GST 112: Nigerian People and Culture Comprehensive Study Notes

Introduction and Conceptual Framework

Culture is broadly defined as the total way of life of a people, encompassing their beliefs, values, norms, customs, traditions, language, arts, laws, religion, and material traits passed down from generation to generation, as cited by Tylor (1871) and Hofstede (2001). It represents the shared knowledge and behavior characterizing a particular society or social group. Culture serves to shape how individuals perceive the world, interact with others, and make sense of their existence. Identity, conversely, refers to the qualities, beliefs, personality, appearance, and expressions defining an individual or group. Cultural identity specifically refers to a sense of belonging to a particular group or culture, often expressed through language, religion, dress, food, traditions, and collective memory. In the Nigerian context, identity is robustly tied to ethnic, linguistic, religious, and regional affiliations, reflecting a diverse heritage.

Culture is categorized into several types and forms. Material culture includes physical objects and tangible elements such as buildings, clothing, tools, and artworks, while non-material culture consists of intangible aspects like values, norms, beliefs, customs, language, and traditions. Popular culture refers to mainstream elements influenced by media and globalization, such as Nollywood films, Afrobeats music, and urban fashion in Nigeria. Folk culture remains traditional and localized, passed down orally across generations in the form of indigenous music, oral literature, folklore, and festivals. High culture is associated with the elite, comprising classical music, fine arts, and literature, whereas low culture (or popular culture) includes mass-consumed forms like dance music, street art, and local crafts. Finally, subcultures are groups within a larger culture with distinct practices (e.g., youth groups or religious sects), while countercultures actively reject dominant norms to promote alternative lifestyles.

The Nigerian Cultural Context and Major Ethnic Groups

Nigeria is a mosaic of cultural diversity, featuring over $250$ ethnic groups and more than $500$ languages spoken across six geopolitical zones. The three dominant ethnic groups are the Hausa-Fulani (North), the Yoruba (Southwest), and the Igbo (Southeast). Minority groups include the Ijaw, Tiv, Ibibio, Kanuri, Nupe, and Ebira. Traditional Nigerian society values communal living, respect for elders, and extended family systems, often embodied in proverbs, songs, and moral tales. Religion is central to identity; the North is predominantly Muslim, the South largely Christian, and many communities practice traditional African religions. Common cultural expressions include music styles like Fuji, Highlife, and Afrobeats; clothing such as the Agbada, Buba, and Isiagu; and cuisines including Jollof rice, Pounded yam, and Tuwo.

The Hausa people predominantly inhabit North-western Nigeria. Their history involves immigration, conquest, and assimilation, with a cultural unity driven by the Hausa language and Islam. They trace their lineage to Bayajida (Abu Yazid), a refugee from Baghdad who married the Queen of Daura after slaying a serpent. His descendants founded the Hausa Bakwai (Seven True States): Biram, Bagauda (Kano), Gunguma (Zazzau), Duma (Gobir), Kumayo (Katsina), Zamma (Rano), and Gazora (Daura). Their social structure is strictly differentiated among Sarakuna (chiefs), Masu Sarauta Na Asali (hereditary holders), and Talakawa (commoners). Political roles influenced by Islam include the Galadima (counselor), Madawaki (administrator), and Alkali (judge).

The Fulani are traditionally nomadic, originating from the Futa Jalon highlands in Guinea. They call themselves "Fulbe" and follow a cultural code known as Pulaaku, which emphasizes modesty, bravery, and cattle ownership. There are two groups: Fulanin Daji (nomadic) and Fulanin Gida (settled). The Kanuri people, linked to the Kanem-Borno Empire and the Sefawa dynasty ($774 \text{ AD}$), were governed by the Mai (king) and a twelve-member advisory council called the Nokena. Administrative titles include the Magira (King's mother) and Kaigama (army commander).

The Nupe people of central Nigeria identify Edegi (or Tsoede), a prince from Idah, as their founder and first Etsu Nupe. The Yoruba, indigenous to the Southwest, trace their origin to Oduduwa at Ile-Ife. Their political system features a divine Oba (king) checked by councils like the Oyomesi and Ogboni society. The Igbo culture in Eastern Nigeria emphasizes republicanism and individual enterprise. Their traditions include Igbankwu (traditional marriage) and the New Yam Festival. The Igbo political system is segmentary, distributing power among title holders like Ozo and Ichie and age grades. Archaeological evidence from Igbo-Ukwu dating to the $9\text{th}$ century revealed advanced bronze castings using the "lost wax" technique.

Geography, Climate, and Physical Features

Nigeria is known as the "Giant of Africa," with a population exceeding $150$ million. It is located on Africa’s west coast between latitudes $3^{\circ} 15'$ to $13^{\circ} 30' \text{ N}$ and longitudes $2^{\circ} 59'$ to $15^{\circ} 00' \text{ E}$. It covers a total area of $923,768 \text{ km}^2$, consisting of $910,768 \text{ km}^2$ of land and $13,000 \text{ km}^2$ of water. The country stretches $1,046 \text{ km}$ north to south and $1,127 \text{ km}$ east to west. Key landforms include the Jos Plateau and the mountainous southeastern border with Cameroon, which features the highest peaks: Chappal Waddi ($2,419 \text{ m}$) and Mount Dimlang ($2,042 \text{ m}$).

The climate is tropical with rainy and dry seasons. Annual rainfall varies from over $3,000 \text{ mm}$ in the southeast to approximately $500 \text{ mm}$ in the far north. Coastal temperatures average highs of $32-33^{\circ} \text{ C}$ and lows of $20-22^{\circ} \text{ C}$, while the north can exceed $38^{\circ} \text{ C}$. The geology includes a Pre-Cambrian Basement Complex (granite, gneiss, schist) covering half the country, along with Cretaceous, Tertiary, Quaternary, and Volcanic rocks. Vegetation follows rainfall belts: mangrove and freshwater swamps in the south, tropical rainforests inland, and Guinea, Sudan, and Sahel savannas in the north.

Historical Evolution and Amalgamation

Human settlement in Nigeria dates back to the Paleolithic era ($500,000–9,000 \text{ BC}$). Notable early cultures include the Nok Culture ($900 \text{ BC} – \text{AD } 200$), known for terracotta sculptures, and the Daima culture ($6\text{th century BC}$). The name "Nigeria" was coined in the late $1800\text{s}$ by British journalist Flora Shaw. British colonial conquest began with the annexation of Lagos in $1861$. Major military milestones included the sacking of Benin in $1897$ and the declaration of the Sokoto Caliphate as a protectorate in $1900$.

The amalgamation of Nigeria occurred in stages: in $1900$, the Niger Coast Protectorate and Lagos were merged to form the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria; in $1906$, Lagos joined the Southern Protectorate; and on January $1, 1914$, the Northern and Southern Protectorates were unified. The British motivations included access to raw materials, market expansion for British goods, generation of surplus capital, and administrative efficiency for the British Empire.

Colonial Administration and Indirect Rule

Lord Frederick Lugard implemented Indirect Rule, a system governing through local traditional rulers to minimize costs and interference. While effective in the centralized North, where it shielded Islam from Christian influence, it faced significant resistance in the South. In Yorubaland, the British attempt to restore the Oyo Empire led to the killing of four officials at Iseyin in $1916$. In Igboland, the lack of centralized monarchs led to the creation of "warrant chiefs," who were viewed as illegitimate and corrupt. Discontent culminated in the Aba Riots of $1929$, a protest by women against taxation and colonial abuses.

Negative impacts of British interference included the deposition of resistant rulers and the diminishment of religious titles, such as renaming the Caliph of Sokoto as the Sultan. Furthermore, the judicial system was restructured to subordinate Islamic Law (Shari’ah) to British-style customary and common law courts.

Constitutional Developments

Nigeria's constitutional history is marked by several key frameworks:

1. The Clifford Constitution ($1922$): Introduced the first legislative councils and expanded political participation.
2. The Richard Constitution ($1946$): Introduced regionalism, dividing the country into Northern, Western, and Eastern regions.
3. The Macpherson Constitution ($1951$): Established a quasi-federal system with shared powers between central and regional governments.
4. The Lyttleton Constitution ($1954$): Built a true federal system with clear division of powers and regional autonomy.
5. Post-Independence: The $1960$ Independence Constitution, the $1963$ Republican Constitution (removing the British monarch as head of state), the $1979$ Presidential Constitution, and the current $1999$ Constitution.

Economy and National Development

Historically reliant on agriculture (cocoa, rubber, palm oil, groundnuts), Nigeria’s economy shifted in the $1970\text{s}$ following the discovery of oil in the Niger Delta. This created an oil boom but led to a decline in agricultural productivity and left the economy vulnerable to global price fluctuations. Current economic sectors include livestock, fishing, mining (tin, coal, gold), and manufacturing, though the latter remains underdeveloped. Achieving self-reliance requires diversifying the economy to reduce oil dependency and improving human capital.

Citizenship and Social Issues

Citizenship in Nigeria can be acquired by Birth, Registration (e.g., a woman married to a Nigerian), Naturalization (long-term residence and good character), or Honorary grant. Fundamental Human Rights include the rights to life, property, religion, assembly, movement, and speech. Duties of a citizen involve obeying laws, paying taxes, and defending the country, while obligations include voting and supporting lawful governance.

Nigerian youth face several social vices, including cultism in schools, indecent dressing influenced by cultural imperialism, sexual immorality, and political thuggery. Bribery and corruption are identified as major obstacles to progress. Specialized agencies like the EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission) and ICPC (Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission) are tasked with fighting these issues. Examination malpractice is also a significant concern, with penalties ranging from official warnings to expulsion.

Environmental Issues

The environment comprises the Natural Environment (Atmosphere, Hydrosphere, Lithosphere, and Biosphere) and the Social Environment (man-made structures like schools and industries). Major environmental problems in Nigeria include pollution (air, water, noise, land), poor drainage leading to flooding, deforestation, and improper waste disposal. These are driven by rapid population growth, technological advancement, poverty, and unplanned urbanization. Solutions include environmental education, proper waste management systems, legal enforcement of protection laws, and technological innovations such as recycling.