The Evolution of Philosophical Discourse in Post-Colonial Nigeria: A Mixed-Methods Inquiry

The study explores how philosophical discourse in post-colonial Nigeria has evolved over time, focusing on the intersection of African philosophy and contemporary societal issues. The study employs a mixed-methods design combining semi-structured interviews with local philosophers and academics alongside structured questionnaires distributed among university students. Data analysis includes thematic coding for qualitative data and statistical tests for quantitative data, ensuring robust validation of findings across different research methods. Themes emerged from the interviews indicate a significant shift towards more inclusive philosophical discourse, particularly in addressing issues of cultural heritage and identity, with over 70% of respondents agreeing that contemporary philosophy should engage deeply with indigenous knowledge systems. The mixed-methods approach has provided nuanced insights into the evolution of Nigerian post-colonial philosophical thought, revealing a growing emphasis on integrating traditional wisdom with modern academic discourse. Future research could benefit from longitudinal studies to track changes over longer time periods and incorporate more diverse geographical samples to ensure broader representativeness.