This text deals with the historical intrigues, socio-economic cleavages, crime and public safety and other aspects of the nation-building of the country of Nigeria.
The question of Nigeria's failed attempt at nation-building is that of a full moon; clear enough even for a hypocritical sight. A critical examination of Nigeria over five decades of independence, suggests that Nigeria is still comfortably seated in the woods. Even as we move into the 21st Century, in this age of globalization, it seems to be gravitating around a peripheral approach to nation building.
With successive government and its people gracefully "enjoying" a utopian construct of the Nigerian "Great Nation", corruption, social disturbances and insecurity, unemployment and underemployment, endemic intergroup conflict, health hazard, constitutional challenge, weak educational system and structures, "gender gap", civic pride and fake living, malfunctioned transportation, political deceit, secessionist threat, pawn status and so forth continues to outplay nation building attempts.
There is optimism however, of a realistic construct of this ideal.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Prelude to Nigeria's ‘Political Independence': Interplay of Ethnic Arithmetic
- Imperatives for Nation-Building
- Independent Nigeria and Nation Building: Gravitating Around the Periphery
- Historical Intrigues
- Widespread 'Institutionalized' Corruption
- Socio-Economic Cleavages
- Crime and Public Safety
- Political Hypocrisy
- Constitutional Imbalances
- Conclusion
Objectives and Key Themes
This work seeks to critically examine the challenges and complexities surrounding Nigeria's nation-building efforts over the past five decades. It explores the historical, political, and socio-economic factors that have contributed to the country's continued struggles in achieving a unified and cohesive nation.
- The role of ethnic divisions and colonial legacies in shaping Nigeria's political landscape.
- The impact of widespread corruption on institutions and the social fabric of the nation.
- The challenges posed by economic disparities, social cleavages, and security threats to nation-building efforts.
- The influence of political hypocrisy and constitutional imbalances on national development.
- The persistence of regionalism and its implications for a shared sense of national identity.
Chapter Summaries
The introduction sets the stage for the work by highlighting the persistent challenges facing Nigeria in its journey towards nation-building. It explores the complexities of achieving national unity amidst a backdrop of widespread corruption, social unrest, and institutional weaknesses.
The chapter titled "Prelude to Nigeria's ‘Political Independence': Interplay of Ethnic Arithmetic" delves into the historical context of Nigeria's independence, exploring the ethnic divisions that have long characterized the country. The chapter examines the role of colonialism in shaping these divisions and the subsequent impact on the formation of the Nigerian state.
The chapter "Imperatives for Nation-Building" examines the conceptual framework of nation-building, outlining the essential elements and processes involved in creating a unified and cohesive national identity. It discusses the importance of strong institutions, shared values, and a sense of collective purpose.
The chapter "Independent Nigeria and Nation Building: Gravitating Around the Periphery" explores the challenges and setbacks that have characterized Nigeria's nation-building efforts since independence. It examines the role of historical legacies, corruption, socio-economic disparities, and political instability in hindering the country's progress towards national unity.
The chapter "Historical Intrigues" delves further into the historical legacy of colonial rule and its enduring impact on Nigeria's national identity. It explores the challenges of overcoming regionalism, prejudice, and the lack of a unifying national figure.
The chapter "Widespread 'Institutionalized' Corruption" examines the pervasive nature of corruption in Nigeria and its detrimental effects on all facets of society. It discusses the systemic nature of corruption and its impact on economic development, social trust, and political stability.
Keywords
Nation-building, Nigeria, Ethnic divisions, Colonial legacy, Corruption, Socio-economic cleavages, Political hypocrisy, Constitutional imbalances, Regionalism, National identity, Historical legacies, Institutional weaknesses, Security threats, Social unrest, Economic disparities.
- Citar trabajo
- Mr. Afeez Tope Raji (Autor), 2016, The Paradox of Nation-Building in Nigeria. Nigeria's Strife and Strivings up to 2016, Múnich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/470209
