ABSTRACT
The study investigated the influence of democratic values on undergraduate students’ attitude towards patriotism. To achieve the purpose of the study, three research questions were raised and answered.
The descriptive survey research method was adopted for the study. The sample size for the study was made up of one hundred and twenty (120) respondents randomly selected from eight departments in the Faculty of Education, University of Benin. Data collected from the respondents was analyzed using descriptive statistics, precisely mean and standard deviation.
The findings from the study include that there are negative and positive levels of democratic values among undergraduates. Undergraduate students display an attitude towards patriotism, which includes loyal to the country, dedication to the progress of the country, citizenship participation, pledge to the national policies and government decisions, and very concerned about the national issues or discourse. The study recommended among others that sensitization and enlightenment of citizens should be highly encouraged, religious institutions should preach patriotism to the state and also ethnic leaders should equally chant and champion the cause of loyalty to the country. Furthermore, effective citizenship education shouldn’t be limited to the curriculum of official schools. Radio shows that educate young people about democratic ideals and ideas ought to be supported to foster good citizenship. To reawaken and re-direct youth towards active participation in the development of a virile nation, youth-oriented activities had to be initiated.
