Nigeria is heterogeneous with verifiable evidence of extensive inter-group relations predating colonial rule. One of the lingering shadows cast by colonial rule is the issue of national integration. The attainment of political independence was followed with the challenge of achieving unity in diversity as the nationalists almost immediately relapsed into ethno-religious bigotry. The elitist activities of the ethno-religious bigots who manipulate their followers, have been divisive and a crass aberration of the extensive inter-group intercourse. This paper examines the role of History in addressing the teething issue of national integration in the 21st century.
Keywords: Integration, disintegration, historical consciousness, history
