SOCIOLOGICAL ANALYSIS OF PARENTS RELIGIOUS BELIEFS AND ATTITUDES TOWARD WESTERN EDUCATION IN SOKOTO STATE NIGERIA

This study examined the influence of parental religious beliefs and attitudes toward Western education in selected communities in Dange-Shuni Local Government of Sokoto State, Nigeria. The study employed a mixed-method research design, which combined both quantitative and qualitative data collection modes. The population of the study comprised teachers and parents from selected communities of Dange-shuni Local Government with a sample of 118 teachers and 20 parents using purposive sampling technique. Data were gathered using questionnaires for teachers and in-depth interviews for parents. The instruments were pre-tested for validity through expert reviews and pilot testing for content validity, while Cronbach's alpha coefficient was used to test reliability, yielding a coefficient of 0.67. The study utilized descriptive statistics (mean scores, percentages) for the quantitative data and thematic analysis for the qualitative data, to identify key themes and patterns. Findings revealed that parental attitudes toward Western education are largely shaped by religious concerns, with many parents perceiving it as incompatible with Islamic values. The study recommends that educational interventions in such communities should incorporate religious leaders and integrate Islamic teachings within the formal school system to enhance parental support and participation in education.