The Influence of Ethnic Affiliation on Preference for Inter-Ethnic Interactions Among Undergraduate in Lagos Nigeria

Abstract

The study investigates preference for inter-ethnic relationship as a function of ethnic affiliation among undergraduate students in University of Lagos, Nigeria. The sample for the study comprises of 684 undergraduates 284 of them were male while 400 were female with age range of between 18 to34 years. A questionnaire on preference for interaction with persons from various ethnic groups in Nigeria was designed and administered to assess respondents’ willingness to interact with persons of the diverse ethnic groups at various levels of intimacy. Data collected was analyzed using frequencies and Chi-square The result revealed the prevalence of two major ethnic groups (Yoruba and Igbo) among the respondents. Chi-square analysis of the results shows that more of the participants from each of these two groups prefer to relate with members of their own ethnic group than members of the other ethnic groups. Logistic regression further revealed that young adults were more tolerant of other ethnic groups than their old adult’s counterparts. Similarly, males reported more tolerance to ethnic differences compared to their female counterparts. Also, Yoruba participants were more tolerant to other ethnic groups compared to both Igbo’s and the other ethnic groups. However there is gender difference in spousal preference such that more male than female preferred inter-ethnic marriages while the reverse was the case for intra-ethnic marriages. This finding is attributed to patriarchy which is prevalent in the country. However, for less intimate relationships, a substantial number prefer inter-ethnic relationships.