ABSTRACT

The major determinant to know whether a country is progressing or not is “development”as it is said to be a major predictor.Despite her abundance in human, natural and material resources,an assessment of developmental efforts in Nigeria reveals that the country is yet to achieve the desired expectations as clamored by her citizens. This is largely due to attitudinal challenges currently being faced in different spheres in the country. The study is aimed atidentifying the attitudinal challenges that has hindered developmental efforts in Nigeria. A change in attitude towards these challenges is believed to bring massive development into the country.

To obtain data for this study, the researcher adopted qualitative research method through textual analysis. The findings of this study revealed that despite the country’s attempt to advance development, several challenges has posed a great threat to her progress. These setbacks range from historical challenge, Socio-economic inequalities challenge, imposition of policies on citizens, lack of adequate human resources or capital to implement development plans/policies, corruption and lack of credible leadership, constitutional challenge, the challenge of building institutions for democracy and development, among others. The study concludes that once the identified setbacks are tackled then development will be realized in the country.

CHAPTER ONE

1.0     INTRODUCTION

The pride of place, which Nigeria as a great nation held in the past, has unfortunately been beclouded by the bulwarks of corruption, inordinate tribal sentiments, violent conflicts and inadvertently, poverty for a significant segment of the populace. Like a wall ripped down by an invading army and left unrepaired, the ‘Giant of Africa’ has exuded vulnerability at global economic and political changes, attracted the ridicule and taunts of the international community for being passive while the world passes by and left it’s people despondent. The economic indicators label a resource-rich nation like ours as poor, our academic institutions serve as breeding grounds for various anti-social activities, our strong cultural values are being eroded on a daily basis and the virile youth, the hope and future of Nigeria, are disillusioned at what tomorrow holds for them (Bayart,1993:15).