Bridging the Gap Between Political Theory and the Reality on Ground
By Oluwasegun Aina
In Nigerian Higher Institutions classrooms, Political Science as a course is taught with references to the constitution, democratic principles and governance models from around the world.
Students learn about transparency, free and fair elections, separation of powers and policies designed for the good of the people.
However, the politics played in the Nigeria political space is often a different story. In the real world, decisions are driven more by personal interest, political bargaining, ethnicity, religion and money influence than by the ideals found in textbooks. Party loyalty can shift overnight, campaign promises may be abandoned, and laws are sometimes applied selectively.
This disconnect raises a serious question: Are we preparing our young ones for the politics of theory or for the politics of reality? Many graduates of Political Science discover too late that the classroom does not equip them with the survival skills for Nigeria’s political terrain.
As a result, career politicians with no formal political science background often outshine them in strategy, networking and grassroots mobilization.
It is time for a rethink. Universities must reform their curriculum to include real-life political engagement, grassroots communication, negotiation and conflict resolution.
Students should be exposed to the realities of political structures, campaign management, and public relations before they graduate.
Political theory is important it provides the moral and legal framework. But without the practical tools to navigate Nigeria’s unique political climate, graduates will continue to be spectators in a game they ought to shape.
Bridging this gap is the only way to produce leaders who understand both the ideals of governance and the realities of our society.
Aina Oluwasegun writes from Ado–Ekiti.
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