Twentieth International Conference on Diversity in Organizations, Communities & Nations

Abstract

The idea of integrating several units in Nigeria was informed by the British, who for the purpose of administration lumped together people of different cultures, religions, and socio-political settings. Unfortunately, rather than unite the over 400 ethnic nationalities in Nigeria, it has been the major cause of division, leading to a bloody civil war (1967-70) and various ethno-religious conflicts in post-civil war era up to 2016. While efforts have been made by scholars to explore the problems of national integration in Nigeria, very few have done so within the purview of nation building. This paper therefore historicizes Nigeria’s plural character; and how resource control, religion, and intra-national politics have posed a threat to Nigeria’s national integration since 1960. Historical research method was employed to identify integrative mechanisms such as the amalgamation of 1914, Nigerianisation policy, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), establishment of unity schools, the principle of federal character, adoption of a national language and establishment of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT, Abuja); and how each program has further divided the country due to poor implementation. Data collected indicates that Nigerians have experienced a mixed history of nation building. In the end, it was recommended that those in the realm of governance and the governed should adopt sustainable integrative mechanism that can build the nation rather than disintegrate it.