THE INSTITUTIONALIZATION OF THE INFERIOR STATUS AND SOCIO-POLITICAL ROLE OF THE NON-MUSLIM GROUPS IN THE COLONIAL HIERARCHICAL STRUCTURE OF THE NORTHERN REGION OF NIGERIA: A SOCIAL-ETHICAL ANALYSIS OF THE COLONIAL LEGACY

The dissertation analyzes the role of the Colonial Administration in the institutionalization of the inferior status and socio-political role of the non-Muslim groups (NMG) in the hierarchical colonial structure of the Northern Region of Nigeria. Soon after colonizing Northern Nigeria in the early 1900s, Great Britain placed the NMG under the rule and political control of the Hausa-Fulani (the dominant Muslim group). Pre-colonial inequality did exist between the Muslim and the non-Muslim groups, but this social inequality (based upon social and religious differences between these ethnic groups) was institutionalized by the Colonial Administration. The long-term consequences of the colonial socio-political policies were the institutionalized of (1) the inferior status and socio-political role of the NMG; and (2) the pattern of dominance-subordination relationships between the Muslim and the non-Muslim groups.;The impact of colonial socio-political policies were: (1) the institutionalization of socio-political conflict between ethnic groups; (2) the uneven social, political, economic and educational development between ethnic groups; (3) the development of social and historical advantages or disadvantages of ethnic groups in the colonial system; and (4) the continuity of the colonial unjust structures in post-colonial Nigeria.;The major concern of this dissertation is to address and evaluate both critically and constructively the colonial legacy and to offer some solutions and suggestions for a just social order beyond the colonial legacy. How can we build a just social order out of the colonial social order which was characterized by racial inequality and racial injustice, differential treatment of ethnic groups, stratified inequality, denial of equal participation, representation and opportunities, etc.? The norms and goals of ecumenical social thought are adapted and on the basis of which the colonial legacy is evaluated. These norms and goals are of the responsible society (1948) and a just, participatory and sustainable society (1979) as developed by the World Council of Churches (WCC).;The analysis focuses on the policies, attitudes and administrative practices of the Colonial Administration which profoundly influenced the institutionalization of the inferior status and socio-political role of the NMG in the hierarchical colonial structure as well as the pattern of relationships between the Muslim and the non-Muslim groups.