JOURNALS

ABSTRACT

This research focuses on the impact of Edmund Burke's conservatism on Nigeria’s sociopolitical development. Edmund Burke’s view on conservatism asserts that the society is an embodiment of values and traditions of generations past, inherited by the present and preserved for the future generations. Hence the traditional institutions, values and norms should be preserved in any political phase as a panacea for a progressive state. Nigeria as a nation, gained her independence from Britain over six decades ago, but still has the indices of an underdeveloped state. Faced with several issues as a result of an ideological lack, bad leadership, persistent corruption, the country has failed to live up to its potential. This study therefore investigates into the tenets of conservatism as proposed by Edmund Burke, to seek a pathway for the development of Nigeria. Hence, investigating the traditional values and norms, history which prevailed before the advent of colonialism, the study will make a proposition as to how these values will be brought into play for the advancement of Nigeria’s social and political development.