Observation

This question was quite unpopular. The very few who attempted it performed poorly in the (a) part as they could only offer faulty definitions of the term. In the (b) part, the candidates also performed poorly as they were unable to identify and explain ways through which national integration can be promoted. Obviously, many candidates avoided this question. The candidates were expected to provide the following answers to the question:

(a)        National integration is a process of creating a sense of national consciousness, uniqueness of identity and loyalty among people with different socio-cultural identities (racial, ethnic, language, religion, etc.) into a single territorial political society.

(b)        Formation of political parties with national outlook: 

Political parties should assume national character.  Parties should have their headquarters in the Federal capital.  It must also accept people from all walks of life to be members.

Encouraging Nigerians to be patriotic:

The people must all feel as Nigerians with one destiny and one goal.  They must have ‘we’ feeling.

Organizing national cultural festivals:

National cultural festivals that bring people of different culture, religion, class and so on together should be organized. This will help people to understand and appreciate other people’s culture.

 Promotion of cultural re-orientation/awareness:

This can be done by strengthening the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to encourage Nigerians to learn the languages, eat the food and wear the traditional dresses of one another.

Encouraging inter-ethnic and inter-tribal marriages:

Inter-ethnic and inter-tribal marriages help in promoting national integration. Through this, cultural ties are strengthened among Nigerians. 

Promoting equal economic opportunities:

There must be conscious effort to promote equal economic opportunities for all socio-cultural groups in Nigeria.

Providing equal access to education: 

Equal educational opportunities should be given to all Nigerians from primary to tertiary levels. Promoting Public education for national integration:

This can be done through the mass media by sensitizing Nigerians on common national issues and values.

Providing equal access to representation in government:

The application of federal character or quota principle in appointment into positions in government at all levels will help achieve equal access to representation.

Strengthening the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Scheme:

More incentives such as automatic employment, cash donations, awards etc. should be given to outstanding corps members who served in other states outside their cultural areas.

Strengthening unity schools to promote cultural ties among future leaders.

Promoting religious tolerance.

Good and responsible governance/leadership to promote sense of belonging among Nigerians.

Adoption of an indigenous language as an official national language (lingua franca).