CONFIGURING A MORALITY-BASED LEADERSHIP THROUGH EDUCATION: TOWARDS A VALUE-ORIENTED NATION-BUILDING IN NIGERIA

Abstract

Every nation is a conglomeration of people of different cultural traits and backgrounds. Such traits develop from family, through kindred, village, town and State before it finally culminates in what is regarded as a nation. However, the proper harnessing of the fruit of these diversities creates a beautiful atmosphere for growth in all its ramifications. But this harnessing is not done in vacuo, that is why it demands that some people will have to be chosen to assume leadership roles in order to pilot the affairs of the nation. The leadership of any nation reflects how and where the growth of the nation is tilted. Based on that, it is important that the leadership have a strong moral base in order to withstand the storms of challenges that could buffet the ship of the administrative structure in the process of nation-building. When such background is created, it will go a long way in guaranteeing an art of nation-building that is solidly oriented towards the promotion of values that will move the nation positively forward. Against this backdrop, the researcher has exposed how far the leadership of Nigeria has positively progressed in the art of building the nation. Has the leadership any robust moral foundation? Are the leaders value-oriented in decision-making? The researcher employed an expository approach in order to examine the situation through the help of literary sources. On the other hand, analytic method was used for a critical evaluation of the facts and proffering of fruitful recommendations.