a basic human right and has been
recognized as such since the 1948 adoption of the Universal Decoration on Human
Rights. A positive correlation exists between the enrollment of girls I primary
school and the gross national product and increase of life expectancy. Because
of this correlation, enrolment in schools represents the largest component of
the investment in human capital in any society. Rapid socio-economic
development of a nation has been observed to depend on the caliber of women and
their education in that country. Education bestows in women a disposition for
lifelong acquisition of knowledge, values, attitudes, competence and skills.
In the 1960s, when most African states began to gain their
political independence, there was considerable gender disparity in education, hence
that it tend to illiteracy on political participation. Girls’ enrollment
figures were very low through out the continent. In May 1961, the United
Nations Universal Decoration of Human Rights and UNESCO educational plans for
Nigeria were announced in a conference held in Addis Ababa Ethiopia. A target
was set: to achieve 100% universal primary education in Nigeria by the year
1980.
The implementation in the 1970s of the free and compulsory
Universal Primary Education (UPE) was in line with this UN plan. Ever since,
UNICEF and UNESCO and many other organizations have sponsored, research and
conferences within Nigeria regarding the education of girls. Up until the
1970s, considerably more body’s than girls participated in education in
Nigeria. According to one Nigerian historian Kitetu, the relative traditions
philosophy was that a woman’s place is at home and this kept many girls away
from education as well as political activities. However, with the governments’
intervention and public awakening, parents began to sent and keep their girl in
school. Consequently, women’s involvement became more visible.
It can be noted that purposeful plans of action led to an
increase in females in school after 1990. While more boys than girls were
enrolled in 1991, a difference of 138,000, by 1998 the difference was only
69,400. At the Pan-African conference held at Ougadougou, Burkina Faso, in
March and April 1993 (three decades after the UN Decralation of the 1960s) it
was observed that Nigeria was still lagging behind other regions of the world
in female access to education. It was also noted that gender disparity existed in
education and there was need to identify and eliminate all policies that
hindered girls’ full participation in education. The issues of gender equality
in education have been the subject of much debate topic during the past decades
and have become a prominent topic of debate in all countries. In Nigeria, there
are large disparities between the education that boys and girls receive. Many
girls do not have access to adequate education past a certain age. Currently,
the female adult literacy rate (ages 15 and above) for the country was 59.4% in
comparison to the male adult literacy rate 74.4%. It is differences in education that has led to
this gap in literacy. According to the central bank of Nigeria, the gender gap
in literacy rates at the rural level between boys overall. However, in he age
group 6-9 years (primary school ages) it was only 3.9 percent in favour of
boys. This indicates a that there is a gender dimension to educational
attainment and development in Nigeria. According to the examination council of
Nigeria (1994) there are still other problems, such as high drop-out rates of female
students, poor performance, reluctance on the part of female students to enroll
in science based courses and class room participation across various
geo-political delineations in Nigeria, a greater percentage of school age girls
are needlessly out-of-school compare with the ration applicable to boys of some
age grouping.
The completion of the second millennium development goals
(MDG) target i.e ‘education for all, by 2015 is at risk after having missed the
initial deadline of 2005. In Nigeria, educational facilities are generally
believed to be inadequate and access is limited for many, especially girls and
women. According to the United Nations Human development Report (2005), Nigeria
was classified as a low development country in respect in educational
accessibility.
There are various cultural and socio-economic issues that prevent
women from having adequate and access to education. According to work done by
Denga, one prominent cultural view is that it is better for the women to stay
home and learn to tend to her family instead of attending school. At the
beginning of colonialism and Christianity, rigid ideals about gender perception
were imposed on the African mind. There after, the women’s role has come to e
limited to sex and commercial labour:” satisfying the sexual needs of men,
working in the fields, carrying loads, tending babies and preparing food. The
disempowering colonial ideology of domesticity’ as exposed by the practice of
housewification provided the springboard for women’s educational imbalance in
parts of farce. As such, the overall human development in Nigeria is being
hindered by this unevenness in
educational accessibility across gender categories. Also, the dominant
narratives of religion in both colonial and post colonial Nigerian society
privileges men at the detriment of women, even in educational accessibility, by
doing so, there is tendency that, the women will not have much awareness or
interest on political participation. Girls are not educated since she is
considered a train on the family’s resources. With out an education, she cannot
even voice her opinion stand up for herself monetarily as well as emotionally,
or battle the discrimination from a social pulpit.
Nasution (in Omolewa 1981) states that, “illiteracy is a
seorge on earth, a humiliation to human dignity and violation of social
justice”. This statement indicates that where the masses are largely
illiterates their rights in taking societal decision which may affect them or
either their children positively now or neglected.
Generally speaking, a
reasonable percentage of literates citizens are needed for effective
participation in politics.
By commenting on the effects of illiteracy, Murphy (1978)
had this to say “viewed on national or global levels, illiteracy remain
essentially a personal tragedy, it is failure of the individuals to achieve
their full potentials and to escape the conferring prison of ignorance and
poverty”. It diffuses within the overall societies, conditioning both the
social, economic and political aspects in a negative manner. Murphy posits
that, the persistence of illiteracy in any given society can hamper the desired
level of participation in politics. In this case, it affects the process of
election, campaigns as the people are unaware about politics.
Commenting on the importance of reading, Gray and Rogers
(1958) pointed out that illiteracy is an independable factor of life, in
developing rational attitudes and reaching social conclusion, this statement
seek to justify the assumption that illiteracy differs people from effectively
participating in the political process of their societies.
Lelster
Mulbrath (in Haralmbos 1980) in categorizing members of the entire society in
terms of their levels of political participation, he maintains that “the
politically apathetic are those who are unaware literates of the political world
around them. This statement point out that, illiteracy brees apathy.
Robert Dahe in (Haratambos 1080) again contends that “the
level of political participation appear to be related to the degree of
involvement and the integration of the individual in the society” where their exist
complete detachment (irrespectiveness) of the political actors (government)
from the electorate, then marginalization takes place.
In the next of Nigeria, Patrick Wilmot (1983) observe that
apathy and alienation are associated with her politics”. He point out that an
alienated person does not participate in the politics of life of the community
and nation because he feels that his involvement would be ineffective. From
this, it could be noted that negligence of the electorate depresses their morale
for engaging in politics in politics in future times. Thus, the citizens
develop the culture of apathy, hence low participation, though not through any
fault of his but due to bitter experience of injustice made to them by the
politicians in the past.
Combell (1972) “a politically marginalized person or people
can be motivated to participate and bring good changes to he running of the
political system, such motivation could be achieved through social
organization, institutions, formal and informal education. It can be deduced
from Combell’s sentiment that social mobilization, mass literacy and education
programmes are some of the avenues open for graduating the illiterates from low
participation in politics to attain higher level (population participation).
Combell
made this recommendation with a view to enhancing all citizens of a state and
effective popular participation in politics. In this assertion, it could be
seen that large percentage of Nigerian population are illiterate. In the same
vain Omolewa (1981) states that illiteracy rate in Nigeria is currently about 80% of the total
population. One can therefore suspect that the current ineffective political
participation in Nigerian politics (Benue state and the study area inclusive) is
as a result of illiteracy.
All over the world, it is increasingly realized that
illiteracy is an obstacle to development. It keeps people perpetually in
darkness and ignorance, is isolated and thus out from progress and outside
events.
2.4 THE EFFECT OF
ILLITRACY ON POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN UKUM LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA.
Tarker Golozo, a famous Tiv praise singer view that many
people in Tiv land do not participate in politics because they would not afford
some few individuals the opportunity to drive luxurious cars and throw dust at
them. These attitudes help by the people of Ukum is deep rooted from high degree
of illiteracy. Thus, lowering the levels of voters turn out at election. Golozo,
one of the greatest oral poets produced in Tiv land used his song to appeal to
the people to disabuse their minds of such ideals and come out to register and
vote for the success of democracy.
From the above assertion, if the people of Ukum local
government area disabuse their minds of such ideas which result to the
political apathy and characterized by violence, politics in Ukum local
government area will be conducted with high degree of participation by the
people of Ukum local government area. This can only be achieved by social
mobilization programmes, mass literacy and education programmes (formal or
informal) for graduating the illiterates rates from low participation in politics
to attain the higher level (mass population participation).
Politics in Ukum local government area is always
characterized by violence, low participation by the inhabitant due to high
level of illiteracy or illiterates. Records shows that population count in the
1991 census in Ukum local government area is about 1.897,000 people living in
the local government area.
In the election conducted in the year 2003, out of the total
population recorded only 685,000 participated in the election. The rest of the
total population did not participated in the election due to lack of
mobilization of the mass population and high illiteracy as the dominant factors
similarly, census conducted in the year 2006 shows that the population
increased to 2.127,000. Records from INEC office Ukum local government chapter
reveal that out of the total population count in the year 2006 census only
127000 people participated in the year 2007 election, the remaining 2 (two)
million develop political apathy by not participating in the politics since
that election was characterized by violence, killing of people, hiding of
ballot boxes, voting for all by one person or group of persons etc. This
election conducted as compared to the 1999 and 2003 elections.
From the above background, politics in Ukum local government
area was badly conducted in the year 2003 and the year 2007 election due to
high level of illiteracy in Ukum local government area.
CHAPTER THREE
3.0 INTRODUCTION
The major aim of this study is to
among other things; find out the effect of illiteracy on political participation
in Benue state, case study of Ukum local government.
The chapter therefore describe the
process and methodology adopted in the collection of data, the appropriate
measuring instrument used and how it is administered on method to data analysis
3.1 RESEARCH DESIGN
This research work takes the form of
survey research because the nature of
survey is that of probes together information on existing relationship.
Olomolaiye (1985) stated that survey
research is directed to establishing
relationship between variable after collecting facts on what exist and
conditions that prevail. In the context of this study therefore, the
relationship that exist between illiteracy and political participation shall be
deduced from what will be observed in the sample.
3.2 STUDY AREA
The study area is ukum which come
into being in 1992 from the kastina Ala with the headquarter at sankera. Ukum
local government area lies some 150 kilometer away from makurdi, the state
capitl in the eastern part of the state. It sshare boundaries with Kastina- ala
Wukari in taraba state, logo local government respectively
Ukum local government area is essentially
inhabited by the tiv people of the following Sub-ethinic groups Ngenev, Mbaterem
torov and ucha . ukum is chosen because of its proximity to researcher. This
proximity will enable the researcher collect all relevant information needed
for the study.
3.3 POPULATION OF
STUDY
The population of this study consist of both
indigenes and resident in ukum comprising of about 275,685 people from the thirteen
council wards. Ugbaan, Ityuluv, lumbugh, Tsaav, Mbayenge, Azendeshi, Uyam,
Mbatian, Borikyo, Kundav, Mbayenge, Azendeshi.
3.4 SAMPLE AND
SAMPLING PROCEDURE.
A sample of 100 (one hundred) respondent
will be draw from the total population in the area.
The sample will be selected using the
hat and draw method of randomization and stratified sampling technique. The
sample will consist of people who have attained voting age, political party
executives and political elders. From five of the thirteen council wards.
Namely Ityuluv, Azendeshi, uyam, ugbaan, Mbagenge.
Stratified sampling technique will be
used since it ensures adequate representation of the large population under
study. Hat and draw method of random sampling will be employed in selecting
the accurate number of twenty (20) respondents from each of the selected five
council wards. In the hat and draw method of randomization, pupers inscribed
“Yes” and “No” will be folded and placed in a container after been adequately
shaken. Each respondent will be called upon to independently pick one. Any
respondent who picked “yes” will be allowed to participate and anyone who
picked “No” will not be allowed to participate in the study. As such the method
will give everybody the opportunity of being included in the study sample.
3.5 INSTRUMENT FOR DATA COLLECTION
The liberty scale attitudinal questionnaire will be employed
by the researcher. The questionnaire will have two sections. Section “A” and
section “B”.
SECTION “A” will consist of personal data while section “B”
will center on contextual issues which is the effect of illiteracy on political
participation in Ukum local government. The questionnaire is constructed on a
three scale for instance;
Strongly Agreed (ST.AG)
Agree (AG)
Undecided (U D)
Strongly Disagree (ST.DA)
Disagree (DA)
The liberty scale is preferred in this study because the
subject can agree, disagree and others be undecided and can be carried out without
any panel of judges to rate the items favourable. It also helps to measure the
extent to which the respondent agree, disagree or undecided with each item
rather than applying the “Yes” or “No “response technique. The questionnaire
will consist of fourteen items (14) items.
3.6 PROCEDURE FOR DATA
COLLECTION
The questionnaire will be aministered to respondents within
the selected council wards of the local government.
The questionnaire will be distributed using the hand
delivery method and this involves personal visits to the areas involved.
The respondents will be required to give independent
responses and avoid interference form other persons.
3.7 PROCEDURE FOR DATA
ANALYSIS
In analyzing tha data for this research work. Two will be
tested using the sample percentages statistical analysis. Example
Total responses x 100
Total respondents 1
CHAPTER FOUR
DATA
PRESENTATION, ANALYSIS, INTERPRETATION AND DISCUSSION OF RESULTS
4.1 INTRODUCTION
It is important to note that the data so collected are
statement or responses to statement. Naturally, they are verbose and will not readily
answer the question a lay reader would need from research studies. There is
therefore, the need t translate those responses from the instrument into
numerical values for easiest understanding.
This is where data analysis comes in after the analysis,
what stands out are figures which must be carefully explained are referred to as
interpretation of results.
In this chapter, attempt is made to analyse and interpret
the results as well as find the discussion of results.
4.2 DATA PRESENTATION,
ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETAION
QUESTION ONE
Does socio-economic status significantly influence the
political culture of the people in respect to their political participation.
Data obtained for this question carefully presented and analysed below.
Table 4.2 1a.
|
Questionnaire
item 1
|
Responses
pattern (N=100)
|
Total
|
||||
|
I
do not take part in politics because I am not rich
|
ST.
AG
|
AG
|
UD
|
DA
|
ST.DA
|
|
|
|
25
|
24
|
-
|
30
|
21
|
100
|
|
|
25%
|
24%
|
0%
|
30%
|
21%
|
100%
|
The table above shows that 25% strongly
agreed and 24% agreed that they do not take part in politics because they are
rich, while 30% disagreed and 21 strongly disagreed with the statement. Non undecided.
Table 4.2 1b.
Percentage analysis of the extent lack of money affects
political participation.
|
Questionnaire
item no 3
|
Responses
pattern (N=100)
|
Total
|
||||
|
Lack
of money is not the reason for my participation in politics
|
ST.
AG
|
AG
|
UD
|
DA
|
ST.DA
|
|
|
|
21
|
19
|
-
|
35
|
25
|
100
|
|
|
21%
|
19%
|
0%
|
35%
|
25%
|
100%
|
From the above table, 21% strongly
agreed and 19% agreed, while 35% disagreed and 25% strongly disagreed with the
statement that lack of money is not the reason for their non-participation in
politics, non was undecided.
Table 4.2 1c
Percentage analysis of how subject need
to be convinced before participating in politics.
|
Questionnaire
item 4
|
Responses
pattern (N=100)
|
Total
|
||||
|
I still
need to be convinced before I can participate in politics
|
ST.
AG
|
AG
|
UD
|
DA
|
ST.DA
|
|
|
|
35
|
25
|
1
|
20
|
19
|
100
|
|
|
35%
|
25%
|
1%
|
20%
|
19%
|
100%
|
The table above indicates that 35%
strongly agree and 25% agreed with the statement that they still need to be
convinced before they can participate in politics while 20% and 19% respondents
disagreed and strongly disagreed
respectively. And 1% respondent was undecided.
Table 4.2 1d
Percentage analysis of questionnaire item 7
|
Questionnaire item 5
|
Responses
pattern (N=100)
|
Total
|
||||
|
Poor
people are not considered in politics of Ukum
|
ST.
AG
|
AG
|
UD
|
DA
|
ST.DA
|
|
|
|
51
|
30
|
|
13
|
6
|
100
|
|
|
51%
|
30%
|
0%
|
13%
|
6%
|
100%
|
From the above analysis, 51% strongly
agreed and 30% agreed. While 13% respondent disagreed and 6% strongly disagreed
with the statement that poor people are not considered in the politics of Ukum
and non was undecided.
Table 4.2 1e
Percentage analysis of questionnaire
item 9
|
Questionnaire
item 6
|
Responses
pattern (N=100)
|
Total
|
||||
|
Politics
in Ukum is characterized with violent
|
ST.
AG
|
AG
|
UD
|
DA
|
ST.DA
|
|
|
|
63
|
30
|
-
|
5
|
2
|
100
|
|
|
63%
|
30%
|
0%
|
5%
|
2%
|
100%
|
The table above shows that 63%
respondents and 30% respondents strongly agreed and agreed respectively and 5%
as well as 2% respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed respectively with
the statement that politics in Ukum local government is characterized with
violence and non was undecided.
Table 4.2 1f
Percentage analysis of questionnaire
item 10
|
Questionnaire
item 7
|
Responses
pattern (N=100)
|
Total
|
||||
|
There
is no gain participating in politics
|
ST.
AG
|
AG
|
UD
|
DA
|
ST.DA
|
|
|
|
28
|
25
|
7
|
22
|
18
|
100
|
|
|
28%
|
25%
|
7%
|
22%
|
18%
|
100%
|
The above table shows that 28%
respondents and 25% respondents strongly agreed respectively, and 22% as well
as 18% respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed and strongly disagreed
respectively with the statement that there is no gain participating in politics
in Ukum local government while 7% undecided.
QUESTION TWO
Does illiteracy have significance
influenced on the political socialization of the people and their political
participation?
Table 4.2.2a
Percentage analysis of questionnaire
item 2
|
Questionnaire
item no2
|
Responses
pattern (N=100)
|
Total
|
||||
|
People
love to participate in politics though they cannot read or write
|
ST.
AG
|
AG
|
UD
|
DA
|
ST.DA
|
|
|
|
48
|
20
|
-
|
18
|
14
|
100
|
|
|
48%
|
20%
|
0%
|
18%
|
14%
|
100%
|
The analysis above shows that 48% and
20% respondents strongly agreed and agreed respectively, 18% and 14%
respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed with the statement that people
love to participate in politics though they cannot read or write while non was
undecided.
Table 4.2.2b
Percentage analysis of questionnaire
item 4
|
Questionnaire
item 3
|
Responses
pattern (N=100)
|
Total
|
||||
|
Level
of education does not hinder people from participating in politics.
|
ST.
AG
|
AG
|
UD
|
DA
|
ST.DA
|
|
|
|
16
|
10
|
2
|
42
|
30
|
100
|
|
|
16%%
|
10%
|
2%
|
42%
|
30%
|
100%
|
The table above shows that only 16%
and 105 respondents strongly agreed and agreed respectively, while 42%
respondents and 30% respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed and as well
only 2% undecided with the statement.
Table 4.2.2c
Percentage analysis of questionnaire
item 6
|
Questionnaire
item 4
|
Responses
pattern (N=100)
|
Total
|
||||
|
Most
of elected officials in Ukum perform very well because they are educated
|
ST.
AG
|
AG
|
UD
|
DA
|
ST.DA
|
|
|
|
12
|
7
|
-
|
51
|
30
|
100
|
|
|
128%
|
7%
|
0%
|
51%
|
30%
|
100%
|
The table above indicates that 12%
and 7% respondents strongly agreed and disagreed respectively and 51%
respondents disagreed, 30% respondents strongly disagreed with the statement
that most of the elected officials in Ukum local government performs very well
because they are educated, while non was undecided.
Table 4.2.2d
Percentage of question item 8
|
Questionnaire
item 5
|
Responses
pattern (N=100)
|
Total
|
||||
|
People
cannot make correct choice because of their in-ability to read and write
|
ST.
AG
|
AG
|
UD
|
DA
|
ST.DA
|
|
|
|
20
|
17
|
-
|
40
|
23
|
100
|
|
|
20%
|
17%
|
0%
|
40%
|
23%
|
100%
|
We can observe the above table that
20% respondents strongly agreed, 17% respondents agreed and 40% respondents as
well as 23% respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed respectively, with the
statement that people cannot make correct choice because of their ability to
read and write.
Table 4.2.2e
Percentage analysis of questionnaire
item 10
|
Questionnaire
item 6
|
Responses
pattern (N=100)
|
Total
|
||||
|
People
of Ukum adequately mobilized to participate in politics
|
ST.
AG
|
AG
|
UD
|
DA
|
ST.DA
|
|
|
|
8
|
6
|
-
|
56
|
30
|
100
|
|
|
8%
|
6%
|
0%
|
56%
|
30%
|
100%
|
The above revealed that just 8% and
6% respondents strongly agreed and agreed respectively and 56% as well 30%
respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed respectively with the statement
that people of Ukum adequately mobilized to participate in politics while non
was undecided.
Table 4.2.2 f
Percentage analysis of questionnaire
item 12
|
Questionnaire
item 7
|
Responses
pattern (N=100
|
Total
|
||||
|
Poor
leadership performance affect political participation in Ukum
|
ST.
AG
|
AG
|
UD
|
DA
|
ST.DA
|
|
|
|
30
|
28
|
-
|
24
|
18
|
100
|
|
|
30%
|
28%
|
0%
|
24%
|
18%
|
100%
|
The above analysis, it can be
observed that 30% respondents strongly agreed, 28% agreed and 24% disagreed and
18% disagreed with the statement that poor leadership performance affect
political participation in Ukum, while non was undecided.
Table 4.2.2g
Percentage analysis of questionnaire
item 13
|
Questionnaire
item 8
|
Responses
pattern (N=100
|
Total
|
||||
|
I
am shamed of participating in politics because people will laugh at me
|
ST.
AG
|
AG
|
UD
|
DA
|
ST.DA
|
|
|
|
28
|
21
|
-
|
29
|
22
|
100
|
|
|
28%
|
21%
|
0%
|
29%
|
22%
|
100%
|
The table above shows that 28%
respondents, 21% respondents strongly agreed and agreed respectively, 29%
respondents and 22% respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed respectively
with the statement that I am ashamed of participating in politics because
people will laugh at me, non was undecided.
Table 4.2.2h
|
Questionnaire
item 9
|
Responses
pattern (N=100
|
Total
|
||||
|
Ukum
has a laid down plan for political education of the people
|
ST.
AG
|
AG
|
UD
|
DA
|
ST.DA
|
|
|
|
2
|
1
|
-
|
75
|
22
|
100
|
|
|
2%
|
1%
|
0%
|
75%
|
22%
|
100%
|
The above analysis indicates that
only 2% respondents strongly agreed 1% respondents agreed and 75% respondents
as well as 22% respondents disagreed and strongly disagreed with the statement
that Ukum has a laid down plan for political education of the people, non was
undecided.
4.3 DISCUSSION
The discussion of the findings is presented in two parts as
shown below.
QUESTION
This states that, does socio-economic status significantly
influence the political participation?
There were six questionnaire items which were intended to
address the question. Out of these, statement four, indicated that
socio-economic status significantly influence political participation in the
study area.
This is in total disagreement with Owochio (1990) when he
said politics is considered a commercial venture from where projects are
expected rather than a call to service of one’s nation.
QUESTION TWO
This question state thus: does illiteracy have significant
influence on the political socialization of the people and their political
participation? In this question too there were eight questionnaire items which
were intended to address it. Six statements suggest that illiteracy
significantly influenced political participation in the area under study, while
only two statements tends to agree with this question.
This clearly agrees with Omolewa (1981) when he said
illiteracy rate in Nigeria is currently about 80% of the total population,
illiteracy is a scourge on earth it reduces human dignity and is a violation of
the social justice.
Most of the respondents do not participate in politics
because they can neither read nor write. The elected officials perform
abysmally low due to the low level or lack literacy and lack adequate mobilization and interest. All over the, it is
realized that illiteracy is an obstacle to development and Ukum is not an
exception.
4.4 SUMMARY
The chapter concentrated on data analysis, interpretation as
well as discussion of findings the two questions were put to statistical
analysis. Question one was retained since four of the questionnaire statements
indicates as such. On the other hand, the second question is rejected, since
out of the eight questionnaire items, six of the questionnaire statements
suggested to that effect.
CHAPTER FIVE
SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATION
5.1 SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
It
was also revealed that illiteracy affect political participation in the kstudy
since most of the respondents were ignorant and were marginalized politically
due to lack of or low level of political consciousness, inability to read and
write as well as poor performance of elected officials.
In the general information, about
the people under the stud was put across for interest of the readers as well as
the introduction of the problem and made to understand how the population of
the people affected under the study is well over three million now.
More
so, attempts were made to explain the concept of political participation or
rather discusses political participation as was laid down by man authors and
other writers. Also, the research went ahead to review literature on why do
people participate in politics and come out with many reasons why people
participate in politics.
The
researcher stated al the strategies he employed to put this work into reality,
the researcher also stated the study area covered in gathering the data
collected. In the data collected, information were fully analysed and
interpreted, the researcher tried to put the information in a clear way to be
fully understood by interested readers. Frequent responses and percentage
proportion ability among politicians were analysed using tables.
The
research questions used in the work asked below:
- Is
it true that people do not take part in politics because they are not rich?
- Do
people still need to be convinced before they can participate in politics?
The result of analysis shows that:
-
Lack
of money is the reason for not participating in politics.
-
Poor
knowledge about politics affects political participation
In the
course of data collection, I was informed that there were no politician who
would keep the spirit of politicking into the younger generation
It was in
view of this that the study hoped to make certain conclusion, recommendation
and summary to remedy the situation, if politicians are to enjoy the status of
politics.
5.2 CONCLUSION
From
the above analysis of data, the researcher has come out with the following
conclusions. That the low turnout of voters during elections is largely due to
high incidence of illiteracy among the populace.
That
political aparthy which is another characteristics of the people that causes
poor political participation is as a result of illiteracy. That many of the
adult population are or show no interest in political activities due to poor or
total lack of mobilization.
That
most of the elected officials performs abysmally low as a result of lack of or
low level of education which in turn discourage participation.
That
the negligence of the rural masses|electorates after winning
elections couses ineffective political participation in subsequent elections.
5.3 RECOMMENDATION
As political participation
over the years has been poor, ineffective and low, I therefore make the
following recommendations.
The government should wage a
strong war against illiteracy and or give the needed political will to the
existing kadult literacy programmes. Adult education should be given a boast
with much concentration in the rural area, because 60% of illiterates live in
the rural area with 10% of these been women.
The recent universal Basic
Education (UBE) programmed is a stop not only in the right direction but in the
best interest of the populace because the beneficent of such kind gestures
shall find themselves in center of political activities of their time.
Leaders should endeavour to
consider the plight of the electorate who have entrusted their rights and
mandate to them when voted into office. This will go a long way in motivating
and sustaining political participation in Nigeria and Benue state in general
and ukum in particular.
The independent national
Electoral commission and political parties should have a designed programme for
political mobilization of the electorate and members to adequately involve them
in the scheme of things right from the beginning rather than taking them
unaware.
Finally, the enabling law
that provide penalty for election malpractice should be empowered and enforced
irrespective of who is involved.
REFERENCES
Appadorai A (1982) the substance of politics; London, Oxford
University press.
Cambell, A (1992) the politics in under-developed nations
New York press
Cris W.O (2003) fine next time. An article published in news
watch.
INEC (2003) training lectures for the presiding officers in
Katsina-Ala.
Local information unit (2003) this is Ukum local government.
An information hand book on
Ukum local government at “Benue 2003 trade fair”.
Gana J (1981) the meaning and objective of social
mobilization MAMSER hand book
Ntia U.N (2004) a guide to project designing and education
from Dimension of adult education,
Okeba press limited Calabar.
Omolewa (1981) adult education practice in Nigeria, evans
brothers Nigeria limited.
Owchio (1990) the unseen hand in political thurgry. Article
published in the voice news paper.
Prince J.H (1995) comparative government, London Hutchison
and co-publisher limited.
Tarnande T (2001) introduction to political science II
unpublished.
APPENDIX
Department
of Political Science
Gboko
College of Education Gboko
QUESTIONNAIRE
The questionnaire is intended to find out the EFFECT OF
ILLITERACY ON POLITICAL PARTICIPATION IN BENUE STATE, A CASE STUDY OF UKUM
LOCAL GOVERNMENT.
I shall therefore be very grateful if you could respond as
honest as you can to the statement below. All responses will be treated as
confidential and used only for research purposes.
SECTION “A”
Sex………………………………………………………………..
Age………………………………………………………………...
Educational level……………………………………………
Ward……………………………………………………………..
SECTION “B”
Please read each item carefully and tick appropriately
ST. AG = strongly agree
AG = agree
UN = undecided
DA = disagree
ST.DA = strongly disagree
|
S/No
|
Items
|
ST.AG
|
AG
|
UD
|
DA
|
ST.DA
|
|
1
|
I do not take part in
politics because I am not rich
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
2
|
People love to
participate in politics though they cannot read and write
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
3
|
Lack of money is not
the reason for my not participating in politics
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
4
|
Level of education does
not hinder people from participating in politics
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
5
|
I still need to be convinced
before I can participate in politics
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
6
|
More of the elected officials
in Ukum perform very well because they are educated
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
7
|
Poor people are not
considered in politics of Ukum
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
8
|
People cannot make a
correct choice of their inability
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
9
|
Politics in Ukum is
characterized by violence
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
10
|
People in Ukum are
adequately mobilized to participate in politics
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
11
|
There is no gain
participating in politics in Ukum
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
12
|
Poor leadership
performance affect political participation
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13
|
I am ashamed of
participating in politics because people will laugh at them
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
14
|
Ukum has laid down plan
for political education
|
|
|
|
|
|
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