Ethnic Diversity and Socio-Economic Development in Southwest, Nigeria

Abstract

Diversity management shares an important link with Socio-economic development. The study investigated the effect of ethnic diversity on the socio-economic development of southwest, Nigeria. Multiple regression analytical method was used to measure the effect of ethnic diversity which is the independent variable on the dependent variable (socio-economic development) which was measured with indicators like foreign and local investments, employment opportunities, quality education, good social amenities, higher life expectancy and personal safety using SPSS version 20. The reliability coefficient of research instrument was obtained using Cronbach-alpha. Cross-sectional/descriptive research design was adopted. The primary data was collected from five (5) MDAs of 1,571 population using a structured questionnaire from which a sample size of 400 was determined using Taro Yamane 1967. Result shows that ethnic diversity has a significantly positive effect on the socio-economic development of southwest Nigeria. The study recommended the introduction of activities that could foster unity amongst Nigerians e.g. sports, bridging the social gap between the rich and the poor which has been identified as the major cause of crime, the study also recommends the total overhauling of the northern education system and strict adherence to the federal character rule.