Cultural And Ethnic Pluralism: Implications For National Integration In Nigeria

National integration is one of the un-accomplished desires in Nigeria. This paper examines cultural cum ethnic pluralism and national integration in Nigeria. The objective is to prove how cultural diversities and ethnic differences play negative roles against achieving national integration and cohesiveness in Nigeria. Basic concepts, such as: culture, ethnicity, ethnic pluralism, cultural pluralism, national integration and other related terms are clarified. The functions of culture as well as the cultural patterns of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria are discussed. This paper also, addresses the problems of cultural and ethnic pluralism in Nigeria to ensure unity within diversity for a strong, united, virile and democratic society in Nigeria. Among other suggestions, this paper recommends that massive cultural education should be embarked upon by relevant agencies, like the National Institute for Cultural Orientation (NICO), the National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Centre for Black and African Arts and Civilization (CBAAC) the National Orientation Agency (NOA) to take pride in the strength and plurality of Nigeria. It concludes that Nigerians see themselves first as members of one cultural or ethnic group or the other, and secondarily as Nigerians. This does not promote national integration and nationhood. Hence, it suggests the way forward that would enhance national integration, which is crucial for peace and the development of the Nigerian people