Contribution of subnationalism to nation building in nigeria. (political science project topics and materials)

Project Abstract

Subnationalism plays a significant role in the process of nation building in Nigeria. This research project aims to examine the contribution of subnationalism to nation building in Nigeria, focusing on how subnational identities interact with the national identity to shape the overall process of nation building. The study will explore the various dimensions of subnationalism in Nigeria, including regional, ethnic, religious, and cultural identities, and their impact on nation building efforts. The research will utilize a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods to analyze the role of subnationalism in Nigeria's nation building process. This will involve conducting interviews, surveys, and content analysis of relevant literature to gain a comprehensive understanding of how subnational identities influence national identity formation and integration. One of the key objectives of the study is to assess the extent to which subnationalism promotes or hinders nation building in Nigeria. By examining the relationship between subnational identities and national identity, the research will shed light on how these dynamics affect state cohesion, political stability, and socio-economic development in the country. Furthermore, the study will investigate the role of government policies and institutions in managing subnational identities to foster national unity and integration. This will involve analyzing the effectiveness of decentralization policies, power-sharing arrangements, and conflict resolution mechanisms in accommodating diverse subnational interests within the Nigerian state. The findings of this research project are expected to provide valuable insights into the complex interplay between subnationalism and nation building in Nigeria. By understanding the drivers of subnational identities and their impact on national cohesion, policymakers can develop more effective strategies to promote unity and diversity within the country. In conclusion, this research project will contribute to the existing literature on nation building and subnationalism in Nigeria by providing a detailed analysis of how subnational identities influence the process of building a cohesive national identity. By exploring the complexities of subnationalism in Nigeria, the study aims to offer practical recommendations for policymakers to enhance state cohesion and promote sustainable development in the country.

Project Overview

<p> </p><div><p><strong>INTRODUCTION</strong></p><p><strong>1:1 Background to the Study</strong></p><p>Subnationalism in Nigeria is as old as the country and stems from the character of the Nigerian state which cannot be dissociated from the role the colonialists played in the creation of the country. Before the intrusion of the British into what is now known as Nigeria, the various ethnic and cultural groups that make up the country existed as autonomous political entities. These entities had their own political systems, social and religious values distinct from one another (Okafor 1997). The aim of the colonialists in bringing these entities together was purely for exploitation of capital. To facilitate this, they employed divide and rule tactics so as to consolidate and preserve British foothold with little interest in the social, economic or political development of the country or its people (Asia 2001).</p><p>Consequently, British colonial policies, were not tailored to foster unity among the disparate groups that constitute Nigeria, rather it was intended to exploit the varied differences, create distrusts, suspicions and cleavages among them (Uzoigwe 1996). The entrenchment of these differences and competition among the ethnic groups to control the soul of the Nigerian state led to several violent confrontations between them prior to the country’s independence (Okafor 1997). The post-colonial regimes that succeeded the colonialists, instead of carrying out comprehensive reforms of the Nigerian state so as to reduce subnationalism, had largely continued the pattern of the receded colonialists (Adejumobi 2002). These successive post independence regimes failed to initiate far-reaching policy measures to coalesce ethnic differences into positive ventures that could create a pan Nigerian identity. Instead, most of the policies undertaken were rather aimed at suppressing ethnic consciousness and minimize the challenge it poses to the legitimacy of the state or the authority of the incumbent regime. The result of this is the heightened hegemonic contest for power at the centre by the ethnic groups that make up Nigeria.</p><p>This competition for ethnic domination has over the years, assumed varying forms in the politics of Nigeria. At one time or the other, the ethnic groups that are disadvantaged in this game have either attempted secession or had threatened to secede from the country. For instance, the attempt of the Igbo dominated former Eastern Region to transform into the Republic of Biafra between 1967 to 1970 was crushed by the Federal government, thus consigning that ambition to history. But since the end of that war, the Igbo who used to be part of the tripod on which the Nigerian state was established has been crying of marginalization and exclusion from full integration into the Nigerian society (Nnoli 2008). In the Niger Delta region, the minority ethnic groups perceive themselves as second class citizens of Nigeria, and have been crying out for recognition (Osaghae 1995, Ikelegbe 2001). This cry for recognition preceded the country’s independence, but the Ogoni uprising of the 1990s gave impetus and fillip to the agitations in that region and from which other groups have taken cue from. The same applies to the Yoruba where perception of injustice against the group, stems from the annulment of the presidential election held in June 1993, which was widely believed to have been won by a Yoruba man in the person of Chief Moshood Abiola. The natural effect of all these developments is the emergence of groups as offshoots of these perceptions of marginalization portraying their activities as attempts to redress the marginalization of their particular ethnic group.</p><p></p></div><h3></h3><br> <br><p></p>