Fredrick Awhen Opoh, Sylvester Akongi Unimke & Sunday Adie Mgba
Abstract
This paper explored how to bridge the gaps of indifference existing in a pluralistic Nigerian society for the purpose of achieving national integration. Nigeria is a pluralistic society consisting of diverse ethnic, cultural, linguistic, tribal, and religious groups, with each possessing different distinct culture, norms, needs and aspirations, among others. The country has faced numerous ethno-tribal, political, and religious conflicts, land disputes, nepotism, ethnocentrism, and all kinds of disturbing occurrences. All these problems stand as the factors hindering national integration, unity, peace and progress of the country. In this connection, the paper was divided into subheadings with the conceptual clarifications of the concepts of pluralism and national integration; likewise in-depth discourse of the challenges and strategic approaches to challenges of national integration as well as relevance of national integration in bridging the gaps of indifference in a pluralistic Nigerian society were articulated. The document notes that national integration lays a solid foundation for building strong, dynamic, democratic, progressive, cohesive and inclusive societies based on social justice, fairness and equality. Also, it emphasizes the need to rebuild the Nigerian education system, for religious and cultural tolerance, and put human rights and dignity, patriotism, and loyalty in the hearts of citizens.