The executive director, Electoral College Nigeria (ECN), Kunle Lawal, has said the electoral college plays a crucial role in addressing political literacy in Nigeria.
Lawal, in a statement made available to journalists in Abuja, said in the heart of Nigeria’s democratic landscape lies a profound challenge – political illiteracy – saying despite decades of independence and numerous election cycles, a significant portion of the populace remains unaware of the intricacies of governance and the responsibilities of elected officials.
“This gap in knowledge not only hinders the effective functioning of our democracy but also perpetuates a cycle of unfulfilled promises and misguided expectations.
“Political illiteracy manifests in various forms. Many voters are unable to distinguish between the roles and responsibilities of different political offices, leading to misplaced expectations and accountability. Candidates, on their part, often exploit this ignorance by making promises that lie outside the jurisdiction of the office they seek. The result is a disillusioned electorate and a political environment rife with confusion and mistrust,” he noted.
Recognising the urgent need to address the issue, the ECN was established with a clear mission to bridge the gap in political knowledge and foster a more informed and engaged citizenry.
“Our approach is multifaceted, combining education, engagement, and empowerment to create a lasting impact.
“At the core of our efforts is a robust educational framework consisting of 27 modules that cover all aspects of politics and governance. These modules are designed to provide comprehensive insights into the workings of government, the electoral process, and the rights and responsibilities of citizens. By demystifying these concepts, we empower individuals to make informed decisions and hold their leaders accountable,” Lawal explained.
To address political illiteracy effectively, Lawal added; “the Electoral College Nigeria employs several key strategies: Debates for Political Candidates, We organize debates for candidates to articulate their policies and respond to critical questions. These debates prevent candidates from making unrealistic promises and help voters understand the true scope of what their elected officials can achieve. This initiative ensures that both candidates and voters are aware of the specific roles and limitations of various political offices.”
Speaking on education module, he said: “Our comprehensive 27-module curriculum covers every aspect of politics and governance. These modules are designed to equip participants with a deep understanding of political processes, the structure of government, and the responsibilities of different political offices. This knowledge base is crucial for developing an informed electorate that can engage meaningfully in the democratic process.
“Cohort-Based Learning: We have successfully implemented a cohort-based learning system, with our 15th cohort soon to be launched. Each cohort consists of individuals from diverse backgrounds, united by a commitment to enhancing their political literacy. This collaborative learning environment fosters peer-to-peer education and broadens participants’ perspectives on governance and politics.
“Community Engagement and Outreach: We actively engage with communities through workshops, seminars, and public forums. These outreach efforts bring our educational programs to a wider audience, ensuring that even those who cannot participate in our cohorts directly benefit from our resources and expertise.
“Public Awareness Campaigns; We conduct targeted public awareness campaigns to highlight the importance of political literacy. These campaigns utilize various media platforms to reach a broad audience, emphasizing the need for informed voting and active civic participation.”
Lawal further stressed, “By focusing on these strategies, the Electoral College Nigeria plays a pivotal role in addressing political illiteracy and fostering a more informed and engaged electorate. The impact of our efforts is evident. Graduates of the Electoral College Nigeria have gone on to become active participants in the political process, whether as informed voters, advocates, or even candidates themselves. Their enhanced understanding of governance and political processes translates into more meaningful engagement and a stronger democracy.
“However, the journey is far from over, as addressing political illiteracy is a continuous process that requires sustained effort and collaboration. We call on all stakeholders—educational institutions, civil society organizations, the media, and the government—to join us in this critical endeavor. By working together, we can build a more informed electorate and, consequently, a more robust and responsive democracy.”
Lawal concluded saying that, “political illiteracy is a formidable challenge, but it is not insurmountable. Through the dedicated efforts of organizations like the Electoral College Nigeria, we can make significant strides in educating our citizens and enhancing our democratic processes. It is a mission that demands our collective commitment and action, for the future of our nation depends on it.”
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