Using Theatre for Development to Teach Social Media’s Impact on Nigeria’s Justice System: A Case Study at COOU Law Faculty

Abstract

Social media have continued to impact directly on various aspects of human endeavours, the law profession inclusive. This study therefore investigates the pedagogical effectiveness of stage performances in enhancing law students' comprehension of the influence of social media on the justice system. The study addressed the challenge of engaging students with complex, contemporary issues that often lack interactive teaching approaches. Adopting the constructivist learning theory which emphasizes active engagement and experiential learning, the study employed qualitative methodology which involved analysis of case study production while data were collected through participant observation and post-production feedback from Focus Group Discussions (FGDs). Findings show that stage performances can significantly improve law students' critical understanding, foster active engagement, and facilitate critical discussions on social media's role in contemporary justice processes in Nigeria while bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical understanding. By highlighting the potential of performing arts towards enrichment of legal education, the study contributes to the growing body of literature on the role of arts-based approaches in legal education while offering insight into the potential of TFD as an interdisciplinary cum multidisciplinary pedagogical tool.