Exploring the Narratives of Sociology in 21st Century Nigeria: Some Prospects and Challenges

The trajectories of Sociology as an externally induced discipline in Nigeria are the production of theories and methodologies equal to the European tendencies and ideas as well as the knowledge of domination initiated from outside. However, these trajectories have created avenue for serious crisis of relevance to the extent that the discipline now has more critics than admirers. Some of the major challenges that face the discipline include the belief that it contributes little to nation building in terms of policy formulation and implementation, as well as produce graduates who by training have little to offer by way of gainful employment and as such constitute a problem to the society. For Sociology to overcome these criticisms, there is the need to assess critically the past, present, and future opportunities open so as to make the discipline attractive both as an academic and practicable discipline. To demonstrate the utility of Sociology, this paper considered two fundamental intellectual dispositions of practitioners to societal issues which are scientism and critizenism. The paper argued that contemporary Nigerian situations tend to push the discipline more towards practical and cultural hemisphere rather than the present practice of recycling pure externally created theoretical and methodological perspectives. Against this background, the paper suggested the paradox of entrepreneurial sociology as a viable option for making the discipline more relevant both as an academic, practical and pro- people oriented discipline. Challenges that may face new option are also addressed.