Nigerian Peoples and Cultures

At the end of this course, students should be able to: 1. analyse the historical foundation of Nigerian cultures and arts in pre-colonial times; 2. identify and list the major linguistic groups in Nigeria; 3. explain the gradual evolution of Nigeria as a political entity; 4. analyse the concepts of trade and economic self-reliance of Nigerian peoples in relation to national development; 5. enumerate the challenges of the Nigerian state regarding nation building; 6. analyse the role of the judiciary in upholding fundamental human rights 7. identify the acceptable norms and values of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria; and 8. list possible solutions to identifiable Nigerian environmental, moral and value problems.

Nigerian history, culture and art up to 1800 (Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo peoples and cultures; peoples and cultures of the minority ethnic groups). Nigeria under colonial rule (advent of colonial rule in Nigeria; colonial administration of Nigeria). Evolution of Nigeria as a political unit (amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914; formation of political parties in Nigeria; nationalist movement and struggle for independence). Nigeria and challenges of nation building (military intervention in Nigerian politics; Nigerian Civil War). Concepts of trade and economics of self- reliance (indigenous trade and market system; indigenous apprenticeship system among Nigerian peoples; trade, skill acquisition and self-reliance). Social justice and national development (definition and classification of law); Judiciary and fundamental rights. Individuals, norms and values (basic Nigerian norms and values, patterns of citizenship acquisition; citizenship and civic responsibilities; indigenous languages, usage and development; negative attitudes and conducts [Cultism, kidnapping and other related social vices]). Re-orientation, moral and national values (The 3Rs – Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Re-orientation; re-orientation strategies: Operation Feed the Nation (OFN), Green Revolution, Austerity Measures, War Against Indiscipline and Corruption (WAIC) Mass Mobilization for Self-Reliance, Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER), National Orientation Agency (NOA). Current socio-political and cultural developments in Nigeria.