From Theory to Practice: Social Sciences in Nigeria's Policy Development and Execution

Effective policy formulation and implementation are the cornerstones of good governance and societal development, which require a deep understanding of human behavior, social structures, and the intricate dynamics that shape societies, enabling policymakers to design interventions that address the diverse needs of populations. This paper explores the significant role of social sciences in the policy formulation and implementation. This study also explores the contributions of different social science disciplines such as sociology, political science, economics, psychology and anthropology, to various phases of the policy process. By examining case studies and theoretical frameworks, the paper revealed how social sciences contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of effective public policies. Furthermore, the paper addresses the potential challenges in integrating social science research into policy and suggests among others, that government should include social science education in the mainstream of civil service training.