Course Objectives

The objectives of this course are to:

  1. Examine the emergence of new states following the UN Declaration in support of self-determination.
  2. Understand the focus of new states on self-reliant economic development to reduce dependence on developed nations.
  3. Appreciate the efforts of new states to establish mutually beneficial trade relations with both developed and developing nations.
  4. Analyze the creation of the colony of Lagos, and the Northern and Southern Protectorates by the British.
  5. Discuss the essence and significance of Nigeria's amalgamation in 1914.
  6. Outline the series of constitutional developments that led to Nigeria's granting of independence in 1960.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  1. State the emergence of many new states following the 1948 UN declaration in support of self-determination.
  2. Explain the preoccupation of new states with self-reliant economic development programs to reduce dependency on industrialized nations.
  3. Appreciate the economic, political, and social efforts of new states to establish mutually beneficial trade relations.
  4. Analyze the creation of the colony of Lagos and the Northern and Southern Protectorates by the British.
  5. Discuss the rationale behind the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914.
  6. Outline the constitutional developments leading to Nigeria's independence in 1960.

Detailed Course Content

The course content is organized into the following modules:

Module 1: Introduction to Nation-State Formation

  • Overview of the concept of a nation-state and the conditions necessary for its formation
  • Historical context of state formation in Africa, Asia, and Latin America
  • The role of the United Nations in the support of self-determination for new states

Module 2: The Emergence of New States Post-1948

  • The impact of the 1948 UN Declaration on self-determination
  • The dismantling of colonial empires in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East
  • Case studies of newly emerging states after World War II

Module 3: Economic Development in New States

  • Challenges faced by new states in diversifying their economies
  • The preoccupation with self-reliant economic programs to reduce dependence on former colonial powers
  • Key economic policies and development strategies in newly formed nations

Module 4: Trade Relations and Economic Independence

  • The role of trade in fostering economic growth in new states
  • Strategies for creating mutually beneficial trade relations with both developed and developing countries
  • The establishment of regional and global economic partnerships

Module 5: The Creation of Lagos and the Protectorates

  • The colonial history of Nigeria: the creation of Lagos as a colony in 1865
  • The establishment of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in the early 20th century
  • The political and economic motivations behind the British colonial strategy

Module 6: The Amalgamation of Nigeria (1914)

  • The rationale behind the amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914
  • Political, economic, and social implications of amalgamation
  • Long-term effects of the amalgamation on Nigerian governance and unity

Module 7: Constitutional Developments Leading to Independence (1960)

  • A review of the series of constitutional developments in Nigeria from the 1940s to the 1960s
  • The role of the British colonial government and Nigerian leaders in securing independence
  • The significance of the 1960 independence constitution and its impact on Nigeria's sovereignty

Teaching/Learning Methods

  • Lectures with a focus on historical and contemporary case studies
  • Group discussions on the challenges faced by new states in economic and political development
  • Video presentations on key events in the history of state formation
  • Guest lectures from experts in African and global political history

Modes of Assessment

  • Continuous Assessment (assignments, group discussions, and presentations): 30%
  • Mid-semester examination: 20%
  • Final examination: 50%

Reading List/References

Primary Texts

  1. Adebajo, A. (2002). Nigeria's Civil War: The Political Economy of Development. Palgrave Macmillan.
  2. Nkrumah, K. (1965). Neo-Colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism. Thomas Nelson & Sons Ltd.

Supplementary Texts

  1. Afigbo, A. E. (1991). The Making of Nigeria: A History of the Yoruba People. Heinemann.
  2. Olusanya, G. O. & Akinsanya, A. A. (1983). The History of Nigeria's Struggle for Independence. Longman.

Additional Resources

  1. Rodney, W. (1972). How Europe Underdeveloped Africa. Bogle-L'Ouverture Publications.
  2. The United Nations (1948). Universal Declaration of Human Rights.