Transformation of societies and W.W. Rostow‟s stages of growth: Options for Nigeria

Abstract

The desire and goal of all human societies is the ultimate attainment of a „just and egalitarian‟ society. To this end, the transformation of any society is anchored on the pillars of sound ideas and policies enshrined in a value system that is institution-driven. Nigeria, with her enormous population, vast lands and crude oil resources, amongst others, is still in search of the Midas touch for transformation of its largely poor population. This paper using secondary documents and specifically, W.W. Rostow‟s stages of growth model, examines in retrospect the policy decisions of the Nigeria central government in the 1990s and the new millennium to explain the irony of her perpetual transverse journey between a traditional society and seemingly failing modern state. Leaving aside the remedies proffered by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, the paper recommends indigenous radical reforms devoid of political and economic expediencies and the breakaway from the hitherto governance status quo.