Sustaining cultural values in African tertiary institutions through literature: Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall Apart as a paradigm

Abstract

The impact of imperialism appears to have registered on the
psyche of most African peoples, especially the youth, a kind of
inferiority complex about their culture; hence anything
associated with Africa is labeled inferior and disgraceful. The
study attempts to highlight the pre-colonial cultural activities in
traditional African society using Chinua Achebe’s Things Fall
Apart in other to create awareness; initiate reconciliation
between the past and the present culture, encourage tolerance
and acceptance that African values are preferable. Using Content
Analysis Approach of qualitative research method, the study
examined the colonial imperialism to expose its impact on
African peoples and in the process re-create history and induce
scholarly attention. The theoretical framework was hinged on
Post-Colonial Theory. The findings revealed that the text is a true
reflection of African culture, history, belief, myths, religion and
politics modeled in folklore form and techniques which confirms
affirmation of faith in its cultural heritage. These norms could be
injected into modern society through such literature. It concluded
that since literature has the capability of articulating the
traditional culture and integrating it into the modern world, it
may be considered a compulsory subject in African tertiary
institutions to ensure continuity.