Abstract: The central argument of this study is built round the conviction that the problem hindering growth and development in Nigerian as well as most Africa nations is essentially attitudinal, inadequate attention to the application of core principles of reasoning and ethics-principles blurred by ethnic and religious considerations. Beyond the phenomenon of corruption, the problem of ethnicity and religious considerations are perhaps more fundamental as obstacles to socio-political and economic development. Besides providing fertile ground for corruption, ethnic and religious considerations prevent any adequate application of the principles of rationality and morality. It is therefore proposed here that a development attitude that would ensure genuine advancement in Nigeria, Nay Africa, must consider a robust combination of the rationality of the West and the humanistic morality of the East.