It is imperative that we understand
the concept of National Development in the course of this study. Because of the
need for the understanding of the meaning of National Development, it becomes a
necessity that we ask the first question.
What is Development?
Authors and academics have defined development
subjectively, objectively and relatively. But for the purpose of this study, we
shall note those definitions that are relevant to our course of study.
First of all let us observe the
dictionary meaning of development.
Development (noun)
1. The action of developing or the state
of being developed
2. A new product or idea
3. A new stage in a changing situation
4. An area with new buildings on it 43.
From the four definitions the
dictionary offered us, it is apparent that none suffices for a working
definition in this study.
In the academically coherent words
of Ogai Joseph O., ‘the term development as used in the contemporary since can
be viewed as a three dimensional concept44. These three dimensions he describes as:-
(i) “Utilitarian or consummatory dimension,
which connotes increase in the quantity
of usable items or goals available to man in society.
(ii) Behavioural or relational dimension which
defines the nature of the relationship existing among societies and
(iii) Institutional and structural dimension of
development which defines the institutional and legal framework which circumscribes the behaviours of men and
streamlines their relationship which they individually, and collectively seek
to gain greater access to material things of value in society. From the fore
going as Ogai posits, it is comprehensible that he divides development into
economic, social and legal dimensions.
Rodney states; “development in the
past has always meant the increase in the ability to guard the independence of
the social group and indeed to infringe upon the freedom of others-something
that often came about irrespective of the will of the persons within the
society involved”.45
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[2]
social
features”.
However, in a wholesome but concise
definition, Rodney states;
Development in human society is a many
–sided processes. At the level of the individual, it implies increase skill and
capacity, greater freedom, creativity, self-discipline, responsibility and
material well being. A society develops economically as its member increase
jointly their capacity for
dealing with the environment. This
capacity for dealing with environment is dependent on the extent to which they
understand the laws of nature (science) on the extent of which they put that
understanding into practice by devising tools (technology) and on the manner in
which work is organized. Taking a long term view, it can be said that there has
been constant economic development within human society since the origins of
men, because man has multiplied enormously his capacity to win a living from
nature46.
[3]
From the above definition, we can
come to the deduction that development has to do with increase, upgrade or
intensity in the mental process of an individual, living standard of the
citizenry, national economy, structure of the legal system or social
institutions/organization or relations etc.
Now, what is national development?
The definition of development above will go a long way in helping us define
national development.
According Ogai, Joseph O.48,
“National Development is defined as the gradual manifestation of positive
changes in the economic, industrial, political, social, cultural and
administrative life of country.” This definition serves the purpose of this
study. National development must be a development that takes place in a nation.
It is the development that affects the citizens, economy, industry, politics,
culture and administration of a country.
We shall not dwell so long in this sub-topic but shall
forge ahead with other sub-topics in this chapter. What matters most to us is
that we have understood the concept of national development.
[4]
43 Compact Oxford
English Dictionary for students Edited by Catherine Soaves with Sara Hawker, (Oxford
University Press)
44 Ogai, Joseph O. an Analysis of the concepts of
Development and underdevelopment in “Communication National Development” edited
by Onyeka Uwakwe (2nd edition cecta Books 2007)
45 Rodney W,
“How Europe Underdeveloped Africa”. (London bo, le L’
ouverture Publications 1972)
46 Ibid pg 3
47 Okereke, O.O., Introduction to “Development Administration
in Nigeria”
(Published in 1999 by concave Publishers, Owerri) as edited by Okereke O.
O.
48 An Analysis of the concepts of development and
underdevelopment (supra)