Oral Traditions and Cultural Identity: A Study of Nigerian Folktales

This study examines how Nigerian folktales function as reservoirs of cultural identity, moral instruction, and collective memory across six major ethnic groups. Drawing on authoritative scholarly works, ethnographic records, and curated oral literature, the paper analyses the values, social norms, and worldviews expressed in Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, Tiv, Fulani and Kanuri narratives. The findings show that Yoruba tales foreground cleverness, reciprocity and communal accountability; Igbo stories emphasise republican ethics, responsibility and fairness; Hausa narratives promote moderation, family cohesion and Islamic moral principles; Tiv tales integrate performance, social commentary and collective responsibility; Fulani narratives highlight pastoral values such as patience, dignity and endurance; and Kanuri stories preserve royal memory, Islamic knowledge and ancestral legitimacy. Across groups, folktales remain vital tools for transmitting identity, strengthening moral behaviour and fostering social cohesion. Despite modern pressures from media, migration and cultural change, oral storytelling continues to adapt while retaining its core pedagogical functions. The study concludes that folktales are central to sustaining cultural continuity in Nigeria and recommends enhanced documentation, digital archiving, inclusion in educational curricula and support for community storytelling practices.