Africa Polling Institute, with support from Ford Foundation, is carrying out a 2nd round of its Study on Social Cohesion in Nigeria. In 2019, API conducted the first major study on Social Cohesion in Nigeria tagged the – Nigeria Social Cohesion Survey (NSCS2019). The survey found that there was evidently a broken social contract between the government and Citizens, as it highlighted the depletion of trust amongst Nigerians from various ethnic groups and religious affiliations; as well as an overarching sense of social exclusion felt by many Citizens. About 70% of the survey’s respondents were of the opinion that the laws of the country do not apply to everyone equally, as there are certain persons above the law. Also, 65% felt that the government was not doing enough to promote a sense of inclusion for all ethnic groups, and 45% thought that Nigeria was much more divided in 2019 than it was 5 years ago (in 2015).

Nigeria is not a Socially Cohesive country: More needs to be done to promote Trust, Equity, Inclusion and Hope – New API Survey

Nonetheless, these opinions were found to vary significantly across the geopolitical regions of the country. Based on this, API with support from Ford Foundation is embarking on a 2nd round of this study to widen the focus and scope of social cohesion in Nigeria. The objective of this project is to measure and track the degree of Social Cohesion in Nigeria and importantly to proffer insightful guide into public policy formulation which will help strengthen Social Cohesion in Nigeria. In view
of the above, API is opening an expression of interest to recruit short term Social Cohesion Research Fellows, with Doctorate Degree with an in-depth understanding of the dynamics of social cohesion in Nigeria. Candidates should be preferably from Nigerian Public Tertiary Institutions, with research experience in Social Cohesion, Impunity, Social Exclusion, Natural Resource Governance and Gender. Candidates would be required to work remotely, with minimal travel. This project offers Academics and
Researchers within Nigerian Public Tertiary Institutions, an opportunity to enhance their research capacity, especially in the area of engaging in rigorous policy-oriented research. Women are particularly encouraged to apply for this position.

About Africa Polling Institute

Africa Polling Institute (API) is an independent, non-profit and non-partisan opinion research think-tank, which conducts opinion polls, surveys, social research, evaluation studies at the intersection of democracy, governance, economy, markets and public life. Our main objective is to produce and disseminate credible opinion research data to support better decisions, public policy, practice
and advocacy in sub-Saharan Africa. We were established on the belief that citizens’ participation in democratic governance can deepen the democratic process, strengthen public institutions and promote social inclusion and cohesion across Africa.