AN ANALYSIS OF THE ROLE OF COLONIALISM IN THE UNDERDEVELOPMENT OF POST NIGERIAN STATE
Ndukwe Onyinyechi Kelechi & Ibrahim Umara
Department of Political Science
University of Maiduguri, Maiduguri, Borno State
E-mail.-Onyinyechikelechi@yahoo.com, umara222@yahoo.com
Abstract: The paper examines the role of colonialism in the underdevelopment of post Nigerian State. The role of colonialism in Africa and Nigeria in particular cannot be fully understood and appreciated without recourse to historical development in the continent over the years. During the pre colonial era, there was a pattern of development that characterized the African socio political institutions and economic system. Nigeria pre colonial era had a pattern that ensued organized institution which preserved the cultural heritage, promote communality with limited competition over ownership of means of resources. Colonialism played a significant role on the political history and economic system of post colonial state of Nigeria with far reaching effects. The causes of underdevelopment in post Nigeria state is multi dimensional ranging from colonialism, corruption, leadership failure and many others. To juxtapose the causes mentioned, the paper looked at the underdevelopment of post Nigerian state from colonial perspective and this could be traced to the neo colonialist, imperialist and capitalist tendencies regarded as colonial extension. The paper argued that colonialism led to the fragmentation of socio economic system of Nigerian state which has undermined its capacity to develop. This was achieved through the integration of Nigerian economy into a capitalist world which has created gaps in self sufficiency, over dependence and unequal exchange rate in trade relations. The paper relied on secondary sourced materials. However, it concludes that there is need to review our historical ties. It is instructive that the conditions of western ties are lopsided and exploitative. This relationship seriously undermines the domestic potentials of post Nigerian state, especially with the current emphasis on foreign investment which translates into foreign capital domination. There is need to reconstruct our part and reinvent Pan African personality, integration and self confidence.
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