THE QUESTION OF MAN IN THE LIGHT OF OUR SHARED HUMANITY: RELEVANCE TO THE NEED TO COMBAT DEHUMANISING PRACTICES IN NIGERIA THROUGH EDUCATION

Abstract

The question of man is the ultimate metaphorical question and has been a pressing issue in
the mind of humanity since time immemorial. Quite often, the focus of the question has been
placed on the differences between man and lower animals. But existential peril awaits the
collective future of humanity if man continues in the habit of looking at himself in terms of his
differences from fellow men! This paper looks at the question of man from various
conceptions of “man” and seeks to address the question in the light of our shared humanity.
It advances the argument that a whole range of issues happening in Nigeria, as well as in
other countries – from debt bondage, human trafficking, early marriage, child labour,
corruption by the political class to ethnic stereotyping and the assigning of ethnic labels –
are inferiorising acts that inadvertently eviscerate the humanity of whole groups because
they are not “like us”. It is suggested that the school system should provide structured
opportunities for the learning of shared humanity – a humanity that implies that all human
beings have the same basic physical and psychological needs; and that our education should
seek to conscientiously break down barriers and stereotypes by providing students the
structured opportunities to step out of their social and ethnic enclaves, mix up, talk with each
other and share their respective stories.

Keywords: The Question of Man, Our Common Humanity, Our Shared Humanity,
Dehumanisation