"The Action Group"

by Claude E. Welch Jr.

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country. Any course about Africa must deal with this complex, sprawling, energetic society, now so sadly stifled by corrupt military leaders.

Every two years or so, I get the chance to teach about Nigeria. Nigerian history remains fascinating, especially the early years of independence, as numerous political parties vied for power.

One of the parties called itself "The Action Group." Some ambitious undergraduate politicians who had enrolled in my class thought that this was a fine name. They adopted the moniker for their own student party, swept into power at the Student Association elections, and proved that understanding African politics can help in achieving office at UB!

(And, to be a bit tongue in cheek, the concept of "tribalism" may have analogues in some academic departments.)