Nigerian Peoples and Culture

At the end of the course students should be able to: 1. analyse the historical foundation of the Nigerian culture and arts in pre-colonial times; 2. list and identify the major linguistic groups in Nigeria; 3. explain the gradual evolution of Nigeria as a political unit; 4. analyse the concepts of Trade, Economic and Self-reliance status of the Nigerian peoples towards national development; 5. enumerate the challenges of the Nigerian State towards Nation building; 6. analyse the role of the Judiciary in upholding people’s fundamental rights; 7. identify acceptable norms and values of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria; and 8. list and suggest possible solutions to identifiable Nigerian environmental, moral and value problems.

Nigerian history, culture and art up to 1800 (Yoruba, Hausa and Igbo peoples and culture; peoples and culture of the ethnic minority 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 movements and struggle for independence). Nigeria and challenges of nation building (military intervention in Nigerian politics; Nigerian Civil War). Concept of trade and economics of self-reliance (indigenous trade and market system; indigenous apprenticeship system among Nigeria people; trade, skill acquisition and self-reliance). Social justices and national development (law definition and classification. Judiciary and fundamental rights. Individual, norms and values (basic Nigeria 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 (WAI), 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.