APC3703
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number:
Due Date: 4 April 2025
Critically analyse the argument made by Isike and Olasupo (2023, e-reserve) that
arresting state failure in Nigeria requires addressing the imposition of colonial state
formation in the country.
CONFRONTING COLONIAL FOUNDATIONS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF STATE
FAILURE AND THE NEED FOR STRUCTURAL REFORM IN NIGERIA
1. Introduction
Nigeria is often described as a classic example of a postcolonial state grappling with the
structural legacies of an externally imposed state formation. Central to debates on Nigeria’s
governance and development trajectory is the notion that the form of the state inherited at
independence continues to undermine its capacity to meet the needs of its citizens (Isike and
Olasupo, 2023). Colonial boundaries, which were drawn without regard for existing ethnic,
cultural, and socio-political formations, remain pivotal to understanding many of Nigeria’s
Terms of use
contemporary challenges—ranging from ethnic tensions, By making useagitations,
separatist of this document
and you agree to:
corruption
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply .. with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
CONFRONTING COLONIAL FOUNDATIONS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF STATE
FAILURE AND THE NEED FOR STRUCTURAL REFORM IN NIGERIA
1. Introduction
Nigeria is often described as a classic example of a postcolonial state grappling with
the structural legacies of an externally imposed state formation. Central to debates
on Nigeria’s governance and development trajectory is the notion that the form of the
state inherited at independence continues to undermine its capacity to meet the
needs of its citizens (Isike and Olasupo, 2023). Colonial boundaries, which were
drawn without regard for existing ethnic, cultural, and socio-political formations,
remain pivotal to understanding many of Nigeria’s contemporary challenges—
ranging from ethnic tensions, separatist agitations, and corruption to frequent
electoral violence (Okpuvwie, 2022) and occasional authoritarian tendencies
(Onwutuebe, 2022). In essence, the argument advanced by Isike and Olasupo
(2023) is that one cannot address state fragility in Nigeria without tackling the root
cause: the country’s forceful colonial state formation and the absence of a
consensual social contract among its diverse groups.
This essay critically examines the arguments made by Isike and Olasupo (2023) and
evaluates the extent to which addressing colonial imposition is crucial for reversing
the trends of state failure in Nigeria. First, it provides a brief historical context of
colonial state formation. Then it explores the key points of the scholars’ argument
regarding the role of colonialism in shaping a fragile political system. The discussion
then critiques their stance in light of wider scholarship and Nigeria’s contemporary
governance realities. Finally, the essay offers some reflections on potential pathways
for renegotiating and strengthening Nigeria’s social contract, drawing on broader
debates on state-building and democracy in the African context.
2. Historical Background of Colonial State Formation in Nigeria
Nigeria’s colonial history began in earnest in the late nineteenth century with a series
of British military and diplomatic ventures into the region. By the early twentieth
century, the British had consolidated the various autonomous kingdoms, empires,
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 1 Semester 1 2025
Detailed Solutions, References & Explanations
Unique number:
Due Date: 4 April 2025
Critically analyse the argument made by Isike and Olasupo (2023, e-reserve) that
arresting state failure in Nigeria requires addressing the imposition of colonial state
formation in the country.
CONFRONTING COLONIAL FOUNDATIONS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF STATE
FAILURE AND THE NEED FOR STRUCTURAL REFORM IN NIGERIA
1. Introduction
Nigeria is often described as a classic example of a postcolonial state grappling with the
structural legacies of an externally imposed state formation. Central to debates on Nigeria’s
governance and development trajectory is the notion that the form of the state inherited at
independence continues to undermine its capacity to meet the needs of its citizens (Isike and
Olasupo, 2023). Colonial boundaries, which were drawn without regard for existing ethnic,
cultural, and socio-political formations, remain pivotal to understanding many of Nigeria’s
Terms of use
contemporary challenges—ranging from ethnic tensions, By making useagitations,
separatist of this document
and you agree to:
corruption
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply .. with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 67 171 1739
CONFRONTING COLONIAL FOUNDATIONS: A CRITICAL ANALYSIS OF STATE
FAILURE AND THE NEED FOR STRUCTURAL REFORM IN NIGERIA
1. Introduction
Nigeria is often described as a classic example of a postcolonial state grappling with
the structural legacies of an externally imposed state formation. Central to debates
on Nigeria’s governance and development trajectory is the notion that the form of the
state inherited at independence continues to undermine its capacity to meet the
needs of its citizens (Isike and Olasupo, 2023). Colonial boundaries, which were
drawn without regard for existing ethnic, cultural, and socio-political formations,
remain pivotal to understanding many of Nigeria’s contemporary challenges—
ranging from ethnic tensions, separatist agitations, and corruption to frequent
electoral violence (Okpuvwie, 2022) and occasional authoritarian tendencies
(Onwutuebe, 2022). In essence, the argument advanced by Isike and Olasupo
(2023) is that one cannot address state fragility in Nigeria without tackling the root
cause: the country’s forceful colonial state formation and the absence of a
consensual social contract among its diverse groups.
This essay critically examines the arguments made by Isike and Olasupo (2023) and
evaluates the extent to which addressing colonial imposition is crucial for reversing
the trends of state failure in Nigeria. First, it provides a brief historical context of
colonial state formation. Then it explores the key points of the scholars’ argument
regarding the role of colonialism in shaping a fragile political system. The discussion
then critiques their stance in light of wider scholarship and Nigeria’s contemporary
governance realities. Finally, the essay offers some reflections on potential pathways
for renegotiating and strengthening Nigeria’s social contract, drawing on broader
debates on state-building and democracy in the African context.
2. Historical Background of Colonial State Formation in Nigeria
Nigeria’s colonial history began in earnest in the late nineteenth century with a series
of British military and diplomatic ventures into the region. By the early twentieth
century, the British had consolidated the various autonomous kingdoms, empires,
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
