The Imperative for Cultivating Good Citizens Over Good Men in Nigeria

By Dr. Mehifu Egogwe Jaiyeola, FCIHRM

In contemporary discourse, the distinction between a "good man" and a "good citizen" is increasingly pertinent, particularly within the complex socio-political landscape of Nigeria. Drawing on Plato’s insights in "The Republic," we find a profound examination of these roles. Plato posits that while a good man possesses moral virtues, a good citizen aligns these virtues with the laws and societal norms of his state. This distinction is crucial in understanding why Nigeria, now more than ever, needs citizens who are not only good by personal moral standards but also deeply engaged in the civic and political health of their nation.

The Philosophical Foundation of Citizenship

Plato’s model of wise political education underscores the cultivation of citizens through rational reasoning and historical experiences. It emphasises a curriculum enriched by philosophical inquiry, where virtues such as cooperation, morality, courage, and law-abiding behaviour are not merely taught but ingrained. In the Nigerian context, this model presents a valuable framework. The country’s diverse ethnic landscape and historical tensions between different groups call for a citizenship that transcends personal goodness and aspires towards collective societal betterment.

Social Virtues and National Cohesion

The importance of social virtues like friendship, cooperation, and sacrifice cannot be overstated in a society marked by frequent communal conflicts and political instability. Nigeria’s recurrent issues with ethnic violence and political disenfranchisement highlight the need for citizens who embody these virtues not only in private but crucially in public spheres. Social virtues embedded through effective political education can fortify societal bonds and nurture a political culture based on mutual respect and collective responsibility.

Historical Lessons and Modern Imperatives

The effectiveness of wise political education is not merely theoretical but historically evidenced. Ancient Greek city-states and Muslim communities post-Mongol invasion leveraged such education to restore and enhance social order and political authority. For Nigeria, a country recovering from military rule and striving to fortify its democracy, the lessons are clear. A democracy is as resilient as its citizens are engaged. Good citizens,

educated to understand and execute their civic duties, are indispensable in promoting the rule of law and democratic governance.

The Challenges of Civil Disobedience and Political Violence

In Nigeria, civil disobedience and political violence often stem from a populace that either misunderstands its political roles or rejects ineffective political frameworks. The cultivation of good citizens—individuals who respect, understand, and actively participate in the political system—can mitigate these issues. This does not entail blind obedience to flawed systems but rather an educated commitment to lawful and constructive reform.

Strategic Education for Civic Engagement

To foster good citizenship, Nigeria must adopt a strategic educational approach that includes comprehensive political education curricula at all levels of schooling. This education should not only focus on the rights of citizens but also emphatically on their responsibilities. The aim would be to develop a populace that is politically literate, critically minded, and committed to upholding and enhancing the fabric of the nation through informed participation.

Conclusion

The need for good citizens in Nigeria surpasses the simple requirement for good men. It demands individuals who can align their moral compass with the broader needs of their nation, who can participate in the political process in informed and constructive ways. As Plato suggests, the transformation from personal virtue to civic virtue is not automatic but must be facilitated through deliberate and wise political education. By fostering such education, Nigeria can ensure the development of citizens who are not only good in character but also in citizenship, thereby securing a more stable and prosperous future for all.