JSS1 Civic Education Lesson Note on National Consciousness and Identity

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TOPIC:          OBJECTS OF NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS

CONTENT:

1. National consciousness and identity
2. Purpose of establishment of national institutions

Sub–Topic 1: NATIONAL CONSCIOUSNESS AND IDENTITY

(a)       Meaning of National Consciousness

This is the feeling of love for one’s country. This is called National Consciousness or Nationalism. The love for one’s country is paramount in the mind of such individual. People in a Nation share the following:

• • (i)    Common territory,
  • (ii)   Economic life,
  • (iii)    Political system,
  • (iv)   Constitution,
• National Identity

 Meaning of National identity

National identity refers to the characteristics by which a Nation can be recognized.

Identity is a situation in which things are the same or alike. In this wise, people from particular cultural group are different from another and can easily be known because of some common characteristics they possess. For instance, the Igbo’s are different from Yoruba’s. The features that distinguish them from the Yoruba’s are language, mode of dressing, greetings, marriage practices, dance patterns, art, values, festivals, customs and tradition. Each tribe in Nigeria has its own specific cultural features that make it different from other tribes.

ETHNIC COMPOSITION OF NIGERIA

Nigeria is inhabited by people with different traditions and socio-cultural set up. It is almost a matter of controversy in trying to ascertain the number of ethnic groups in Nigeria. Over 250 ethnic groups have been identified to be in Nigeria, though some are sub-groups of a larger group.  Nigeria has three dominant (major) ethnic groups namely; Yoruba, Igbo and Hausa. Other ethnic groups exist. These are Gwari, Kanuri, Shuwa Arabs, Angas, Tiv, Nupe, Edo, Urhobo, Izon, Ibibio, Itsekiri, Efik and others.

The Yoruba ethnic group occupy the south-west of Nigeria and they are found mainly in Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Osun, Lagos and in parts of Kwara,  Kogi and Edo states.

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