Influence of political knowledge on the perceptions of Bauchi state civil servants towards Nigerian federalism
Federalism is a political structure that allows states to unite under a central government to maintain a measure of independence and interdependence. However, in Nigeria, the renewed calls and agitations from diverse sectors for the restructuring of Nigerian federalism has over the years been cha...
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English English |
| Published: |
2022
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/112777/1/112777%20%28UPM%29.pdf |
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| Summary: | Federalism is a political structure that allows states to unite under a central government
to maintain a measure of independence and interdependence. However, in Nigeria, the
renewed calls and agitations from diverse sectors for the restructuring of Nigerian
federalism has over the years been characterized by numerous inconsistencies and
tensions. This further aggravates the fragile unity, peace and political stability of the
country. This study was designed to determine the influence of political knowledge on
the perceptions of Bauchi state civil servants towards Nigerian federalism. Specifically,
the study was conducted to determine the level of political knowledge amongst Bauchi
state civil servants and identify the civil servant’s perception on Nigerian federalism, as
well as examine the relationship between political knowledge and civil servant’s
perception on Nigerian federalism among Bauchi state civil servants. The study further
examines most influence of political knowledge factors on the civil servant's perceptions
on Nigerian federalism amongst Bauchi state civil servants. The political theory of
federalism was used to guide the research process of this current study. In order to
achieve the research objectives, the study employed quantitative approach based on
survey design. A total of 396 respondents were selected through stratified sampling
technique from the accessible civil servant’s population of 96,728 from Bauchi State of
Nigeria. Data was collected using a questionnaire. Descriptive statistics such as
frequency range and percentages while inferential statistics such as correlation, factor
analysis and multiple regressions was used to analyse the data. The study results from
the descriptive analysis revealed that the respondents have indicated a high level of
political structural knowledge, high level of political factual knowledge and high level
of overall political knowledge. Furthermore, the result shows that civil servants in Bauchi
state have high level of perception on federalism. The result also shows that there is a
significant correlation (p<.000) between political structural knowledge, political factual
knowledge as well as overall political knowledge with civil servant’s perception of
federalism. The research unveils that, political structural knowledge has a positive and
significant influence (p<.000) on respondents’ perception of federalism in Nigeria, with
coefficient, weight value of 0.130 and statistically significant at 1% confidence level
while political factual knowledge has significant and positive influence (p<.000) on civil
servant’sssss perception of Nigerian federalism, with coefficient weight value of 0.500
and statistically significant at 1% confidence level. The findings implies that the higher
the political factual knowledge and political structural knowledge, the higher the
likelihood of respondent to exhibit good perception about Nigerian federalism. The
results of the hypothesis were all supported. However, this study has expanded the body
of knowledge in the area of federalism by using political knowledge construct to
examine the level of perception of the civil servants regarding Nigerian federalism which
can be used in theory development and further debates, as many researches pertaining to
political knowledge were basically related to democracy and not federalism. Therefore,
the research unveils the importance and most influential political knowledge factors
related to Nigerian federalism among the civil servants. Hence, it is recommended that
government to design an enlightenment program targeting other civil servants and other
population in Bauchi state in order to educate them and enhance their understanding and
perception about Nigerian federalism. |
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