ENTRENCHING THE SPIRIT OF UBUNTU IN AFRICA DEMOCRATIC STRUCTURE: NIGERIA AS A FOCAL POINT

Abstract

Ubuntu as a concept of humanism in the African context remains a doctrine that can be practiced by anyone. It is not a philosophy limited to a certain race, gender, or group of people. Ubuntu relates to bonding with others. This is in line with what the word expresses in most African languages as being self because of others. The sayings that, “I am because we are and I am human because I belong” expresses the tenet of ubutun. The Ubuntu doctrine is a concept introduced and adapted into social work practice by the South Africa’s social workers, with the aim of reemphasizing the use of humane methods to achieve human goals as hitherto espoused by social work profession. Most Africa countries democratic structure looks tense and challenging due to inhumane feelings adopted by various leaders upon the lead. Nigeria, being one of the most populous Black Country in Africa and with over 200 million inhabitants while fully endowed with both human and natural resources. Yet, most of her populace still suffers from issues such as insecurity, illiteracy, poverty, unemployment, food insecurity, religious sentiments, multi-ethnic/cultural disparities, and to mention just a few. These are social problems constituted by leadership ineptitude, corruption and inhumane treatment towards one another. This paper examined the ubutun doctrine with the aim of emphasizing on entrenching the spirit of ubuntuism in African democratic structure. With focus on the Nigeria democratic system, while using the ubuntu doctrine as basis for social welfare and political development. However, the implications for social work practitioners are as well stated. The paper recommends that ubuntu doctrine should be introduced into the Nigeria social work curriculum, in a bid to acclimatize Nigerians with the spirit of ubuntu practices.