National Paradigm and Sustainable Development in the Philosophy of Andrew Efemini

Abstract

The problem currently facing contemporary Nigerian society is the problem of poor economic growth and lack of sustainable development. The objective of this paper is that Efemini's philosophy of development and social transformation serve as an eye opener to Nigeria's quest for sustainable development. Efemini's philosophy of development reveals that development is life and it is invariably anchored on human beings. For Efemini, development requires public responsibility, accountability and technological self reliance; and these should serve as a springboard for human capacity building in Nigeria. Efemini's philosophy of development advocates for national paradigm; and national paradigm calls for national unity and national strength. Efemini argues that development is galvanized by national praradigm. Efemini's philosophical position on development reveals him as a radical social thinker. His theoretical reconstruction of development reawakens in us the need for national paradigm and human emancipation. This paper adopts the analytical framework in explaining the theoretical perspective of Efemini's philosophy of development. This paper concludes that development is human centered. Development is value driven. The issue of development and its critical importance to Nigeria in terms of its sustainability is a contextual issue and it has pragmatic implication. It requires liberal education and civic engagement by all Nigerian citizens to take the issue of sustainable development more seriously and not paying lip service to sustainable development in Nigeria..