Unholy Trinity: Assessing the Impact of Ethnicity and Religion on National Identity in Nigeria

Abstract

The struggle to accommodate ethnic and religious differences among its people is arguably Nigerias biggest problem today. This paper employs the social identity theory to explore the impact of ethnicity and religion on the emergence of a true national identity in Nigeria. The central thesis of this paper is that political mobilization drawn along ethno-religious lines has undermined the sense of national identity in Nigeria. The paper draws on colonial policies with a view to assessing the historical processes that have nurtured deep divides in the Nigerian society and suggesting options for intervention.