PLATO’S CONCEPT OF PHILOSOPHER KING: IMPLICATIONS FOR NIGERIA’S POLITICAL LEADERSHIP AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT: PLATO’S CONCEPT OF PHILOSOPHER KING: IMPLICATIONS FOR NIGERIA’S POLITICAL LEADERSHIP AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT

AMADI, PRINCE NNAMDI; NWUCHE, DOMINICA OKECHUKWU

Authors

AMADI, PRINCE NNAMDI Department of Foundations and Art Education, Faculty of Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.
NWUCHE, DOMINICA OKECHUKWU Department of Foundations and Art Education, Faculty of Education, Ignatius Ajuru University of Education, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria.

Keywords:

Philosopher, Philosopher King, Leadership, Political Leadership, Development, National Development

Abstract

Political leadership is an important tool for the promotion of national
development and should not be left in the hands of ignorant, uneducated or
semi-educated fellows. The paper examined the concept of “Philosopher
King” as perceived by Plato and its implications for Nigeria’s political
leadership and national development. The concepts of philosopher king,
political leadership and national development were examined. The paper
drew the conclusion that Plato’s idea of philosopher king has implications
for Nigeria’s political leadership and national development and can be used
to address the leadership and developmental challenges in Nigeria. The
paper also concluded that there will be no national development if
leadership is not placed in the hands of highly educated and
knowledgeable Nigerians who can make sound and rational decisions for
nation building. Based on this, the paper recommended the amendment of
the constitution of Nigeria to give room for highly educated and
knowledgeable Nigerians to oversee the affairs of the Nigerian State.

PLATO’S CONCEPT OF PHILOSOPHER KING: IMPLICATIONS FOR NIGERIA’S POLITICAL LEADERSHIP AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT