The main objective of this paper is to identify the strategies needed for the reorganisation of social sciences as effective tools for national transformation with reference to social sciences literature.
Social science literature is fundamental to national development as it is a common tool used by policy makers to propel the development of society’s advancement. It is the discipline that is part of the development mechanism and assumes detachment to study society so as to redesign the route towards national transformation. However, many nations worldwide failed to recognise the importance of social sciences in the transformation process even though they are the critical elements for national transformation.
The importance of social science literature is evident from the activities of research institutes for the purpose of societal advancement. For example, the consultancy arm of the African Regional Center for Information (ARCIS) at the University of Ibadan is the center for consolidating information for several government agencies and companies in Africa; while the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi (FIIRO) is responsible for conducting social science research for the purpose of both national and industrial transformation. Concurrently, in universities, there are research institutes such as the Nigerian Institute for Social and Economic Research (NISER) in the University of Ibadan; Economic Development Institute Unit, and the Human Resources Research Unit in University of Lagos; the Institute for Governance and Development in Ambrose Ali University, Ekpoma; and Institute of African Studies in University around the world. These institutes are responsible for conducting research on specific socio-political, cultural, economic, and educational issues. The literature generated from such researches serve as unquestionable component for national transformation.
Social science literature have contributed to the establishment of political awareness which has led to the mass participation in democratic process, particularly in the involvement of civic duties. It has also helped in the promotion of political skills and capabilities and in advancement of political culture, good governance, political structure and appreciation. These are scholarly literature that can be used as point of reference for government activities, programmes and policies.
Today, many countries are culturally heterogeneous and social science literature serves as a credible scholarly medium for disclosing cultural information and hence is mechanism for horizontal and vertical cultural integration.
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