THE APPLICATION OF PHILOSOPHY TO NATION BUILDING IN NIGERIA: THE PROBLEMS AND THE WAY FORWARD

Abstract

This paper focuses on the application of Philosophy to nation building in Nigeria. Philosophy as a discipline is critical and rational by default. It is being studied in Nigeria as a course of study but has little or no application to national life and nation building. Most developed countries of the world have been shaped by a sound thought system which is found in philosophy, leading to innovations and breakthroughs in Science and Technology. The reason for philosophical apathy in the Nigerian clime is the thinking by non-philosophers that philosophy is too abstract and out of touch with Nigerian citizens and reality. However, the key problem is rather in the poverty structure of the country which affects everything intellectual and only focuses more on survival and consumption rather than ideas and human development. Employing the philosophical method of analysis, the study seeks to understand these challenges in the application of Philosophy in Nigeria with the view of coming up with a soluble and practicable approach to engaging philosophy and applying it. The study concludes that the way forward is to adopt a catch them young policy for young citizens of school age between the brackets of 5-18 and inculcate a culture of philosophy and intellectualism in them. Philosophers should vie for political positions, so that they can effect true Change in the society and also to be practical with their works as philosophy professionals and lastly, for government to create an enabling environment to allow the philosophy enterprise to thrive.