1.       Course Objectives

The objectives of the course are to:

1.       Describe Nigeria's Cultural Heritage.

2.       Explain the events leading to colonial rule and its administrative structures.

3.       Examine the formation of political parties, the nationalist movement, and their roles in achieving independence

4.       Discuss the factors that led to military intervention in Nigerian politics and the Nigerian Civil War.

5.       Describe Nigeria’s traditional trade systems and the indigenous apprenticeship models.

6.       Assess the role of indigenous economic practices in promoting self-reliance and skill acquisition.

7.       Define social justice and outline Nigeria’s legal framework for protecting fundamental rights.

8.       Analyze the societal impact of negative behaviors such as cultism and kidnapping.

9.       Outline Nigeria’s post-civil war re-orientation initiatives, including the 3Rs, WAI, and MAMSER.

10.    Explore ongoing challenges to national unity and development in Nigeria's current context.

2.       Overall Learning Outcomes

At the end of the course, students should be able to: 

1.          analyze 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.          analyze 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.          analyze 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

list and suggest possible solutions to identifiable Nigerian environmental, moral and value problems.

3.       Detailed Course Content

1.       Nigerian History, Culture, and Art up to 1800

§  Overview of pre-1800 Nigerian society

§  The Yoruba people: culture, art, and governance structures

§  The Hausa people: traditional leadership, culture, and economy

§  The Igbo people: socio-political organization and cultural heritage

§  Ethnic minority groups: identities, art, and cultural distinctions

2.       Nigeria Under Colonial Rule

§  The advent of colonial rule in Nigeria

§  Phases of colonial expansion and impact on indigenous systems

§  Colonial administration: policies, systems, and divisions

3.       Evolution of Nigeria as a Political Unit

§  Amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914: causes and effects

§  Formation of political parties and early nationalist movements

§  Nationalist struggles leading to Nigerian Independence

4.       Challenges of Nation Building in Post-Independence Nigeria

§  Military interventions and the cycle of coups

§  Nigerian Civil War: causes, key events, and impacts

§  Post-war challenges and implications for nation-building

5.       Indigenous Trade and Economics of Self-Reliance

§  Traditional trade and market systems

§  Indigenous apprenticeship and skill-acquisition models

§  Trade, skill-building, and economic independence

6.       Social Justice and National Development

§  Definition and classification of law in Nigeria

§  The role of the judiciary and enforcement of fundamental rights

7.       Individual Norms, Values, and Civic Responsibilities

§  Basic Nigerian norms, values, and citizenship models

§  Citizenship acquisition and civic duties

§  Indigenous languages and their role in identity and social cohesion

§  Examination of negative societal attitudes: cultism, kidnapping, and social vices

8.       Re-orientation, Moral, and National Values

§   The "3Rs" of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation, and Re-orientation post-Civil War

§   Key re-orientation strategies: Operation Feed the Nation, Green Revolution, Austerity Measures, War Against Indiscipline, WAIC, MAMSER, and NOA

9.       Current Socio-Political and Cultural Developments in Nigeria

§   Contemporary political developments

§   Current cultural shifts and their socio-political implications

§   Discussion on national unity, economic challenges, and evolving cultural identities in Nigeria today

4.       Teaching/Learning Methods

a.    Lecturers

b.    Presentations

5.       Modes of Assessment

a.    Class attendance and participation 5%

b.    Two assignments 20%

c.     Mid semester examination 20%

d.    Final examination 55%

6.       Reading List/References

Primary Texts

1.       Ajayi, J. F. A., & Smith, R. (2019). Yoruba Warfare in the Nineteenth Century. Cambridge University Press.

2.       Falola, T. (2020). A History of Nigeria. Cambridge University Press.

3.       Nzemeke, A. D., & Erhagbe, E. O. (2018). Nigerian Peoples and Culture. University of Benin Press.

Supplementary Texts

4.       Isichei, E. (2019). A History of African Societies to 1870. Cambridge University Press.

5.       Babatunde, S. T., & Adeoye, A. A. (2021). Culture and Communication in Nigeria. Ibadan University Press.

6.       Olayemi, A. O. (2020). Understanding Nigerian Culture and Society. Africana Educational Publishers.

Additional Resources

7.       Cole, H. M. (2018). The Arts of Nigeria in the Collection of the Museum of Modern Art. MoMA Publications.

8.       Falola, T., & Heaton, M. M. (2019). A History of Nigeria’s Diverse Peoples. Indiana University Press.

9.       Mazrui, A. A. (2018). Cultural Engineering and Nation-Building in Nigeria. Northwestern University Press.

10.    Eliot, T. S. (2017). Cultural Heritage and Social Integration: A Nigerian Perspective. Lagos University Press.