CHRISTIAN MISSIONARY ENTERPRISE AND THE BACKGROUND TO NATIONALISM IN NIGERIA, 1870-1960

Abstract

Hitherto it had been the fashion among scholars to assume that Nigerian nationalism and modern political development did not begin vigorously until after 1914, and that religion has no contribution to series of protest movement that eventually earned political independence for Nigeria. This paper was conceived on the conviction that the above assumption might be misleading and not based upon empirical data. The paper has shown certain evidence that proved a forceful nationalist awakening in Nigeria before 1914 which began within the Christian missionary circles; an awakening which was obviously constructive and purposeful and which prepared the ground for the better known post World War 1 nationalism in Nigeria. For instance, it was the Christian missionaries who started operating in the territories that later became modern Nigeria since the 1840s that encouraged their converts on the idea of the creation of a modern state which would take its rightful place in the comity of nations. Their activities helped to break down ethnic prejudices and to bring their converts in a loyalty transcending ethnic ties. From the second half of the 19th century, these Christian converts featured prominently in the political, economic and social scenes of the nation. It stands to their credit that they contributed to the struggle which put Nigeria on the road to self government. They did much to awaken the spirit of modern nationalism in the people of Nigeria. They broke with the European missions and criticized most aspects of colonial administration, and they provided a virile leadership for the movement that led to the independence of Nigeria through their western education.