Tribalism and Ethnicity – Basic 4 Civic Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

What is Ethnicity? 

Ethnicity is the cultural group you belong to. It includes your language, customs, food, and traditions. For example, Yoruba, Igbo, and Hausa are ethnic groups in Nigeria.

What is Tribalism? 

Tribalism is when people think their ethnic group is better than others. It is favoritism based on tribe. It means helping only people from your tribe and treating others badly.

Difference Between Ethnicity and Tribalism

• Ethnicity is natural and good – it’s your cultural identity
• Tribalism is bad – it’s using ethnicity to discriminate

Examples of Tribalism

• A boss employing only people from his village
• Refusing to sell to someone because of their tribe
• Not voting for the best person because they’re from another tribe
• Children refusing to play with others from different tribes
• Speaking badly about other ethnic groups

Why Tribalism is Bad It causes fights and violence. It stops development. Best people don’t get opportunities. It divides the country. It makes people unhappy and angry.

How to Stop Tribalism See everyone as Nigerian first. Make friends from all tribes. Judge people by their character, not tribe. Speak up when you see tribalism. Learn about other cultures.

Remember: Ethnicity is beautiful diversity, but tribalism destroys unity!

EXERCISES

A. Fill in the blanks:

1. _______ is your cultural group.
2. _______ is thinking your tribe is better.
3. Tribalism causes _______ and violence.
4. We should see everyone as _______ first.
5. Judge people by their _______, not tribe.

B. Write E for Ethnicity or T for Tribalism:

1. Speaking Igbo language _____
2. Refusing to sell to other tribes _____
3. Wearing traditional clothes _____
4. Only employing your tribesmen _____
5. Celebrating cultural festivals _____

C. Answer:

1. What is the difference between ethnicity and tribalism?
2. Give one example of tribalism.
3. How can you stop tribalism in school?