Covid-19, Neo-Colonialism, African Traditional Medicine And The Poverty Of Critical Thinking In Nigeria

The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the global search for solution revealed the poverty of critical thinking in Nigeria and the problem of neo-colonialism as a clog in the wheel of the development and promotion of African Traditional Medicine (ATM) as an alternative remedy for the pandemic. The study examined how neo-colonialism hampered the development of ATM and it projected its future in Nigeria. Gathering data from unstructured interview, observation, and secondary sources, the paper adopted the historical and descriptive approaches. Findings revealed that neo-colonialism created a psychological hatred for ATM in the mind of some Nigerians notwithstanding that some Nigerians irrespective of religious affiliation were patronising traditional medical practitioners. It was discovered that President Muhammadu Buhari was Eurocentric rather than Afro-centric in the search for the solution to the pandemic. Madagascar tried its Covid Organics; rather than such scientific effort being supported and improved upon, it was condemned. Although NAFDAC had reportedly approved the production of ABUAD Herbal Virucidine Liquid as an immune booster and antioxidant for Coronavirus and other viral infections, ATM needs more investments from Nigerian government because it has many prospects in Nigeria. The study concluded that Africans needed to put an end to self-hate and embrace their heritage in order to contribute to global goods and services.