Colonial Impacts in Nigeria

Introduction

Colonialism happened in the past eras and this kind of practice revolves in the idea of gaining additional power of a powerful leader or country. This kind of principle can be applied and eventually exemplified by the organizations option of acquisition. Through examining the pieces of history of colonized countries, there is evidence that might detail the significant effects of colonization that can be also carried in the present era.

Background and Problem Statement

According to history, many countries, rather weak countries, fought against the idea of colonialism and settled in the idea of freedom. In Asia and Africa, colonialism is very popular. However, in investigating the impacts or effects of colonization is a different matter. In Africa, particularly in Nigeria, the colonial territories are administrated by the one who governed the power. With this basic idea, the question arise that focuses on the political, economic, and social changes that happened over the years. How did the colonization contributed in the present situation of Nigeria with the concern of three major aspects that serves as the framework of the country.

Research Aim and Objectives

The main aim of the study focuses on investigating the major contributions of colonization of Nigeria in the past hundreds of years. In identifying the contributions and the effects gained by the country, the study can judge whether the colonization creates a positive or negative. To support the aim presented in the study, there are three essential objectives that can serve as the propellers of the study for a continuous investigation.

1. To discuss the impacts of post-colonialism in Nigeria

2. To determine the extent of colonization based on the current situation of Nigeria

3. To recognize the two-face effects of colonization in terms of political, economic, and social aspects in the country

Literature Review

The philosophy, principle, or practice of colonization starts in a simple description wherein the powerful country rules the weaker country and thereby establishes its own tradition and culture. This basic definition of colonialism only manifests the various reactions of people who reside of the weaker countries. If the people resist then there is creation of art of war but if they accepted, there is a high possibility for the people to become slaves. In schools, the history that focuses on the colonization can be briefly addressed. And for such, this is an indication that there should be a deep investigation regarding the impacts of strong countries on weaker countries during the colonization (e.g. effect of Spain to the Philippines). In Africa, the colonization can be mirrored in the recent situation most likely in politics (Olomo, 2006). Because the mother country controls the colonized countries, there is an application of governmental or European powers that creates confusion on the colonized country like Nigeria. In economy and social, the techniques of administering the theory and practice can be adopted (Guseh and Oritsejafor, 2007). Overall, the policies created by the colonial countries became the bigger influence that tends to develop the political, economic and social aspects of Nigeria. In the current era, the advancement of technology and the adaptation of various education, training, and competency, etc can be the result of the colonization. However, mapping the colonization and its associated effects might lead to the recognition of exploitation in some natural resources and human resources all for the advantage of the colonial countries. The ties that connecting the colonial country and the colonized country might still in effect even in the present era and may last for a very long time once the colonized country did not create any step for revolution. In this way, the art of war is created which is the only way to receive the freedom that once belongs to the colonized countries (Morka, 2007).

Methodology

The applied method in the study is the utilization of comparative case study that focuses on the same theme or idea of the study. Colonization happened many decades ago and it is important that the study can focus on the emerging principle of acquisition. Through reviewing the literatures, the advantage can be realized because there is an appropriate investigation on the literature gaps that can explain the changes happened in Nigeria. The colonization expectedly create a great impact in the natural setting of the country and therefore, the investigation through the timeframe of past, present, and future, the political, economic, and social status of the country can be fully addressed.

Conclusion

Nigeria, like the other colonized countries before, is bearing the various impacts coming from the colonial rule and create changes on the country’s political, economic, social and even in cultural aspects. The development, idea of military power of intervention and patriotism are the most addressed factors of colonialism

References:

Guseh, J.S., & Oritsejafor, E., (2007) “Government Size, Political Freedom and Economic Growth in Nigeria 1960-2000”, Journal of Third World Studies, Vol. 24, No. 1, p. 139.

Morka, F., (2007) “Building Democracy in Nigeria – Issues and Challenges”, Publications Occasional Papers, Accessed 27 May 2010, from http://www.serac.org/Publications/Building%20Democracy%20Paper_Agbor.pdf

Olomo, R.O., (2006) “The Legacy of Colonialism on Mapping in Africa: With Focus on Nigeria”, Accessed 27 May 2010, from http://www.cartesia.org/geodoc/icc2005/pdf/oral/TEMA16/Session%202/DR.%20R.O.%20OLOMO.pdf