ANTHROPOLOGICAL STUDIES AND ITS RELEVANCE IN CONTEMPORARY NIGERIA SOCIETY

Among the social science disciplines in Nigeria anthropology seems to be the least recognized. The reason for this may not be unconnected with the role anthropologists played in consolidating colonial administration in Nigeria and other parts of Africa. This no doubt undermined the establishment and popularity of anthropology as an academic discipline in Nigeria from the period of independence. Besides, it equally created some form of bias by the Nigerian government and its citizens in appreciating the relevance and contributions of anthropology in the development of the nation. The paper examines the continued relevance of anthropology in Nigeria as it relates to economic development, protecting and preserving its cultural heritages, promoting national unity and integration, among others. The paper concludes by highlighting some of the challenges facing anthropological studies in Nigeria that includes; poor funding, absence of a professional body and lack of proper enlightenment of Nigerians on the importance of anthropology in modern society.