National Unity and Integration – SS1 Citizenship & Heritage Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

National unity means people from different ethnic groups and religions living together in peace as one country. National integration is the process of bringing these different people together. Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups, so unity is supported by national symbols, the NYSC, the Federal Character Principle, unity schools and the daily actions of citizens.

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. explain national unity and national integration;
2. give reasons why Nigeria needs national unity;
3. state the benefits of national integration;
4. explain how national symbols remind us of our unity;
5. describe strategies used to promote unity in Nigeria;
6. suggest ways they can promote unity in their own school and community.

What is national integration?

Nigeria is often described as a “giant” because of our size and our population. But a giant is only strong if its arms, legs and heart all work together. Since Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups and many religions, we must work extra hard to stay united. The process of bringing different people together to live in peace is called national integration.

Why do we need national unity?

Some people ask why we cannot stay in our own small corners. Unity is a must for these reasons:

• To avoid conflict: When we see ourselves as “one”, we are less likely to fight over land or resources. Unity brings peace.
• Economic strength: A united Nigeria is a big market. Farmers in the North sell to the South, and traders in the East sell to the West. This makes us all richer.
• International respect: The world respects a country that is stable. If we are united, we have a louder voice in Africa and the world.
• Political stability: Unity makes it easier to elect leaders who care about the whole country, rather than just their own village.

What are the benefits of national integration?

When we truly integrate (mix and mingle), the whole country gains:

1. Shared talents: We get to enjoy the best of everyone. Imagine a Nigeria without the music of the South, the agriculture of the North, or the business mind of the East. It would not be as great.
2. Fast development: It is easier for the government to build railways and power lines across the country when everyone is working together.
3. Cultural growth: We learn from each other. Have you noticed how people from different tribes now enjoy Suya, Amala or Edikaikong? That is integration at work.

How do national symbols remind us of our unity?

We have already studied national symbols. These are the ways they help us stay united:

• The National Anthem and Pledge: When we sing “One nation bound in freedom”, it reminds us that we have a shared destiny.
• The National Flag: No matter where you are from, the Green-White-Green represents us all.
• The Constitution: It provides the same set of rules for every Nigerian, ensuring fairness.
• The Federal Capital Territory (Abuja): Abuja was chosen because it is in the centre of the country and belongs to no specific tribe. It is a “home for everyone”.

What strategies promote unity?

The government and our leaders have created special strategies, the “glue”, to keep us connected.

• NYSC (National Youth Service Corps): This is one of the biggest strategies. It takes graduates from one part of the country and sends them to serve in another. A Yoruba boy might serve in Sokoto, find a “home” there, and even learn the language.
• Federal Character Principle: This is a law that says government jobs and positions must be shared among people from all states so that no one feels left out.
• Unity Schools: Federal Government Colleges were built to bring children from different states together to live and study in the same hostels from a young age.
• Inter-tribal marriage: When people from different tribes marry and have children, it creates “bridge” families that naturally promote unity.
• National sports: When the Super Eagles are playing, nobody asks if the person who scored the goal is Hausa or Igbo. We all jump and celebrate as Nigerians.

What can you do to help?

National unity is built in your classroom as well as in the President’s office.

• Avoid tribalism: Do not make fun of someone’s accent or their traditional food.
• Be curious: Try to learn a few words in a language other than your own.
• Make diverse friends: Do not only sit with people from your own town. Mix up.
• Stand for fairness: If you see someone being bullied because of where they come from, speak up for them.

Class activity

1. Language challenge: Find a classmate from a different tribe and ask them how to say “Good morning” or “Thank you” in their language. Write it down.
2. Discussion: Why do you think the NYSC is important for Nigerian graduates?

Reflection: Think of a time you watched a football match. Did you care about the tribe of the players? Why can we not feel that way every day?

Evaluation

1. What is national integration?
2. State three reasons why Nigeria needs national unity.
3. Explain how the National Flag and the Constitution remind us of our unity.
4. Why was Abuja chosen as the Federal Capital Territory?
5. Name three strategies used to promote unity in Nigeria.

Assignment

1. Explain in a short paragraph how the Federal Character Principle and Unity Schools help to promote national unity.
2. List four things you can do in your school or community to promote unity.