GST 112: Nigerian Social Institutions and Values - Course Summary
Introduction (Or: Why This Course Actually Matters)
Okay, so... Nigerian Social Institutions and Values. When I first saw this course title, I thought it'd be another boring theoretical class where we'd memorize stuff and forget it after exams. But honestly? It's way more interesting than I expected. Your can check GST 112 course outline here
We're basically looking at the building blocks of Nigerian society - like, the stuff that makes us... us. The things that keep our society from falling apart, you know? Marriage, family, religion, values. Sounds simple, but it's actually pretty complex when you dig into it.
Today we're covering:
- Marriage systems (and there are more than you'd think)
- Family structures and kinship (it's not just about who you live with)
- Religious beliefs and practices
- Moral values and social norms
By the end of this, you should be able to explain these institutions and... well, hopefully understand why they matter. Even if you disagree with some of them.
1. Marriage Systems in Nigeria (It's Complicated)
Marriage in Nigeria isn't just "boy meets girl, they get married." Oh no. It's way more layered than that.
A. Traditional Marriage
This is the OG version. Been around forever, and it's different for every ethnic group. Which makes sense because... Nigeria has like 250+ ethnic groups, so yeah.
How it works:
- Family introductions (not just "meet my parents")
- Bride price or dowry (and before you judge, it's not buying a person - it's more symbolic... mostly)
- Gifts, rituals, ceremonies
- Varies by ethnic group (what works in Yorubaland might be totally different in Igboland)
Why it matters:
It's not just about the couple. It's about joining families, sometimes entire communities. Your marriage affects your lineage, your family's reputation, everything. Heavy stuff.
Features:
- Often polygynous (one man, multiple wives) - though not always
- Elders are heavily involved (like, HEAVILY)
- Community-centered, not individual-centered
B. Religious Marriage
This is where faith comes in. And in Nigeria, faith is serious business.
Christian Marriage:
- Church ceremony, vows, rings, prayers
- Monogamy only (one spouse)
- "Till death do us part" kind of deal
- Lots of emphasis on spiritual union
Islamic Marriage (Nikkah):
- Islamic law governs it
- Dowry (mahr) is paid
- Marriage verses, prayers
- Polygyny allowed (up to 4 wives) but with strict conditions
Why it matters:
Gives spiritual legitimacy. Your community of faith recognizes and blesses your union. Plus, religious communities often provide support systems.
C. Civil Marriage
This is the government's version. Marriage Act and all that legal stuff.
How it works:
- File notice at registry
- Wait 21 days (publication period)
- Ceremony with registrar
- Official documentation
Features:
- Legally recognized by the state
- Monogamy enforced
- Legal protections for inheritance, divorce, etc.
Why it matters:
When things go wrong (and sometimes they do), you've got legal backing. Courts recognize it, inheritance laws apply, all that.
2. Family Structure and Kinship (Who's Your People?)
A. Family Structure
Nuclear Family:
- Father, mother, kids
- Common in cities (makes sense with small apartments)
- More privacy, independence
- But also... less support network?
Extended Family:
- Grandparents, uncles, aunts, cousins, sometimes even more distant relatives
- Common in rural areas
- Like a built-in social security system
- Economic support, emotional support, childcare help
- But also... less privacy, more obligations
Honestly, I think extended families are underrated. Yes, they can be overwhelming, but when you're in trouble, you've got people. That's something.
B. Kinship System
This is about how you're connected to people - by blood or marriage.
Lineage systems:
- Patrilineal (through father's line) - most common
- Matrilineal (through mother's line) - less common but exists
What it determines:
- Inheritance (who gets what when someone dies)
- Succession (who becomes the next chief/leader)
- Marriage preferences (sometimes you can't marry from certain families)
- Obligations to relatives
It's like... your family tree determines a lot about your life. Sometimes that's good, sometimes it's limiting.
3. Religious Beliefs and Practices (Faith Runs Deep)
Nigeria is seriously religious. Like, really seriously.
A. Christianity
How it got here: Missionaries during colonial times
Practices: Church services, sacraments, prayer meetings, Christmas, Easter
Ethics: Honesty, charity, fidelity, love your neighbor
Christianity has shaped a lot of Nigerian values, especially around morality and social behavior.
B. Islam
How it got here: Trans-Saharan trade, Jihad movements
Practices: Five pillars - Shahada (faith), Salah (prayers), Zakat (charity), Sawm (fasting), Hajj (pilgrimage)
Influence: Islamic law guides personal and social conduct
Islam provides a comprehensive way of life for its followers - not just Sunday/Friday worship.
C. African Traditional Religion (ATR)
This is the indigenous stuff. Often overlooked, but it's still very much alive.
Core beliefs: Supreme Being, divinities, spirits, ancestors
Practices: Festivals, libations, sacrifices, initiation ceremonies
Values: Communal well-being, respect for elders, moral rectitude
ATR often gets mixed with Christianity or Islam - syncretism is common.
Important note: Religious institutions aren't just about worship. They're community centers, conflict resolution hubs, development organizations. They do a lot.
4. Moral Values and Social Norms (The Unwritten Rules)
A. Moral Values
These are the principles that guide behavior:
Respect for elders: Non-negotiable across all cultures
Honesty and integrity: Expected, even if not always practiced
Hard work and diligence: The path to success
Hospitality: Treat visitors well, even strangers
Communalism: We over me, collective welfare over individual wants
These values... they're beautiful in theory. In practice, it's complicated. Modern life sometimes conflicts with traditional values.
B. Social Norms
These are the "how to behave" rules:
Dress codes: Traditional attire for ceremonies, modest dressing generally
Greetings: Super important - how you greet shows respect
Marriage customs: Courtship, dowry, wedding ceremonies all have rules
Funeral rites: Heavily ritualized, reflects beliefs about afterlife
Break these norms? Get ready for gossip, ostracism, or traditional penalties. Social pressure is real.
Conclusion (What I'm Taking Away)
So here's what I'm thinking... these institutions and values aren't just academic concepts. They're living, breathing parts of our society. They define who we are, how we relate to each other, what we consider right and wrong.
Some of these things are beautiful - the way extended families support each other, the emphasis on community, the respect for elders. Others... well, they can be limiting or even oppressive sometimes.
But here's the thing - understanding them helps us understand ourselves. And our country. Whether you agree with everything or not, these are the frameworks that shape Nigerian society.
As we move forward - with modernization, globalization, all that - these institutions are changing. Some are adapting, some are being challenged, some are disappearing. That's worth thinking about.
What's Next?
Next class we're looking at economic institutions. Markets, trade systems, traditional economic practices. Should be interesting - money talks, right?
Make sure you read the next chapter. And if you have questions, ask them. Don't wait till exam time.
Assignment
Write 1-2 pages on "The Role of the Extended Family in Conflict Resolution in Nigerian Communities." Due next class.
Think about it - when there's a dispute in your family or community, who steps in? How do they handle it? What makes it work (or not work)?
Course Materials and References
Required Textbooks:
- Otite, O. & Ogionwo, W. (2006). An Introduction to Sociological Studies. Ibadan: Heinemann Educational Books.
- Haralambos, M. & Holborn, M. (2013). Sociology: Themes and Perspectives. 8th Edition. London: Collins Educational.
- Nukunya, G.K. (2003). Tradition and Change in Ghana: An Introduction to Sociology. 2nd Edition. Accra: Ghana Universities Press.
Additional Readings:
- Uchendu, V.C. (1965). The Igbo of Southeast Nigeria. New York: Holt, Rinehart and Winston.
- Fadipe, N.A. (1970). The Sociology of the Yoruba. Ibadan: Ibadan University Press.
- Fortes, M. & Evans-Pritchard, E.E. (Eds.) (1940). African Political Systems. Oxford: Oxford University Press.
Journal Articles:
- Okonkwo, R.U. (1998). "Marriage Customs and Family Structure in Contemporary Nigeria." African Studies Review, 41(2), 23-45.
- Amadiume, I. (1987). Male Daughters, Female Husbands: Gender and Sex in African Society. London: Zed Books.
- Peil, M. (1995). "Family, Marriage and Divorce in West Africa." Journal of Legal Pluralism, 35, 101-128.
Online Resources:
- Nigerian Social Institutions Database - www.nigerianheritage.org
- Centre for Social and Economic Research (CSER) - www.cser.org.ng
- African Studies Centre, University of Ibadan - www.ui.edu.ng/africanstudie
Documentary Films:
- "Marriage Rites in Nigeria" (2018) - Produced by Nigerian Television Authority
- "Extended Family Systems in Rural Nigeria" (2019) - Cultural Heritage Films
Government Publications:
- National Population Commission (2019). Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey. Abuja: NPC.
- Federal Ministry of Women Affairs (2020). Report on Marriage and Family Practices in Nigeria. Abuja: Government Press.
Note: Some of these materials are available in most university library. Online resources can be accessed through the university's digital library portal. Contact the course instructor for any difficulties accessing materials.