Concept of unity in diversity vital in fostering national identity, peaceful co-existence – Dr. Bwakan

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By Anthony Maliki, Abuja

A lecturer in the Department of Theatre Arts, Plateau State University, Bokkos, Dr. Nankpah Audu Bwakan said in multicultural societies like Nigeria, the concept of unity in diversity becomes vital in fostering national identity and peaceful co-existence despite ethnic and religious diversity.

He, however, expressed concerned that while multicultural society is vital in Nigeria the challenge lies in transforming the diversity from being a source of conflict into a catalyst for peace and development.

Dr. Bwakan spoke at the 2025 Mission High Schools, Jos, Cultural Day.

According to him, Nigeria is a nation richly blessed with over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages, each with its distinct belief system, food, dress, art and worldview.

He pointed out that Nigeria’s diversity is its greatest strength which if properly utilised, will benefit the large society as Nigerians share certain common values such as family solidarity, hospitality, community cooperation and faith in God which can serve as the foundation for national unity.

“Ultimately, our unity in diversity is not about erasing differences but about creating harmony among Nigerians. It encourages societies to build bridges across cultural divides, ensuring that every group feels respected, represented, and included in national life,” he noted.

Dr. Bwakan stressed that Nigerians must admit that peoples’ unity is being threaten with ethnic tension, religious intolerance and political manipulation have created divisions in many parts of the country.

He pointed out that education plays crucial role in promoting unity in any society not only learning mathematics and grammar, but also empathy, citizenship, and respect for human dignity.

Here is the full speech:

It is with immense joy and gratitude that I stand before you on this colorful and meaningful day, which is the 2025 Cultural Day Celebration of Mission High Schools, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria.

I thank the organisers of this year’s event for extending an invitation to me to serve as the guest speaker.

Originally, I was asked to share my thoughts on a topic “Unity in Diversity” but I decided to speak on a topic, “Education and Culture as the Pathways to Unity in Diversity” This is because the topic is both timely and profound. It reminds us that education and culture are two powerful instruments that shape societies, promote mutual understanding and build bridges of peace and cooperation among diverse peoples.

In a country as richly diverse as Nigeria, unity must be consciously nurtured through knowledge, dialogue and respect for one another. This is where education and culture meet as the pathways to building a united, peaceful and progressive society.

However, this event should not be seen as an opportunity to merely showcase our various colorful cultural attires, songs, dances, and cuisines but should rather be an opportunity for us reflect on the things that unite us than divide us. I must not forgive to commend the management of Mission High Schools, Jos for organising this event, particularly for choosing a theme that seeks to promote unity among Nigeria.

Ladies and gentlemen, before we proceed, let us pause for a while to dissert the key concepts in this topic which are “education, culture and Unity in Diversity”.

What is education?

Education is the holistic development of the mind, body, and spirit. It equips individuals with knowledge, skills, values, and the right attitudes for personal growth and national development.We need to come to terms with the fact that education is not merely a process of passing examinations or obtaining certificates. This is a serious misconception about education.

What is culture?

Culture on the other hand has been defined differently by deferent scholars, depending on their disciplines or backgrounds. The National Institute for Cultural Orientation (1988) defines culture as “the totality of the way of life evolved by a people in their attempt to meet the challenges in their environment which gives order and meaning to the social, political, economic, aesthetic and religious norms and modes of organization, thus distinguishing a people from their neighbour”.

However, for the purpose of this occasion, culture can be defined the totality of a people’s way of life. Imbedded in the life of a given people are their belief system, food, language, dress, settlement pattern, music, art, traditions, and moral values.In order word culture, shapes how we think, speak, and relate with one another.

What is Unity in Diversity?

Unity denotes the state of being joined or working together toward common goals, whereas diversity signifies the presence of multiple distinct elements within a group or society.

The term “Unity in Diversity” simply refers to the harmonious co-existence of people from different cultural, ethnic, linguistic and religious backgrounds within a single society.

For example, the students of Mission High Schools, Jos are from different backgrounds but they are united in their pursue of education/knowledge.

According to (Afigbo, 2018), unity in diversity symbolises the idea that diversity while reflecting differences in identities and traditions, it does not necessarily create division, but instead strengthen unity based on mutual respect and understanding.

Sociologists view

“Unity in Diversity” as different cultural groups contributing uniquely to the stability and continuity of the larger society.In multicultural societies like Nigeria, the concept of unity in diversity becomes vital in fostering national identity and peaceful co-existence despite ethnic and religious diversity.

Nigeria’s Unity in Diversity

Nigeria is a nation richly blessed with over 250 ethnic groups and more than 500 languages, each with its distinct belief system, food, dress, art and worldview. Our diversity is our greatest strength which if properly utilised, will benefit the large society.

Nigerians share certain common values such as family solidarity, hospitality, community cooperation and faith in God which can serve as the foundation for national unity (Ojo, 2021).

The challenge, however, lies in transforming this diversity from being a source of conflict into a catalyst for peace and development. Ultimately, our unity in diversity is not about erasing differences but about creating harmony among Nigerians. It encourages societies to build bridges across cultural divides, ensuring that every group feels respected, represented, and included in national life.

This is just as Kymlicka (2010) asserts that multicultural unity thrives when diversity is embraced as a positive and integral part of national identity, not as a threat to it.

The Challenges of Unity and Cultural Preservation

Nigerians must admit that our unity is being threaten. Ethnic tension, religious intolerance and political manipulation have created divisions in many parts of the country.Our young people grow up knowing little about other cultures apart from stereotypes.

Globalization and technology, though beneficial, but also pose a risk of cultural erosion as Western values dominate media and entertainment spaces.

Our educational system was handed over to us by the colonial masters. However, we can change the narrative. We can use education to protect our cultures and adapt it for modern realities.

We can teach our children to speak their mother tongues alongside English, respect for elders, to value honesty and hard work.

These are virtues that are cut across all tribes. We should inform them that being modern does not mean abandoning tradition. Unity does not mean uniformity. We can be different yet equal, diverse yet united.

Trump’s Position on Genocide in Nigeria

Ladies and gentlemen, the recent declaration Nigeria as a country of particular concern by the President of United States of America, Donald Trump due to alleged Christian genocide.

By this, he claimed that Christians are being kill in large number. He threatens to cut-off all forms U.S assistance to Nigeria and to order military action (troops and air strikes) if Nigerian government did not stop the killings.

This claim has proven that Nigerians are divided alongside religion. Other forms of insecurity have shaken our sense of safety as a people and as a nation.

The rise in ethnic profiling, hate speech and mistrust often amplified by social media has threaten our social fabric. Conflicts have displaced families.

Political and religious intolerance have divided neighbours who once lived peacefully.

In the Middle Belt, herders are attacking and killing innocent people on a daily basis, in the North West, bandits are adopting and killing innocent people and in the North East, Boko Haram are also killing innocent people.

Where lies our unity in diversity?

Plateau State, a state known as the “Home of Peace and Tourism”, we have experienced series of conflicts which has led to the current settlement pattern; people settling in areas they believed that they have strengthen and dominance.

We must strive to build a country where differences do not destroy, but define our collective strength.

The Role of Education in Promoting Unity

Education plays crucial role in promoting unity in any society. It is through education that we learn not only mathematics and grammar, but also empathy, citizenship, and respect for human dignity.

According to UNESCO (2021), education helps build “global citizenship” by fostering intercultural understanding and tolerance.

Schools are miniature societies where students from different ethnic and religious backgrounds interact daily.

They share classrooms, play on the same fields, and collaborate in learning.

These shared experiences plant the seeds of national cohesion and mutual respect.

For instance, in Mission High Schools, you have students from different ethnic groups and religion backgrounds studying under one roof.

Education breaks barriers, challenges stereotypes, and teaching the next generation that what unites us is greater than what divides us.

Education also shapes our perception of national identity. When our curriculum highlights the histories, values, and contributions of different ethnic groups, students grow up appreciating Nigeria’s cultural richness.

When civic education teaches peace, dialogue, and justice, it strengthens the foundations of unity.

Youth as Custodians of Culture and Unity

The task of building a united Nigeria rests on the shoulders of our future leaders. You are the generation that will decide whether diversity remains a strength or becomes a weakness.

As leaders of tomorrow, you should strive to build bridges, not walls by the kind of friends you make today both in school and beyond.

Celebrate one another’s uniqueness and never look down on anyone because of his/her tribe or religion. The name you bear or the dialect you speak does not make you better or lesser; it only makes you unique.

Education gives you the power to see beyond divisions. Use it to bring people together and to solve problems as well as promote peaceful co-existence.

Remember that great nations are built not on its wealth but on the unity and character of its people.

Strengthening Unity Through Education and Culture

In our quest to make education and culture strong tools for the promotion of unity, we must collectively do the followings:Our students should be encourage to learn at least one indigenous Nigerian language apart from their mother tongue.

Schools should celebrate cultural days every term.Traditional values and history alongside modern subjects should be included in the curriculum.

Teaching of inter-faith dialogue and tolerance studies should be encourage in schools in order to create safe spaces for discussions on diversity and peace.

Teachers, parents and community leaders should inculcate in the young ones the spirit of fairness and respect for one another across all lines of difference.

Conclusion

Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, today’s celebration afforded us the opportunity celebrate the diversity of Nigerian cultures; from the Berom, Tarok, Ngas, Gamai, Tel in Plateau State to Yoruba in the South-West, the Igbo in the South-South, Hausa in North West, Kanuri in North East.

Let us remember that our differences are not barriers but bridges.

Let us build an educational system that unites rather than divides, that enlightens rather than alienates, and that empowers rather than enslaves.

Together, they can build a nation where every citizen feels respected, and valued.

Let us take pride in our differences and find strength in our shared humanity.

Let us teach our children that peace begins with understanding, and understanding begins with learning about others.

Let us use our schools, churches, mosques, and homes as centres of cultural exchange and love.

As Nigerians, let us nurture our minds, preserve our heritage and guard our unity.

Thank you for listening and may God bless everyone here and the management Mission High Schools, Jos.