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A major challenge that has bedevilled Africa has been the failure at nation-building and development. Indeed, almost all the countries of the continent are characterized by different ethnic groups that have not been well integrated to form a nation-state. Rather, what has continued to hold sway is having different nations in a state, and this has affected unity, peace and progress in the continent. African states have since continued to have protracted conflicts since the attainment of their independence, and the problems militating against nation-building and development goes beyond ethnic conflicts and civil wars. There are problems of political instability; military administrations; one party dominance/democracy; religious conflicts; labour unrest; disputes over resource control; management of the economies; and corruption. In our study here, we will concentrate on religion. This work is invaluable to scholars of African history, developmental studies, religious studies and even international relations scholars.

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The author, Olugbodi Oladipupo, is currently a PhD student at the Department of History and Strategic Studies, University of Lagos, Nigeria. He also holds a PGD in Educational Administration.The author has taught at most levels of education and contributed to various conferences within Nigeria. He is a member of IADS (UNILAG and UWI, Jamaica).

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