The Humanities And National Identity, Security and Social Stability in Nigeria: History and Theatre as the Way Forward

Abstract

The humanities give a real sense of understanding and interpretation to the social, cultural, economic as well as the interpersonal relationships in societies both at the level of individuals and institutions. Because human beings are dynamic and complex in nature, their perceptive actions must be examined under a foundation that gives meaning to diverse composition of expressions and manifestations of those challenges that affect them. The humanities’ responsibility is to negotiate the challenges and prospects of societies with a view to evolving pragmatic ways of appropriating nature. Thus, knowledge gained from studies in the humanities has the potentials of instituting and championing cultural assimilation which ultimately, translates to national identity and or consciousness de-emphasizing in the process ethnicity in favour of social stability as a pre-requisite for security. This paper has examined the role of the humanities in creating national identity among Nigerians. In so-doing, the paper has looked at clarification of concepts like the humanities, national identity ethnicity and security. The paper also looks at the possibility of the humanities in providing a solution to the challenges of Nigeria in terms of national identity and security. The paper thus is of the opinion that more attention and researches needs to be carried out in the humanities if Nigeria is to tackle the current security challenges of the nation.