Nigeria
History, Society, and Social Change in the Twenty-First Century
Will be published approx. on 1. October 2026
Book
Hardback
408 pages
978-1-6669-7787-5 (ISBN)
Description
Nigeria: History, Society, and Social Change in the Twenty-first Century explores the history of Nigeria from multiple perspectives. It offers a comprehensive analysis and interpretation of social change in the country before and since independence in 1960. Nigeria has undergone numerous changes: from colonialism to independence; from civilian to military governments and back to civilian rule of the Fourth Republic; from the adoption of a regional constitution in 1946, a federal constitution in 1954, and a Presidential Constitution in 1979. The book gives visibility to women, women's organizations, and other until now voiceless minorities. What factors promoted social change? Who were/are prime movers for social change? How did powerful politicians, business interests, religious leaders, and the traditional and social media contribute to promoting or resisting social change? Of interest is the minority constitution proposed in 1976 which provided an alternative future for Nigeria. What would Nigeria's sociopolitical and economic future had been if this constitutional change had been made in the 1970s?
Reviews / Votes
Nigeria, often referred to as the "Giant of Africa," is the most populous black nation on Earth and one of the most resource-rich countries in the world. Yet, the country is frequently cited as a paradox in global development circles: rich in resources, but grappling with persistent socioeconomic challenges. Nigeria History, Society, and Social Change in the Twenty-first Century, edited by Akanmu G. Adebayo, Olutayo Charles Adesina, and Rasheed Owoyele Ajetunmobi, explores the underlying factors behind the country's paradoxical development trajectories. The editors and contributing authors did an excellent job in presenting insightful analyses and perspectives on the complexities and dynamism of Nigerian society. The work reviews efforts to address challenging situations, highlights periods of error, and identifies future areas that need to be addressed. In all, the publication has shown, with concrete historical evidence, that the country's development paradox is not insurmountable. With visionary leadership, responsible resource management, and inclusive policies, the country can transform its vast human and natural resources into lasting prosperity for all its citizens. Though the journey ahead is challenging, the potential rewards are immense, not just for Nigeria, but for the entire African continent and the world at large. The book is an essential read for scholars, policymakers, and all those seeking to engage thoughtfully with Nigeria's evolving narrative. -- Isaac Olawale Albert, Institute for Peace and Strategic Studies, University of Ibadan, Nigeria This wide-ranging collection considers core questions of Nigerian politics, gender, development, and international relations, written by leading scholars. A signal contribution to the intellectual history of Nigerian historiography, it is a fitting tribute to one of Nigeria's most important radical historians, Segun Osoba. This book will interest everyone concerned with Nigerian public affairs. -- Steven Pierce, University of Manchester, UK This remarkable book is required reading for any scholar and student of Nigeria since independence. With devastating clarity, passion, insight and knowledge, the authors have produced one of the clearest and most powerful analyses of Nigeria's condition, and the paths before it, that I have read. -- Toby Green, King's College, London, UK Conceived as a festschrift for the inimitable radical historian and activist, Dr Segun Osoba, this book is a comprehensive analysis of the dynamics of social change and continuity since the nineteenth century. Contributors offer insightful multidisciplinary perspectives on interlocking themes and issues in history and historiography, politics and policies, culture and civilization, leadership and development, political parties and elections, religion and society, and governance and corruption. This illuminating long duree exploration of Nigeria is a fitting tribute to a man who exemplifies utilitarian and applied history. -- Ayodeji Olukoju, University of Lagos, Nigeria This is an expose of Africa's most populous nation at its best: analyzing a kaleidoscopic range of intricate and complex social, economic, and political issues gnawing at the heart of Nigeria's modernity and progress. Contributors cut across generations, continents, and disciplines, including some of the finest and brightest in the field. The narratives are accompanied by frustration, anger, and bitter reckoning, but there is also hope, optimism, and humor. Lucid, well-written, and full of penetrating insights, this is post-colonial Africa laid bare. -- Funso Afolayan, University of New Hampshire, USAMore details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
United States
Publishing group
Bloomsbury Publishing Plc
Target group
College/higher education
Product notice
sewn/stitched
Cloth over boards
With dust jacket
Illustrations
11 tables
Dimensions
Height: 229 mm
Width: 152 mm
Thickness: 25 mm
Weight
454 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-6669-7787-5 (9781666977875)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Persons
Akanmu G. Adebayo is professor of history at Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Georgia. He was also formerly director of the Center for Conflict Management and executive director of the Institute for Global Initiatives at KSU.
Olutayo Charles Adesina is a professor of history at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and the current British Academy Global Professor of History affiliated with the Department of History, School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
Rasheed OwoyeleAjetunmobi is a professor of culture and history. He started his teaching career with Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, renamed Lagos State College of Education, Oto/Ijanikin.
Olutayo Charles Adesina is a professor of history at the University of Ibadan, Nigeria, and the current British Academy Global Professor of History affiliated with the Department of History, School of Arts, Languages and Cultures, University of Manchester, United Kingdom.
Rasheed OwoyeleAjetunmobi is a professor of culture and history. He started his teaching career with Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education, renamed Lagos State College of Education, Oto/Ijanikin.
Content
List of tables
Foreword & Introduction
Introduction: Nigeria: Transitions and Transformations by Akanmu G. Adebayo, Olutayo C. Adesina, Rasheed Ajetunmobi, Adeolu Ojedokun, and Magaji Ayuba
Chapter 1. Rekindling the Scientific Spirit: Historical Criticism in the Age of Sacred Authority by Ebenezer Obadare
Chapter 2. The Nigerian Ruling Class: A Gramscian Analysis by Olufe?m?i Taiwo
History, Historical Scholarship, and Nigeria's Radical Historians
Chapter 3. Partners in the Struggle for the Liberation of Nigeria: Segun Osoba and Bala Usman, 1970-1985 by Norma Perchonock
Chapter 4., Samuel Olusegun Osoba and the Historical Political Economy of Nigeria's Foreign Policy by Tokunbo A. Ayoola and Nasir I. Agbelu
Chapter 5. Comrade Dr Segun Osoba: Individuals, Collectives, Moments and Movements by Omotoye Olorode and Idowu Awopetu
Chapter 6. Reimaging Segun Osoba's Ideological Critique of State, Society and Bourgeois Politics in 20th Century Nigeria by Olutayo C. Adesina
Chapter 7., History According to Segun Osoba by Akanmu G. Adebayo
Chapter 8. Is there a Segun Osoba Problematic in Nigerian Historiography? by Ibrahim Abdullah
Chapter 9. Democracy, Official Corruption and Underdevelopment of Nigeria: Interrogating the Fourth Republic, 1999-2015 by Timothy Olugbenro Erinosho and Babatunde Olabiyi Osiyale
Chapter 10., Digitizing the Past: The Transformative Impact of Digital History on Historical Research in Contemporary Nigeria by Mistura Eniola Bello and Mishark Friday Alex
Chapter 11. Post-Colonial in Nigeria and the Politics of the Developing World: A Historical Discourse by M. F. Fakayode, S. I. Ajayi, and Afolabi Kumavo
Chapter 12. History, Knowledge, and Social Practice: Pedagogy, Philosophy, Methodology in Perspectives by Adebola Talabi and Adewale Adepoju
Chapter 13. Revisiting the Power Struggle and Political Conflict in Old Oyo Empire: The Oyomesi, Aole, Afonja and Political (Dis)order in a 19th Century Yoruba State by Rasheed Owoyele Ajetunmobi and Boluwatife Oyindamola Taiwo
Society: Media, Women and Human Rights
Chapter 14. Human Rights Violations and National Development in Post-Colonial Nigeria by Adewale Adepoju and Oluwasegun Dare Ogunsakin
Chapter 15. Sub-Saharan Africa and the Crisis of Global Modernity: The Case of Oyo Empire by Adeolu Ojedokun
Chapter 16. Interrogating Minorities, Women's Movement and Social Change in Oboli's Wives on Strike and Onuzo's 'Love is War' by Femi Adedina and Alimot Titilope Anifowoshe
Chapter 17. Women's Rights in the Nigerian Constitution: A requirement or mere feminist agenda by Ibironke B. Dominion Adigun and Titilola K. Aluko-Arowolo
Chapter 18. Women's Resistance and Subalternity in Colonial Southern Nigeria: A Re-Interpretation by Monsuru Muritala
Chapter 19. Nigerian Women: Minorities in Power by Omotola Olubunmi Omolara
Chapter 20., Women of the 'Left' and the Nigerian Conundrum: A Historical Analysis of Leftist Women's Experiences in Nigeria since the Beginning of the Cold War by Oluwakemi Abiodun Adesina
Social Change and Constitution Making
Chapter 21. Social Change and Development in Nigeria: Nigeria's 1976 Draft Constitution and the Minority Report by Emmanuel Osewe Akubor
Chapter 22. From Landslide Victories to Competitiveness: Nigeria's Elections in Perspectives by Lai Olurode
Chapter 23. Social Change, Nation Building and Constitution-Making in Post-Independence Africa: Un Cri de Coeur by ?lasope Oyediji Oyelaran
Chapter 24. Governance and the Attainment of Food Security in Nigeria: A Critique of Government Efforts by Samson Adesola Adesote and Olusegun Adewumi Osunkoya
Chapter 25., Lebanese Merchants' Populist Politics and Dominance of Produce Trade in Western Nigeria, 1920-1980s by Ajayi Olusegun Michael
Chapter 26. Democracy, Liberty and Economic Growth in Africa: Understanding Nigerian Economy in the Fourth Republic by Ajibade Samuel Idowu
Chapter 27. Cartoons as a Factor in the Colonial and Post-Colonial Socio-Economic and Political History of Nigeria by Jamiu Kolawole Audu
Nigeria, Africa, and the World
Chapter 28., Old and New Players in Globalization: The Role of the Media by Ajibola Taiwo
Chapter 29. The Next World War: Not Near, But Not Far by Dapo Thomas
Chapter 30. Diversity Conflicts in Africa: The Case of the Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon, 1961-2016 by Ernest Dzelamonyuy
Chapter 31. International Politics: Is there a new Cold War? by Dele Seteolu
About the Editors
About the Contributors
Foreword & Introduction
Introduction: Nigeria: Transitions and Transformations by Akanmu G. Adebayo, Olutayo C. Adesina, Rasheed Ajetunmobi, Adeolu Ojedokun, and Magaji Ayuba
Chapter 1. Rekindling the Scientific Spirit: Historical Criticism in the Age of Sacred Authority by Ebenezer Obadare
Chapter 2. The Nigerian Ruling Class: A Gramscian Analysis by Olufe?m?i Taiwo
History, Historical Scholarship, and Nigeria's Radical Historians
Chapter 3. Partners in the Struggle for the Liberation of Nigeria: Segun Osoba and Bala Usman, 1970-1985 by Norma Perchonock
Chapter 4., Samuel Olusegun Osoba and the Historical Political Economy of Nigeria's Foreign Policy by Tokunbo A. Ayoola and Nasir I. Agbelu
Chapter 5. Comrade Dr Segun Osoba: Individuals, Collectives, Moments and Movements by Omotoye Olorode and Idowu Awopetu
Chapter 6. Reimaging Segun Osoba's Ideological Critique of State, Society and Bourgeois Politics in 20th Century Nigeria by Olutayo C. Adesina
Chapter 7., History According to Segun Osoba by Akanmu G. Adebayo
Chapter 8. Is there a Segun Osoba Problematic in Nigerian Historiography? by Ibrahim Abdullah
Chapter 9. Democracy, Official Corruption and Underdevelopment of Nigeria: Interrogating the Fourth Republic, 1999-2015 by Timothy Olugbenro Erinosho and Babatunde Olabiyi Osiyale
Chapter 10., Digitizing the Past: The Transformative Impact of Digital History on Historical Research in Contemporary Nigeria by Mistura Eniola Bello and Mishark Friday Alex
Chapter 11. Post-Colonial in Nigeria and the Politics of the Developing World: A Historical Discourse by M. F. Fakayode, S. I. Ajayi, and Afolabi Kumavo
Chapter 12. History, Knowledge, and Social Practice: Pedagogy, Philosophy, Methodology in Perspectives by Adebola Talabi and Adewale Adepoju
Chapter 13. Revisiting the Power Struggle and Political Conflict in Old Oyo Empire: The Oyomesi, Aole, Afonja and Political (Dis)order in a 19th Century Yoruba State by Rasheed Owoyele Ajetunmobi and Boluwatife Oyindamola Taiwo
Society: Media, Women and Human Rights
Chapter 14. Human Rights Violations and National Development in Post-Colonial Nigeria by Adewale Adepoju and Oluwasegun Dare Ogunsakin
Chapter 15. Sub-Saharan Africa and the Crisis of Global Modernity: The Case of Oyo Empire by Adeolu Ojedokun
Chapter 16. Interrogating Minorities, Women's Movement and Social Change in Oboli's Wives on Strike and Onuzo's 'Love is War' by Femi Adedina and Alimot Titilope Anifowoshe
Chapter 17. Women's Rights in the Nigerian Constitution: A requirement or mere feminist agenda by Ibironke B. Dominion Adigun and Titilola K. Aluko-Arowolo
Chapter 18. Women's Resistance and Subalternity in Colonial Southern Nigeria: A Re-Interpretation by Monsuru Muritala
Chapter 19. Nigerian Women: Minorities in Power by Omotola Olubunmi Omolara
Chapter 20., Women of the 'Left' and the Nigerian Conundrum: A Historical Analysis of Leftist Women's Experiences in Nigeria since the Beginning of the Cold War by Oluwakemi Abiodun Adesina
Social Change and Constitution Making
Chapter 21. Social Change and Development in Nigeria: Nigeria's 1976 Draft Constitution and the Minority Report by Emmanuel Osewe Akubor
Chapter 22. From Landslide Victories to Competitiveness: Nigeria's Elections in Perspectives by Lai Olurode
Chapter 23. Social Change, Nation Building and Constitution-Making in Post-Independence Africa: Un Cri de Coeur by ?lasope Oyediji Oyelaran
Chapter 24. Governance and the Attainment of Food Security in Nigeria: A Critique of Government Efforts by Samson Adesola Adesote and Olusegun Adewumi Osunkoya
Chapter 25., Lebanese Merchants' Populist Politics and Dominance of Produce Trade in Western Nigeria, 1920-1980s by Ajayi Olusegun Michael
Chapter 26. Democracy, Liberty and Economic Growth in Africa: Understanding Nigerian Economy in the Fourth Republic by Ajibade Samuel Idowu
Chapter 27. Cartoons as a Factor in the Colonial and Post-Colonial Socio-Economic and Political History of Nigeria by Jamiu Kolawole Audu
Nigeria, Africa, and the World
Chapter 28., Old and New Players in Globalization: The Role of the Media by Ajibola Taiwo
Chapter 29. The Next World War: Not Near, But Not Far by Dapo Thomas
Chapter 30. Diversity Conflicts in Africa: The Case of the Anglophone Crisis in Cameroon, 1961-2016 by Ernest Dzelamonyuy
Chapter 31. International Politics: Is there a new Cold War? by Dele Seteolu
About the Editors
About the Contributors