HISTORY AND ITS RELEVANCE TO NIGERIA’S DEVELOPMENT IN THE 21ST CENTURY (1960-2020)

Abstract

The paper discussed some historical events in Nigeria since independence and their relevance to Nigeria’s development in the 21^st century. This topic is particularly apt this 2023 being Nigeria’s year of general election so that the nation could avoid costly mistakes of the past. Educational, political, economic, cultural, infrastructural and religious events that took place between   1960 and 2020 were briefly reviewed. It was observed that there has been persistent low budgetary allocation to the education sector. On the political development, it was observed that a particular ruling class persistently refused to allow the principle of democracy and justice to reign in this country specifically by blocking rotational principles as it affects the President, Governors and Local Government Chairmen by making sure that it was not enshrined in Nigeria’s constitution after any constitutional conference. Yet, that was critical to secure the ever elusive peace, justice and political stability in this country. The paper therefore recommended adequate yearly budgetary allocation to the education sector, amendment of Nigeria’s constitution to enshrine rotational Presidency in particular and practice of true federalism.