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

National unity is the state of people from different ethnic groups and religions living together in peace as one country.

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 are national unity and national integration?

National unity is peaceful living together as one nation, while national integration is the process of bringing different people together to achieve it.

• National unity: the feeling and condition of belonging to one country, whatever our tribe or religion.
• National integration: the process of bringing people of different backgrounds together to live in peace as one nation.
• Ethnic group: a group of people who share a common language, culture and ancestry, such as the Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba or Efik.
• Diversity: the presence of many different ethnic groups, languages and religions in one country.
• Nigeria’s situation: the country has over 250 ethnic groups and many religions, so unity needs constant effort.
• Why it matters: a large country is strong only when all its parts work together, like the parts of one body.

What is the difference between national unity and national integration?

National unity is the result we want, and national integration is the work done to reach it.

Why does Nigeria need national unity?

Nigeria needs national unity to keep peace, grow its economy and be respected in the world.

• To avoid conflict: when we see ourselves as one people, we are less likely to fight over land or resources.
• Economic strength: a united Nigeria is one big market, where farmers and traders sell goods across states.
• International respect: a stable and united country has a stronger voice in Africa and the world.
• Political stability: unity helps people choose leaders who care about the whole country, not just their own village or town.
• Peace for development: schools, hospitals, roads and businesses grow best where there is peace.

What are the benefits of national integration?

National integration benefits the country by bringing peace, shared talents, faster development and cultural growth.

1. Shared talents: the whole country enjoys the music, farming, trade, crafts and ideas of people from every region.
2. Fast development: it is easier to build railways, roads and power lines across the country when people work together.
3. Cultural growth: we learn from each other. People of many tribes now enjoy suya, amala and edikang ikong.
4. Peace and security: people who know and trust one another are less likely to quarrel.
5. Freedom of movement: citizens can live, study, work and trade in any part of Nigeria.

What are the threats to national unity?

Threats to national unity are attitudes and actions that divide Nigerians along ethnic, religious or regional lines.

• Tribalism: loyalty to one’s ethnic group above the nation, which leads to hatred of other groups.
• Religious intolerance: refusing to respect people who worship differently.
• Nepotism: giving jobs and favours to relatives or people from one’s own area.
• Unfair sharing of resources: when some groups feel left out, they feel they do not belong.
• Bad leadership and corruption: they reduce trust in government and fuel anger.
• Ethnic politics: voting or campaigning only along tribal or religious lines.

How do national symbols remind us of our unity?

National symbols remind us that all Nigerians share one identity, one destiny and one set of rules.

• The National Anthem: lines such as “One nation bound in freedom, peace and unity” remind us of our shared destiny.
• The National Pledge: citizens promise to be faithful, loyal and honest and to defend the unity of Nigeria.
• The National Flag: whatever our origin, the Green-White-Green stands for all of us.
• The Constitution: it gives the same set of rules to every Nigerian and promotes fairness.
• The Federal Capital Territory (Abuja): it is centrally placed and belongs to no single ethnic group, so it is a “home for everyone”.

What strategies promote unity in Nigeria?

The main strategies for promoting unity are the NYSC, the Federal Character Principle, unity schools, inter-tribal marriage and national sports.

• NYSC (National Youth Service Corps): it sends graduates to serve in states other than their own, so they meet new people and learn new cultures. A Yoruba graduate may serve in Sokoto and learn some Hausa.
• Federal Character Principle: it requires fair sharing of government jobs and positions among all states, so that no group feels left out.
• Unity Schools: Federal Government Colleges bring children from different states to live and study together from a young age.
• Inter-tribal marriage: couples from different tribes create “bridge” families that link communities.
• National sports: when the Super Eagles play, fans cheer as Nigerians, whatever the tribe of the scorer.
• Common language and national events: English as the official language and national celebrations help people communicate and share experiences.

What can a student do to promote unity?

A student can promote unity through daily actions in school and in the community.

• Avoid tribalism: do not make fun of anyone’s accent, dress or traditional food.
• Be curious: learn a few words in a language other than your own.
• Make diverse friends: do not sit only with people from your own town.
• Stand for fairness: speak up for anyone being bullied because of where they come from.
• Respect other religions: allow classmates to worship in their own way.
• Work in mixed groups: join classmates from other backgrounds for group work and school clubs.

Class activity

1. Language challenge: ask a classmate from a different tribe how to say “Good morning” or “Thank you” in their language. Write it down.
2. Discussion: why is the NYSC important for Nigerian graduates?
3. Reflection: when you watch a football match, do 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

Write a short paragraph explaining how the Federal Character Principle and Unity Schools help to promote national unity. Then list four things you can do in your school or community to promote unity.