Understanding Culture, Embedded Values, and Development in Northern Nigeria

Abstract

This review paper focuses on the definitions and roles of culture, values and their hidden effects on development in Northern Nigeria. Trends have indicated that culture is one primary basis of individual's initial preparation to life in most societies. While values are considered to be deeper than beliefs, are determinant of attitudes, and ultimately, at least in part predict one's behavior. In Northern Nigeria, there is a change in values. The paper, therefore, identifies a subset of negative cultural value that is primarily responsible for the under-development of the region. Findings have unraveled that the rampant case of girl-child involvement in street hawking at the detriment of their education is no longer a practice, but a value that has been nurtured, and sustained, and the effect of which holds back sustainable development in the North. The paper concludes that one cannot talk of any meaningful development without girls' right to education.