POPPER’S FALSIFIABILITY PRINCIPLE: A PARADIGM FOR POLICY MAKING IN NIGERIA

Résumé

This research examines two existential concerns in Nigeria; the influence of ethnicity, religion and affluence on political policies and practices and the correlation between knowledge, character and effective leadership. On the first concern, it adopts Karl Popper’s falsifiability principle which states that “a hypothesis or theory should be inherently disapprovable”. This implies that theories are not dogmas, thus, should be subject to review according to needs. In context, Nigerian post independent political history indicates that ethnicity, religion and affluence are criteria that make candidates eligible for political positions. Against this background, this research makes the point that the criteria are insignificant for effective leadership. On the second concern, it establishes some correlation between knowledge, character and effective leadership. It argues, firstly, that some Nigerian political policies are dysfunctional, thus, they require reformation. Secondly, that, knowledge of political principles and character of office holders are quintessential for adequate implementation, hence, leaders should possess both knowledge and character. It avers therefore that Popper's falsifiability principle is apt to distil dysfunctional policies for advance civic and a well-ordered society. The goal ultimately, is to reform socio-political policies and practices; for collective flourishing. The thesis of this paper is that, Popper's falsifiability principle is necessary for the exhuming of sustainable political policies. Also, that knowledge is required for adequate making and remaking of policies and that moral character is indispensable for effective implementation. The study is within the framework of existentialism. It employs the methodology of critical analysis; of the qualitative research approach.