ETHNIC POLITICS AND DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA: IMPLICATIONS ON GENDER AND HEALTH

Abstract

This research explored basic activities in most organisations which are coloured by ethnic
politics. Ethnic politics continue to pose development challenge to many African countries
and has had negative consequences on prospect of good governance. Observations revealed
that appointments and allocation of strategic resources are based on ethnic affiliations.
Aligning goals and aspirations based on similarity rather than differences are down played.
This breeds abnormalities among whom are corruption, inefficiency and conflict. This has
been identified as hindering development. Researches has dwelt more on conflict inherent in
ethnic politics. Thus, the study examined ethnic politics and its implications for development
in Africa. Functionalist theory was used to explain the place of ethnicity in the appointment
and allocation of power and resource African. Open ended questionnaire, key informant, indepth interview and case study were used to generate data from respondents in Nigerian
Universities. For manageability, these research settings were chosen. Participants were
randomly sampled. Data was analysed using the simple percentage and correlation through
the use of statistical package for the social sciences. Apart from 13% that are appointed based
on expertise, (67%) respondents revealed that to be employed, get promoted, occupy and
enjoy strategic positions; one must be affiliated with those that are in power. Affiliation with
the dominating ethnic group enhances people’s chances of accessing positions and resources.
A total of (83%) of the respondents revealed that ethnicity is capitalist oriented because it
benefits a subset of an entire system. The unhealthy revelries affect developments. A total of
(97%) respondents reported that they have suffered some degrees of discrimination and
misgivings based on their ethnic origin. Based on experiences, a total of (36%) respondents
revealed that entrusting the affairs of an institution to a foreigner pose a great threat to the
indigenes, development and growth of the institution. To enhance peace and development,
effort should be geared towards aligning goals on expertise and similarity rather than on
differences.