I am recalling all that I was though in the secondary school back then in Nigeria.
Nationalism can be defined as “a strong patriotic feeling for one's own country a desire for independence of one's country or nation”.
Early Nigerian Nationalists
The teacher mentions some of the early Nigerian nationalists such as; Herbert Macaulay (who was known as the father of Nigeria nationalism), Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo, H.O. Davis, Tafawa Belewa, Mrs Margaret Ekpo, etc..
Factors that Led to the Rise and Growth of Nationalism in Nigeria
1. Growth of Western Education- the intellectual power of people like; W.B. Du bois, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Herbert Macaulay, Casely Hayford, etc. made them to be focused and determined to liberate their people.
2. Racism- the British government made use of discrimination to suppress their African counterparts who were regarded as inferior to the Whites. The ability of Nigerian elites to identify this gave rise to nationalism.
3. Emergence of Political Parties- the emergence of the first political party in Nigeria, the NNDP which was founded by Macaulay propelled the growth of nationalism in Nigeria. The N.Y.M and N.C.N.C also played significant roles as their activities led to increased African participation in politics.
4. Heavy Taxation- the rate of heavy taxes on the people by the colonial government became unbearable for the people. This also resulted in the Aba Women Riot of 1929.
5. Role of the Press- the importance of the press in nationalism cannot be overemphasized. The establishment of newspapers like; the West African Pilot by Azikiwe, the Comet by Mohammed Ali, Lagos Daily News by Herbert Macaulay, etc. provided avenue to expose the exploitative nature of colonialism.
6. Trade Unionism- the formation of trade unions like the West African Students` Union (WASU) in 1925 helped to encourage nationalism in Nigeria.
External factors that Encouraged Nationalism
1. British Labor party- the British Labor Party played a significant role in the growth of nationalism in West Africa. It criticized and condemned British colonialism and demanded self-government for all British colonies. Their criticism acted as a morale booster to African nationalists.
2. Pan Africanism- this was a movement of all black race all over the world demanding for the autonomy of black race. The pan African congress was held in 1945. The movement started in West Indies (presently, Haiti).
3. Loss of British Prestige in the world war- the defeat suffered by Britain in the hands of Japan which was a non-European power made west Africans to realize that Britain can be defeated after all and were not as powerful or invincible as they thought.
4. Indian Independence- the independence of India in 1947 and Ghana 1957 rekindled the fire of nationalism in the minds of West Africans. This challenged Africans because India had been a British colony for a long time before the colonization of Africa.
5. Atlantic Charter of 1941- the charter emphasized the right to self-determination to all people of the world and that influenced Nigerians to develop nationalistic feelings and to join in the fight for independence from colonial rule.
6. Ex-service men- the world war veterans exposed the myth surrounding the Whiteman and in fact, they were human beings and can die after all.
Nationalism has set the Nigerian citizens free what more can it do?
You're right, every man remembers his childhood days. Schools are here for different things. If there are people, then there are inactive schools and colleges at every step.