Nnadiebube Journal of Religion, Culture and Society

Despite recorded economic growth, Nigeria’s development has lacked inclusivity, failing to benefit the poor and vulnerable. Government policies have historically prioritised Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth over the wellbeing of the citizens and equitable allocation of resources, leaving ordinary citizens behind. Consequently, severe socio-economic challenges persist across the country, characterised by widespread poverty, rising unemployment, high illiteracy rates with millions of out-of-school children, and inadequate healthcare services. These compounding hardships have fuelled public frustration, culminating in increased protests, social unrest, and political instability. Scholarly literature suggests that fostering truly inclusive growth requires strategic investments in human capital and infrastructure—specifically education, healthcare, and job creation. In Nigeria, the Catholic Mission has emerged as a vital contributor to this development process. Through extensive institutional investments, the Church operates schools and medical facilities that significantly expand access to essential services for millions of citizens. Beyond direct welfare provision, its social and employment initiatives combat joblessness and poverty. Furthermore, the Church’s active advocacy for good governance, accountability, and social justice plays a critical role in promoting public policy transparency and the overall transformation of society, beginning with holistic formation. Moreover, the Church argues that when good morals, quality education, and proper healthcare are integrated, they foster a balanced, healthy, and productive economy. This paper, therefore, examines the contributions of both the Nigerian government and the Catholic Church to inclusive growth, particularly in the healthcare and education sectors. Using quantitative methods, the study analyses available data to assess their respective impacts. The paper is also anchored in neo-classical endogenous growth theory, which emphasises that sustainable economic growth is driven by internal factors, such as investment in human capital, particularly education and health.

Open Full Text (PDF)