History Education as Deliberate Strategy for Deepening Intergroup Relations in Africa: Towards Arresting Nigeria's Multifaceted Social Development Challenges

The main objective of this study is to examine the increasing socio-political, cultural and economic problems that have militated against the progress of African continent, and demonstrate the extent to which the re invigoration of history in school curriculum can strengthen development practice in the continent. Africa generally has been plagued by several social problems ranging from insecurity, ethnic-religious conflicts, post-election violence and a number of other socially motivated crises. Thus, from the western African region to the south, Central Africa; East and North, the evidence of conflicts has been reported. The conflicts arising from clash of group interests, and particularly, among contending forces and several belligerent groups have unarguably, been the bane of economic and political development. To most critics, the arguments have continued to hinge of the relegation of history subjects in schools-high schools and tertiary institutions such as universities, polytechnics, among others. The multiplier effects of this is the huge gap that have been created between the past and contemporary age where a vast majority of the people are unarguably isolated from the mainstream culture of unity and common African cultural heritage. Again, with the rising wave of globalization and Information and Communications Technology (ICT), the orientation of the average African child is more or less greatly influenced by western culture and exposure. What we now experience in most African societies (Nigeria inclusive), is a system where people are hardly conscious of the Pan-African spirit of brotherhood which finds expression in collective interest as well as love and care. The consequence of this development is fast staring the continent in the face, while the sub-region constantly gravitates with numerous challenges raging from lack of community bonds, conflicts, violence, terrorism, kidnapping (as in the case of Nigeria); child trafficking, banditry, proliferation of small arms and light weapons; drug peddling, among others. This paper is an exploration of some of the strategies that can be employed in order to mitigate social problems that have continued to fester among groups and sections of the African society using history subject as a point of departure. The study is essentially an archival work, and hence, relies on existing works of experts for its investigation. The method of data collection is therefore secondary in nature. The paper recommends that to effectively contain the challenges confronting the continent, there is the urgent need to reinforce the teaching and learning of historical narratives having to do with African culture and principles, especially among teenage population in African schools. This way, the much sought-after nation-building, peace, stability and viable inter group relations would be realized.