African Migration Studies (Interdisciplinary - Social focus) | 04 November 2000
The Evolution of Philosophical Discourses in Post-Colonial Nigeria: A Mixed Methods Inquiry
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Abstract
Post-colonial Nigeria is a significant site for studying African philosophy as it navigates through political, economic, and cultural transitions following decades of colonial rule. The research employs mixed methods, utilising semi-structured interviews with prominent Nigerian philosophers and analysing survey data from a diverse sample of the population. Quantitative analysis will include frequency distributions and thematic coding for open-ended questions. Themes emerging from qualitative interviews suggest a shift towards more locally grounded philosophies that critique colonial legacies while advocating for inclusive national identities, with a notable proportion (35%) indicating an interest in traditional wisdom integration into modern discourse. The study reveals a multifaceted landscape of philosophical thought in Nigeria where tradition and innovation coexist, reflecting the country's complex socio-political context. Insights from both qualitative and quantitative data underscore the dynamic nature of Nigerian philosophy post-colonization. Further research should explore specific regional variations within Nigeria and investigate how these evolving philosophical discourses impact broader societal changes such as education and governance. Philosophy, Post-Colonial Studies, Nigeria, Mixed Methods