Post-Independence Nigeria – A Panoramic View
How old is Nigeria? 103, 57 or 54? The answer is in the eye of the beholder. The geographical boundaries of the territory eventually named Nigeria were consolidated and merged into one country in 1914 by Great Britain. Although Nigeria gained independence from Britain on 1st October, 1960, she remained under the titular headship of the Queen of England until 1st October, 1963 when she adopted the constitution that gave her a republican status. Nigeria is generally believed to be 57 years old, which presupposes that the life of Nigeria as an independent country began on the day she gained independence, and not the day she attained a republican status. That Nigeria became independent on 1st October, 1960 may not mean much more than her destiny being in her hands as from 1st October, 1960 wh...
