SCHEME OF WORK
WEEK 1
i. Revision
ii. Idonalism - Both Positive and Negative impacts
WEEK 2 & 3
Nationalism - meaning, factors that led to the rise and growth of nationalist movement in West Africa, factors that increased nationalist demand after World war II, factor responsible for slow nationalist activities in French West Africa Colonies
WEEK 4
Constitutional Development in Nigeria
i. The Nigerian Council of 1914
ii. The National Congress of British West Africa
WEEK 5
i. Clifford constitution of 1912. Features, Merits and Demerits
ii. Richard constitution of 1946 - Features, objectives, achievement weakness and criticisms.
WEEK 6
i. The Macpherson Constitution of 1951 features, achievement and weakness.
ii. London and Lagos Constitutional Conference of 1953 and 1954 respectively
WEEK 7 & 8
i. Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 - features, Achievements, Weaknesses.
ii. London Constitutional Conference of 1957 and Lagos Constitutional Conference of 1958.
WEEK 9
Independence Constitution of 1960 - Features, Achievements, Weakness
WEEK 10
Republican Constitution of 1963 - Features, Merits and Demerits.
WEEK 11
The Second Republican Constitution of 1979 - Historical background, features, merits and demerits, the differences between 1963 and 1979 Constitution
WEEK 12 & 13
Revision
2ND TERM
WEEK 1
TOPIC: PUBLIC OPINION
BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES: BY THE END OF THE LESSON, THE STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
1. Define public opinion.
2. State the types of formation.
3. Explain the formations.
REFERENCE: COMPREHENSIVE GOVERNMENT FOR SSS by JOHNSON ANYAELE
CONTENT:
Public opinion can be defined as important political views held by a relatively large section of the people. It can also be defined as the collective beliefs, judgments or views held by majority of citizens of a country about public policy or action of the government. It can be referred to what members of the public think or feel about government proposed policy or action already taken by government.
In practice, public opinion refers to views which are strongly held by the more politically active and conscious citizen.
The activities of government are closely tied to the support of the public. The public understanding is then the starting point for an analysis of the process of government. Government of whatever sort finds its roots in public opinion.
FORMATION OF PUBLIC OPINION
Public opinions are formed in the following ways:
1. The influence of the family: We begin to form our picture of the world listening to our parents talk or to tales our elder/older brothers and sisters tell us. The family is therefore a sort of link between opinions; they also influence the extent of children's political knowledge or information.
2. Political impact of school: Schools are opinion shapers and perhaps the most significant of all. At an early age, school children begin to pick up specific attitude towards the system of government.
3. Leadership and interest groups: There has been a lot of growth in the importance of interest groups, public issues are usually first interpreted by professional group leaders in the light of the special interest of the membership. Through such interpretations, members of the group form their opinion.
4. Newspaper: The newspapers play an important role in the shaping of public opinion. The number of newspapers, magazines and other publications has increased tremendously nowadays. Very wide ranges of activities of government are published daily. Through the reading of such publications, public opinions are formed.
5. Radio and Television: The radio and the television play a role in the formation of public opinion. Almost every home in Nigeria now has a radio or television set. News and information concerning the activities of government are regularly received and analyzed. Through this the people form their opinion. There are other forms of public opinion as rumors and gossip, pressure groups and political parties.
EVALUATION:
1. What is public opinion?
2. List the ways by which public opinion is formed.
3. Explain the type of formations.
CONTENT: MEASUREMENT OF PUBLIC OPINION
The government is always interested in the public opinion on issues of the state. They measure the public opinion using different methods.
There are different ways by which public opinion could be measured:
1. The sampling method: The sampling method is used to measure the groups in the state opinion. In Nigeria an issue could arise and the government could sample the various ethnic groups opinion as a sample.
2. Straw votes: As early as 1824, a Pennsylvania newspaper sent some of its reporters to ask voters how they intended to vote in that year's presidential election. Ever since then, newspapers and magazines have tried to sound opinion, especially on elections by sending out reporters or mailing questionnaires to their subscribers or the general public. The respondent's responses are used for public opinion e.g. Silverbird conducted a similar vote for the post of presidential election.
3. Elections: The most effective way of measuring public opinion in a democratic society is through a free and fair election. Elections give to the voters an opportunity for the expression of view on leading political questions, whom they desire as their governor and how they wish to be governed. It is also through the process of a democratic election that excesses of government are checked and popularity of government is tested.
4. Referendum: Another very important way of finding out public opinion is through a referendum. This is to obtain a Yes or No answer from members of the public on very important national questions such as states creation of boundary adjustment e.g. in Lagos in 2004 the governor of Lagos state (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) conducted a referendum for the creation of local governments.
5. Pressure groups and political parties: These groups also help as the government use them to measure public opinion. The government listens to the opinion of such groups before or when decisions have been taken e.g. NLC.
EVALUATION:
1. How can public opinion be measured?
2. Explain the means of measuring public opinion.
ASSIGNMENT:
In your own exposition/opinion concerning the Nigeria presidential elections, should PDP give us another president?
CONTENT: FUNCTIONS OF PUBLIC OPINION
Public opinion is very important to the government of every state. Its functions include:
1. Helping the government to know what the public is thinking about its policies and activities.
2. Public opinion helps the government to know the people's aspirations, demands and needs.
3. It assists the government in the formulation of policies that will meet the aspiration of the people.
4. When accurately measured can help the government, political parties and electoral candidates to know their chances of success at an election.
DISAGREEMENT OF PUBLIC OPINION
1. Some people have argued that there is nothing like public opinion. That what is usually referred to as public opinion is the opinion of a few powerful or influential members of the society.
2. Public opinion is also usually manipulated by a few influential and powerful members of the society.
3. It is very difficult to measure public opinion as human beings do not behave in a consistent manner.
4. Public opinion often gives wrong and distorted picture of the issue. It may be sometimes misleading and government must be careful in the study of public opinion.
EVALUATION:
1. What is the importance of public opinion?
2. Do you agree with the definition of public opinion as that of the masses?
ASSIGNMENT:
1. What is civil service?
2. List the structure of the civil service.
BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES: BY THE END OF THE LESSON, THE STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
1. Define public opinion.
2. State the types of formation.
3. Explain the formations.
REFERENCE: COMPREHENSIVE GOVERNMENT FOR SSS by JOHNSON ANYAELE
CONTENT:
Public opinion can be defined as important political views held by a relatively large section of the people. It can also be defined as the collective beliefs, judgments or views held by majority of citizens of a country about public policy or action of the government. It can be referred to what members of the public think or feel about government proposed policy or action already taken by government.
In practice, public opinion refers to views which are strongly held by the more politically active and conscious citizen.
The activities of government are closely tied to the support of the public. The public understanding is then the starting point for an analysis of the process of government. Government of whatever sort finds its roots in public opinion.
FORMATION OF PUBLIC OPINION
Public opinions are formed in the following ways:
1. The influence of the family: We begin to form our picture of the world listening to our parents talk or to tales our elder/older brothers and sisters tell us. The family is therefore a sort of link between opinions; they also influence the extent of children's political knowledge or information.
2. Political impact of school: Schools are opinion shapers and perhaps the most significant of all. At an early age, school children begin to pick up specific attitude towards the system of government.
3. Leadership and interest groups: There has been a lot of growth in the importance of interest groups, public issues are usually first interpreted by professional group leaders in the light of the special interest of the membership. Through such interpretations, members of the group form their opinion.
4. Newspaper: The newspapers play an important role in the shaping of public opinion. The number of newspapers, magazines and other publications has increased tremendously nowadays. Very wide ranges of activities of government are published daily. Through the reading of such publications, public opinions are formed.
5. Radio and Television: The radio and the television play a role in the formation of public opinion. Almost every home in Nigeria now has a radio or television set. News and information concerning the activities of government are regularly received and analyzed. Through this the people form their opinion. There are other forms of public opinion as rumors and gossip, pressure groups and political parties.
EVALUATION:
1. What is public opinion?
2. List the ways by which public opinion is formed.
3. Explain the type of formations.
CONTENT: MEASUREMENT OF PUBLIC OPINION
The government is always interested in the public opinion on issues of the state. They measure the public opinion using different methods.
There are different ways by which public opinion could be measured:
1. The sampling method: The sampling method is used to measure the groups in the state opinion. In Nigeria an issue could arise and the government could sample the various ethnic groups opinion as a sample.
2. Straw votes: As early as 1824, a Pennsylvania newspaper sent some of its reporters to ask voters how they intended to vote in that year's presidential election. Ever since then, newspapers and magazines have tried to sound opinion, especially on elections by sending out reporters or mailing questionnaires to their subscribers or the general public. The respondent's responses are used for public opinion e.g. Silverbird conducted a similar vote for the post of presidential election.
3. Elections: The most effective way of measuring public opinion in a democratic society is through a free and fair election. Elections give to the voters an opportunity for the expression of view on leading political questions, whom they desire as their governor and how they wish to be governed. It is also through the process of a democratic election that excesses of government are checked and popularity of government is tested.
4. Referendum: Another very important way of finding out public opinion is through a referendum. This is to obtain a Yes or No answer from members of the public on very important national questions such as states creation of boundary adjustment e.g. in Lagos in 2004 the governor of Lagos state (Bola Ahmed Tinubu) conducted a referendum for the creation of local governments.
5. Pressure groups and political parties: These groups also help as the government use them to measure public opinion. The government listens to the opinion of such groups before or when decisions have been taken e.g. NLC.
EVALUATION:
1. How can public opinion be measured?
2. Explain the means of measuring public opinion.
ASSIGNMENT:
In your own exposition/opinion concerning the Nigeria presidential elections, should PDP give us another president?
CONTENT: FUNCTIONS OF PUBLIC OPINION
Public opinion is very important to the government of every state. Its functions include:
1. Helping the government to know what the public is thinking about its policies and activities.
2. Public opinion helps the government to know the people's aspirations, demands and needs.
3. It assists the government in the formulation of policies that will meet the aspiration of the people.
4. When accurately measured can help the government, political parties and electoral candidates to know their chances of success at an election.
DISAGREEMENT OF PUBLIC OPINION
1. Some people have argued that there is nothing like public opinion. That what is usually referred to as public opinion is the opinion of a few powerful or influential members of the society.
2. Public opinion is also usually manipulated by a few influential and powerful members of the society.
3. It is very difficult to measure public opinion as human beings do not behave in a consistent manner.
4. Public opinion often gives wrong and distorted picture of the issue. It may be sometimes misleading and government must be careful in the study of public opinion.
EVALUATION:
1. What is the importance of public opinion?
2. Do you agree with the definition of public opinion as that of the masses?
ASSIGNMENT:
1. What is civil service?
2. List the structure of the civil service.
WEEK 2
TOPIC: CIVIL SERVICE
BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES: BY THE END OF THE LESSON, THE STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
1. Explain the meaning of civil service.
2. Explain some of the characteristics
REFERENCE: COMPREHENSIVE GOVERNMENT FOR SSS by JOHNSON ANYAELE
CONTENT:
The civil service is a department of the executive arm of government. The civil service performs the executive function of execution of policies and programmes of the government. The civil service is made up of those working under government establishment called the civil servants. It has various departments which perform purely administrative and executive functions of which entails formulation and implementation of government policies.
The departments are called ministries headed by ministers and commissioners who serve as both the political and executive head. The Armed forces, the police, public corporations and government owned companies are not included in the civil service but are collectively called public service.
In Nigeria, there are federal civil servants who work at the federal level and state civil servants at the state levels.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
1. Impartiality: The civil servants and the civil service do not attach political affiliation to their service to any particular political party in government.
2. Permanence: The civil service and civil servants do not change as the government changes politically. The civil service remains while the politicians go from government.
3. Neutrality: The civil service and the civil servants are politically neutral. They are not expected to participate in partisan politics unless they resign their appointment.
4. Anonymity: The civil servants are anonymous, they are therefore seen but do not speak to the press unless authorized by the minister. They are not held responsible for any of their actions as they affect the government, only the minister and the Directors general in Nigeria are answerable for the actions of the civil service.
5. Merits: The recruitment into the civil service should be based on merit mot on quota or federal character for them to perform their functions very well and ensure the success of the government.
6. Expertise: The civil servants are expected to be experts in the functions they perform. They therefore suppose to have a good measure of expert knowledge and intelligence.
EVALUATION:
1. What is civil service?
2. List and explain the characteristics of the civil service
CONTENT: STRUCTURE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
The civil in all countries colonized by the British inherited the structure of the British civil service. The classes are:
1. Administrative class/cadre: This is the highest grade of the civil servants in the civil service; members of this class of civil servants include the Directors General or the Permanent or Principal Secretaries, deputy and assistant Directors General, Principal Officers e.tc. These officers are responsible for advising the ministers helping in the formulation of major policies and carrying out general administrative work of their various ministers. They are university graduates or its equivalent educational qualification.
2. Executive class: This class includes the higher executive, senior executive officers, Executive officers, assistant executive officers. They are holders of first degree, professional diplomas, advance level G.C.E etc. This class of officers are responsible for the day to day execution of government policies.
3. Professional/technical class: This class of officers are recruited on the basis of their expertise and professional knowledge and skill and are meant to handle technical or specialized work. They are engineers, accountants, lawyers, Doctors, surveyors, Architects, statisticians.
4. Clerical class: This class is made up of typist, office clerks, clerical assistants. Their jobs are routine and they are school certificate, ordinary level G.C.E and equivalent qualification holders.
5. Auxillary class: This class is made up of messengers, drivers, mechanics, bricklayers, carpenters, cleaners etc. they require no formal educational qualifications.
FUNCTIONS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
1. Policy formulation
2. Policy execution
3. Budget preparation
4. Advice to government
5. Education of the people
6. Provision of social service
7. Records and document keeping
8. Employment opportunities
PROBLEMS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
1. Political instability
2. Bribery and corruption
3. Poor condition of service
4. Bureaucracy / red tapism
5. Political interference
6. Over staffed
7. Inadequate training facilities
8. Lack of qualified personnel
CONTROL OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
1. Legislative control: The legislatures that establish the civil service guides the service and the ministers or commissioners are invited for question by the legislative house.
2. General order: These specify the regulations which outline the conditions of service and responsibilities of civil servants.
3. Public service commission control: This body is vested with the power of appointment, promotion, transfer, discipline and dismissal of civil servants.
4. Hierarchical control: The structure of the civil service, shows that authority flow from the top to bottom, so is the control from the most senior officer to the lowest in the civil service.
5. Judicial control: The courts also control the civil service through its criminal procedure over all the citizens.
EVALUATION:
1. What are the cadres in the civil service?
2. State the functions of civil service
3. What are the problems of the service?
ASSIGNMENT:
List the organisations/agencies under the civil service.
BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES: BY THE END OF THE LESSON, THE STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
1. Explain the meaning of civil service.
2. Explain some of the characteristics
REFERENCE: COMPREHENSIVE GOVERNMENT FOR SSS by JOHNSON ANYAELE
CONTENT:
The civil service is a department of the executive arm of government. The civil service performs the executive function of execution of policies and programmes of the government. The civil service is made up of those working under government establishment called the civil servants. It has various departments which perform purely administrative and executive functions of which entails formulation and implementation of government policies.
The departments are called ministries headed by ministers and commissioners who serve as both the political and executive head. The Armed forces, the police, public corporations and government owned companies are not included in the civil service but are collectively called public service.
In Nigeria, there are federal civil servants who work at the federal level and state civil servants at the state levels.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
1. Impartiality: The civil servants and the civil service do not attach political affiliation to their service to any particular political party in government.
2. Permanence: The civil service and civil servants do not change as the government changes politically. The civil service remains while the politicians go from government.
3. Neutrality: The civil service and the civil servants are politically neutral. They are not expected to participate in partisan politics unless they resign their appointment.
4. Anonymity: The civil servants are anonymous, they are therefore seen but do not speak to the press unless authorized by the minister. They are not held responsible for any of their actions as they affect the government, only the minister and the Directors general in Nigeria are answerable for the actions of the civil service.
5. Merits: The recruitment into the civil service should be based on merit mot on quota or federal character for them to perform their functions very well and ensure the success of the government.
6. Expertise: The civil servants are expected to be experts in the functions they perform. They therefore suppose to have a good measure of expert knowledge and intelligence.
EVALUATION:
1. What is civil service?
2. List and explain the characteristics of the civil service
CONTENT: STRUCTURE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
The civil in all countries colonized by the British inherited the structure of the British civil service. The classes are:
1. Administrative class/cadre: This is the highest grade of the civil servants in the civil service; members of this class of civil servants include the Directors General or the Permanent or Principal Secretaries, deputy and assistant Directors General, Principal Officers e.tc. These officers are responsible for advising the ministers helping in the formulation of major policies and carrying out general administrative work of their various ministers. They are university graduates or its equivalent educational qualification.
2. Executive class: This class includes the higher executive, senior executive officers, Executive officers, assistant executive officers. They are holders of first degree, professional diplomas, advance level G.C.E etc. This class of officers are responsible for the day to day execution of government policies.
3. Professional/technical class: This class of officers are recruited on the basis of their expertise and professional knowledge and skill and are meant to handle technical or specialized work. They are engineers, accountants, lawyers, Doctors, surveyors, Architects, statisticians.
4. Clerical class: This class is made up of typist, office clerks, clerical assistants. Their jobs are routine and they are school certificate, ordinary level G.C.E and equivalent qualification holders.
5. Auxillary class: This class is made up of messengers, drivers, mechanics, bricklayers, carpenters, cleaners etc. they require no formal educational qualifications.
FUNCTIONS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
1. Policy formulation
2. Policy execution
3. Budget preparation
4. Advice to government
5. Education of the people
6. Provision of social service
7. Records and document keeping
8. Employment opportunities
PROBLEMS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
1. Political instability
2. Bribery and corruption
3. Poor condition of service
4. Bureaucracy / red tapism
5. Political interference
6. Over staffed
7. Inadequate training facilities
8. Lack of qualified personnel
CONTROL OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
1. Legislative control: The legislatures that establish the civil service guides the service and the ministers or commissioners are invited for question by the legislative house.
2. General order: These specify the regulations which outline the conditions of service and responsibilities of civil servants.
3. Public service commission control: This body is vested with the power of appointment, promotion, transfer, discipline and dismissal of civil servants.
4. Hierarchical control: The structure of the civil service, shows that authority flow from the top to bottom, so is the control from the most senior officer to the lowest in the civil service.
5. Judicial control: The courts also control the civil service through its criminal procedure over all the citizens.
EVALUATION:
1. What are the cadres in the civil service?
2. State the functions of civil service
3. What are the problems of the service?
ASSIGNMENT:
List the organisations/agencies under the civil service.
WEEK 3
TOPIC: PUBLIC/CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES: BY THE END OF THE LESSON, THE STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
1. Explain the public/civil service commission.
2. State the duties of the service commission.
REFERENCE: COMPREHENSIVE GOVERNMENT FOR SSS by JOHNSON ANYAELE
CONTENT:
The Public (civil) service commission is an independent body set up by the government charged with the responsibility for employing, promoting, disciplining and dismissing civil servants. This body is made up of a chairman and some other members are appointed by the President or Governor for a period of 5 years.
DUTIES OF PUBLIC/CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
1. Employment: The Public (civil) service commission is charged with the responsibility for recruiting high level manpower to the civil service through competitive examination and oral interview.
2. Promotion: It is the duty of the commission to promote civil servants of top echelon who are due for promotion.
3. Discipline: The commission is vested with the powers to take disciplinary action against recalcitrant civil servants who flout the general order regulations.
4. Transfer: The transfer of civil servants from one minister to another within the civil service is done by the public or civil service commission.
5. Retirement: The civil servants who have attained the stipulated retirement age are formally retired by the commission.
6. Dismissal: The commission is also empowered to dismiss any civil servant who commits a dismissible offence.
7. Condition of service: The commission lays down the terms and conditions of service, remunerations and allowance of the civil servant.
8. Advice: The commission advises the government on the appointment of certain high echelon of public servants like the Heads of Statutory boards. Etc.
EVALUATION:
1. What is the public service commission?
2. List the duties of the commission
3. Explain the duties.
CONTENT: COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION
The public service commission is a body made up of a chairman, secretary and nine (9) others appointed by the government for a period of 5 years.
The public service commission is meant to control the public corporation established by the government.
PUBLIC CORPORATIONS
Public corporations are organized enterprises set up by the government to provide the monopoly of certain goods and services for the betterment of the public in general. As a corporate body, a public corporation can be sued. Public corporations are set up by the government to carry out specific functions. Private enterprises may not be willing to dabble into such business because there might not be enough capital. They are created by parliamentary statutes.
There are federal corporations such as NEPA, NPA, Railway, Coal, Airways, NITEL etc. State corporations are Finance Corporation, Housing Corporation, marketing board etc.
REASONS FOR CREATION OF PUBLIC CORPORATIONS
1. Provision of social amenities: Social amenities such as water, health care, electricity cannot be provided by an individual because of the large amount involved in the provision of such amenities.
2. The need to check irresponsibility of private enterprises in general. The need to check private enterprises necessitated the creation of public corporation.
3. Public corporations are created for economic development.
4. Avoidance of exploitation: Private individuals are prone to exploiting the masses therefore the government provides these amenities to avoid exploitation of the citizens.
5. Quick decision: Government by nature and structure is slow in decision making. The establishment of public corporation separate from the government is to allow for quick decision.
EVALUATION:
1. What is public corporation?
2. What are the reasons for its establishment?
ASSIGNMENT:
What are the problems faced by public corporations?
BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES: BY THE END OF THE LESSON, THE STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
1. Explain the public/civil service commission.
2. State the duties of the service commission.
REFERENCE: COMPREHENSIVE GOVERNMENT FOR SSS by JOHNSON ANYAELE
CONTENT:
The Public (civil) service commission is an independent body set up by the government charged with the responsibility for employing, promoting, disciplining and dismissing civil servants. This body is made up of a chairman and some other members are appointed by the President or Governor for a period of 5 years.
DUTIES OF PUBLIC/CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION
1. Employment: The Public (civil) service commission is charged with the responsibility for recruiting high level manpower to the civil service through competitive examination and oral interview.
2. Promotion: It is the duty of the commission to promote civil servants of top echelon who are due for promotion.
3. Discipline: The commission is vested with the powers to take disciplinary action against recalcitrant civil servants who flout the general order regulations.
4. Transfer: The transfer of civil servants from one minister to another within the civil service is done by the public or civil service commission.
5. Retirement: The civil servants who have attained the stipulated retirement age are formally retired by the commission.
6. Dismissal: The commission is also empowered to dismiss any civil servant who commits a dismissible offence.
7. Condition of service: The commission lays down the terms and conditions of service, remunerations and allowance of the civil servant.
8. Advice: The commission advises the government on the appointment of certain high echelon of public servants like the Heads of Statutory boards. Etc.
EVALUATION:
1. What is the public service commission?
2. List the duties of the commission
3. Explain the duties.
CONTENT: COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION
The public service commission is a body made up of a chairman, secretary and nine (9) others appointed by the government for a period of 5 years.
The public service commission is meant to control the public corporation established by the government.
PUBLIC CORPORATIONS
Public corporations are organized enterprises set up by the government to provide the monopoly of certain goods and services for the betterment of the public in general. As a corporate body, a public corporation can be sued. Public corporations are set up by the government to carry out specific functions. Private enterprises may not be willing to dabble into such business because there might not be enough capital. They are created by parliamentary statutes.
There are federal corporations such as NEPA, NPA, Railway, Coal, Airways, NITEL etc. State corporations are Finance Corporation, Housing Corporation, marketing board etc.
REASONS FOR CREATION OF PUBLIC CORPORATIONS
1. Provision of social amenities: Social amenities such as water, health care, electricity cannot be provided by an individual because of the large amount involved in the provision of such amenities.
2. The need to check irresponsibility of private enterprises in general. The need to check private enterprises necessitated the creation of public corporation.
3. Public corporations are created for economic development.
4. Avoidance of exploitation: Private individuals are prone to exploiting the masses therefore the government provides these amenities to avoid exploitation of the citizens.
5. Quick decision: Government by nature and structure is slow in decision making. The establishment of public corporation separate from the government is to allow for quick decision.
EVALUATION:
1. What is public corporation?
2. What are the reasons for its establishment?
ASSIGNMENT:
What are the problems faced by public corporations?
WEEK 4
TOPIC: LOCAL GOVERNMENT
BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES: BY THE END OF THE LESSON, THE STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
1. Define and explain local government.
2. Explain the types of local government
REFERENCE: POLITICAL SCIENCE AND GOVERNMENT FOR NIGERIAN STUDENTS by BAMGBOSE J ADELE and COMPREHENSIVE GOVERNMENT FOR SSS by JOHNSON ANYAELE
CONTENT:
DEFINITION: This is government at the local level established by law to perform specific functions within defined areas. The local government is given substantial powers to take control over local affairs. Local government authorities are created by acts of parliament or decree or edicts. The need of local government was necessitated because of the expansion of the nation and the state which makes it complex to properly administer the people at the grass level.
These powers should give the council substantial control over local affairs as well as staff and institutional and financial power to initiate and direct the provision of services and to determine and implement projects so as to complement the activities of state and federal government in their areas and through the active participation of the people and their traditional institutions.
TYPES OF LOCAL GOVERNNMENT
There are four types of local government according to Harold Alderfer. They are:
1. Traditional type
2. English type
3. French type and
4. Communist type.
These categories could be divided into two broad types, namely:
1. Local government and
2. Local administration
LOCAL ADMINISTRATION
This system of administration refers to a local body where the criteria of legal personality and high independence for the government at the grassroots are virtually absent. In such a system, the central or state government directly appoints and has the overall control on both the staff ad finance of the local body. Under this system, there is no genuine devolution of powers and functions to the local body. There is also no true sense of elections.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Local government exists where a local authority has a legal personality with sufficient but limited powers of control over its staff, finances and functions devolved upon it by the central government.
EVALUATION:
1. What is local government?
2. What types of local government are there?
CONTENT: SOURCES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVENUE
There are various sources of revenue to the local government; some are:
1. Grants from the federal or state government as the case may be.
2. Collection of radio and television license rates.
3. Licensing of bicycles, trucks, canoes, wheel barrows and carts.
4. Rates from markets, motor parks and public conveniences.
5. Rates from registration of births, death and marriages.
6. Tenement rates.
7. Fines from customary courts.
CONTROL AND SUPERVISION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
1. Legislative control: The local government is established by law of the legislature and as such their system are reformed or amended by acts of parliament to exercise fiscal, supervisory, disciplinary and constitutional control over local government authorities.
2. Executive control: The executive controls the local government through the approval of policies, borrowing, change of name or altering of the status of the councils, insurance of orders, appointment of high echelon of staff.
3. Audit control: To control misuse of public fund, government auditors audit the accounts of local government councils at regular intervals.
4. Local government bye laws: are supposed to be sent to the state or higher level for approval before these take effect.
EVALUATION:
1. What are the sources of revenue?
2. How can the local government be controlled?
ASSIGNMENT:
What are the problems faced by the local government?
BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES: BY THE END OF THE LESSON, THE STUDENTS SHOULD BE ABLE TO:
1. Define and explain local government.
2. Explain the types of local government
REFERENCE: POLITICAL SCIENCE AND GOVERNMENT FOR NIGERIAN STUDENTS by BAMGBOSE J ADELE and COMPREHENSIVE GOVERNMENT FOR SSS by JOHNSON ANYAELE
CONTENT:
DEFINITION: This is government at the local level established by law to perform specific functions within defined areas. The local government is given substantial powers to take control over local affairs. Local government authorities are created by acts of parliament or decree or edicts. The need of local government was necessitated because of the expansion of the nation and the state which makes it complex to properly administer the people at the grass level.
These powers should give the council substantial control over local affairs as well as staff and institutional and financial power to initiate and direct the provision of services and to determine and implement projects so as to complement the activities of state and federal government in their areas and through the active participation of the people and their traditional institutions.
TYPES OF LOCAL GOVERNNMENT
There are four types of local government according to Harold Alderfer. They are:
1. Traditional type
2. English type
3. French type and
4. Communist type.
These categories could be divided into two broad types, namely:
1. Local government and
2. Local administration
LOCAL ADMINISTRATION
This system of administration refers to a local body where the criteria of legal personality and high independence for the government at the grassroots are virtually absent. In such a system, the central or state government directly appoints and has the overall control on both the staff ad finance of the local body. Under this system, there is no genuine devolution of powers and functions to the local body. There is also no true sense of elections.
LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Local government exists where a local authority has a legal personality with sufficient but limited powers of control over its staff, finances and functions devolved upon it by the central government.
EVALUATION:
1. What is local government?
2. What types of local government are there?
CONTENT: SOURCES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT REVENUE
There are various sources of revenue to the local government; some are:
1. Grants from the federal or state government as the case may be.
2. Collection of radio and television license rates.
3. Licensing of bicycles, trucks, canoes, wheel barrows and carts.
4. Rates from markets, motor parks and public conveniences.
5. Rates from registration of births, death and marriages.
6. Tenement rates.
7. Fines from customary courts.
CONTROL AND SUPERVISION OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
1. Legislative control: The local government is established by law of the legislature and as such their system are reformed or amended by acts of parliament to exercise fiscal, supervisory, disciplinary and constitutional control over local government authorities.
2. Executive control: The executive controls the local government through the approval of policies, borrowing, change of name or altering of the status of the councils, insurance of orders, appointment of high echelon of staff.
3. Audit control: To control misuse of public fund, government auditors audit the accounts of local government councils at regular intervals.
4. Local government bye laws: are supposed to be sent to the state or higher level for approval before these take effect.
EVALUATION:
1. What are the sources of revenue?
2. How can the local government be controlled?
ASSIGNMENT:
What are the problems faced by the local government?
WEEK 5
CONSTITUTION
1. Meaning of Constitution: A Constitution may be defined as a body of rules, regulation or principles showing how a nation is governed and powers are exercised.
Pre-Independence Constitutions: By pre-independence constitution, we mean the various constitutions made by colonial governments before Nigerian Independence in 1960.
These constitutions include:
1. The Clifford constitution of 1922
2. The Richard constitution of 1946
3. The Macpherson constitution of 1951
4. Lyttleton constitution of 1954
2. The Clifford constitution of 1922
The Clifford constitution was named after Governor Hugh Clifford who was the representative of the Queen of England in Nigeria.
Features of Clifford constitution
(1) There was an Executive council
(2) It provided for a legislative council
(3) It provided for elective principle for the first time
(4) It allowed formation political parties e.g. NNDP in 1923
(5) It provided for the establishment of newspapers.
Advantages of Clifford constitution
(1) It stimulated political activities
(2) It allowed the establishment of political parties
(3) It allowed elective representation where Nigerians were elected into legislature
(4) It established a central legislative council made up of 46members for colony and Southern protectorates.
Disadvantages
(1) The executive had white as members
(2) No African representative in the executive council
(3) It introduced elective principle which was for only Lagos and Calabar. The northerners were excluded from the council.
(4) The governor had both reserved and veto powers.
(5) The conditions attached to the elective principles were too difficult to fulfill.
3. Richard Constitution
This constitution was named after Sir Richard, though the groundwork for the constitution was done by Sir Bourdillon who retired as Governor of Nigeria in 1944. This constitution replaced the Clifford constitution of 1922. The constitution was made specifically to promote the unit of Nigeria and to encourage Nigerians to participate in their own affairs.
Features of Richard constitution
(1) The executive council was dominated by the Europeans
(2) It created Regional House of Assembly for the North, West and East
(3) It created bi-cameral legislature for the North only.
(4) Regional Assemblies were given limited power to legislate on minor matters.
(5) Nigerians were minority in the central Executive Council.
(6) He introduced regionalism: it created regions out of former protectorates Northern, Western and Eastern protectorates.
(7) It brought North and South together under one legislature.
Advantages:
(1) It gave Nigerians more opportunities to have a say in their own affairs.
(2) It stimulated development of nationalist activities
(3) It brought South and North together under same legislature.
(4) It provided link between the native administration and the legislative council.
(5) It laid the foundation of federalism in Nigeria
(6) It introduced regionalism in Nigeria.
Disadvantages:
(1) The Europeans still dominated the Executive council.
(2) It divided the country into unequal parts
(3) The regional assemblies have limited areas of legislation.
(4) Governor still had veto power
(5) Nigerians were not involved in discussing the proposal.
(6) The number of Nigerians elected through elective principles was not increased.
(7) It made much provisions for unofficial majority in legislative council at the centre.
1. Meaning of Constitution: A Constitution may be defined as a body of rules, regulation or principles showing how a nation is governed and powers are exercised.
Pre-Independence Constitutions: By pre-independence constitution, we mean the various constitutions made by colonial governments before Nigerian Independence in 1960.
These constitutions include:
1. The Clifford constitution of 1922
2. The Richard constitution of 1946
3. The Macpherson constitution of 1951
4. Lyttleton constitution of 1954
2. The Clifford constitution of 1922
The Clifford constitution was named after Governor Hugh Clifford who was the representative of the Queen of England in Nigeria.
Features of Clifford constitution
(1) There was an Executive council
(2) It provided for a legislative council
(3) It provided for elective principle for the first time
(4) It allowed formation political parties e.g. NNDP in 1923
(5) It provided for the establishment of newspapers.
Advantages of Clifford constitution
(1) It stimulated political activities
(2) It allowed the establishment of political parties
(3) It allowed elective representation where Nigerians were elected into legislature
(4) It established a central legislative council made up of 46members for colony and Southern protectorates.
Disadvantages
(1) The executive had white as members
(2) No African representative in the executive council
(3) It introduced elective principle which was for only Lagos and Calabar. The northerners were excluded from the council.
(4) The governor had both reserved and veto powers.
(5) The conditions attached to the elective principles were too difficult to fulfill.
3. Richard Constitution
This constitution was named after Sir Richard, though the groundwork for the constitution was done by Sir Bourdillon who retired as Governor of Nigeria in 1944. This constitution replaced the Clifford constitution of 1922. The constitution was made specifically to promote the unit of Nigeria and to encourage Nigerians to participate in their own affairs.
Features of Richard constitution
(1) The executive council was dominated by the Europeans
(2) It created Regional House of Assembly for the North, West and East
(3) It created bi-cameral legislature for the North only.
(4) Regional Assemblies were given limited power to legislate on minor matters.
(5) Nigerians were minority in the central Executive Council.
(6) He introduced regionalism: it created regions out of former protectorates Northern, Western and Eastern protectorates.
(7) It brought North and South together under one legislature.
Advantages:
(1) It gave Nigerians more opportunities to have a say in their own affairs.
(2) It stimulated development of nationalist activities
(3) It brought South and North together under same legislature.
(4) It provided link between the native administration and the legislative council.
(5) It laid the foundation of federalism in Nigeria
(6) It introduced regionalism in Nigeria.
Disadvantages:
(1) The Europeans still dominated the Executive council.
(2) It divided the country into unequal parts
(3) The regional assemblies have limited areas of legislation.
(4) Governor still had veto power
(5) Nigerians were not involved in discussing the proposal.
(6) The number of Nigerians elected through elective principles was not increased.
(7) It made much provisions for unofficial majority in legislative council at the centre.
WEEK 6
4. The Macpherson Constitution of 1951: The constitution was named after Sir John Macpherson who succeeded Sir Richard.
Features:
(1) It created a central legislature
(2) It created a bi-cameral legislature for the West and the North.
(3) Each region had an executive council.
(4) Chief Commissioner for the three regions were renamed Lieutenant-Governors.
(5) Africans were appointed into elective council as ministers (12 Nigerian ministers)
Advantages:
(1) It created for the first time the House of Representatives.
(2) It provided bi-cameral legislature for both North and West.
(3) It made provision for greater autonomy to the regional houses to some extent.
(4) Nigerians were part of the making of the constitution.
(5) It encouraged the formation of political parties in Nigeria.
Disadvantages:
(1) The Governor still had veto power.
(2) There was no provision for the office of a Prime Minister.
(3) It made no provision a responsible government at the centre.
(4) The existing political parties were regional based.
(5) It introduced quasi-federalism i.e. Regional houses were not given full powers.
(6) Nigerian ministers were not given portfolios.
5. Lyttleton Constitution of 1954: This constitution was named after the Governor General Lyttleton.
Features:
(1) It has the structure of a federal system of government with constitutional division of powers.
(2) Lieutenant-Governors in the regions became Governors and Governor became Governor-General.
(3) It made provision for the post of a Speaker of House of Representative.
(4) Lagos was detached from Western Region and made Federal capital.
(5) It provided for a Federal Supreme Court.
(6) Regional House of Assembly were given residual powers to pass bill into laws without the approval from the central government.
(7) Created post of premiership of the regional councils.
Achievements:
(1) Each region had its own civil service and judiciary.
(2) It gave birth to federal system of government in Nigeria.
(3) It established a Federal Capital Territory (Lagos).
(4) It established a supreme court for Nigeria.
(5) It created the post of a Premier as the head of government in the region.
(6) It created the offices of a speaker and deputy speaker in the regions.
Weaknesses
(1) No provision for the post of a Prime Minister as the head at the central level.
(2) No uniform electoral system in all the regions.
(3) The governor-general still have veto power
(4) Ministers were loyal to their regional leaders.
(5) No provision for bicameral legislature at the centre of 1960.
6. Independence Constitution
Features:
(1) The Governor-General was the ceremonial head of state.
(2) The Prime Minister was the head of government and administration.
(3) It provided for a democratic parliamentary system of government.
(4) Fundamental human rights were entrenched in the constitution.
(5) The constitution was a rigid constitution
(6) It laid down procedure for region creation.
Achievements:
(1) It brought in independence for Nigeria.
(2) It made provision for human right.
(3) It defined citizenship and how it can be acquired
(4) It made provisions for fusion of powers
(5) It stipulated procedure for appointment of supreme and High Courts Judges.
Weaknesses
(1) It did not give total sovereignty to Nigeria as a nation.
(2) The Queen was still the Head of State and this gave room for some interference.
(3) The supreme courts had no power over appellate cases.
Features:
(1) It created a central legislature
(2) It created a bi-cameral legislature for the West and the North.
(3) Each region had an executive council.
(4) Chief Commissioner for the three regions were renamed Lieutenant-Governors.
(5) Africans were appointed into elective council as ministers (12 Nigerian ministers)
Advantages:
(1) It created for the first time the House of Representatives.
(2) It provided bi-cameral legislature for both North and West.
(3) It made provision for greater autonomy to the regional houses to some extent.
(4) Nigerians were part of the making of the constitution.
(5) It encouraged the formation of political parties in Nigeria.
Disadvantages:
(1) The Governor still had veto power.
(2) There was no provision for the office of a Prime Minister.
(3) It made no provision a responsible government at the centre.
(4) The existing political parties were regional based.
(5) It introduced quasi-federalism i.e. Regional houses were not given full powers.
(6) Nigerian ministers were not given portfolios.
5. Lyttleton Constitution of 1954: This constitution was named after the Governor General Lyttleton.
Features:
(1) It has the structure of a federal system of government with constitutional division of powers.
(2) Lieutenant-Governors in the regions became Governors and Governor became Governor-General.
(3) It made provision for the post of a Speaker of House of Representative.
(4) Lagos was detached from Western Region and made Federal capital.
(5) It provided for a Federal Supreme Court.
(6) Regional House of Assembly were given residual powers to pass bill into laws without the approval from the central government.
(7) Created post of premiership of the regional councils.
Achievements:
(1) Each region had its own civil service and judiciary.
(2) It gave birth to federal system of government in Nigeria.
(3) It established a Federal Capital Territory (Lagos).
(4) It established a supreme court for Nigeria.
(5) It created the post of a Premier as the head of government in the region.
(6) It created the offices of a speaker and deputy speaker in the regions.
Weaknesses
(1) No provision for the post of a Prime Minister as the head at the central level.
(2) No uniform electoral system in all the regions.
(3) The governor-general still have veto power
(4) Ministers were loyal to their regional leaders.
(5) No provision for bicameral legislature at the centre of 1960.
6. Independence Constitution
Features:
(1) The Governor-General was the ceremonial head of state.
(2) The Prime Minister was the head of government and administration.
(3) It provided for a democratic parliamentary system of government.
(4) Fundamental human rights were entrenched in the constitution.
(5) The constitution was a rigid constitution
(6) It laid down procedure for region creation.
Achievements:
(1) It brought in independence for Nigeria.
(2) It made provision for human right.
(3) It defined citizenship and how it can be acquired
(4) It made provisions for fusion of powers
(5) It stipulated procedure for appointment of supreme and High Courts Judges.
Weaknesses
(1) It did not give total sovereignty to Nigeria as a nation.
(2) The Queen was still the Head of State and this gave room for some interference.
(3) The supreme courts had no power over appellate cases.
WEEK 7
Post - Independence Constitutions
7. The Republican Constitution of 1963
This was born out of all-party conference held in July, 1963 in Lagos. At this conference it was decided that Nigeria should become a republic and so important changes in the constitution became necessary.
Features of 1963 Republican Constitution
(1) It made provision for the office of the Head of State who replaced Queen as the Head of State.
(2) It retained parliamentary system of government.
(3) The Prime Minister was the Head of Government.
(4) It abolished the Judicial service commission.
(5) It brought in republican form of government.
(6) Supreme Court was made the highest Court of Appeal.
Achievements:
(1) It gave Nigeria a republican form of government.
(2) An elected Head of State by the parliament replaced the Queen as the Head of State.
(3) It was the first constitution fully made by Nigerians.
(4) It brought British political interference and influence in Nigeria to an end.
Problems
(1) No supremacy of the constitution but supremacy of the parliament
(2) No clear separation of powers.
(3) The Prime Minister was accountable to the parliament and to the people.
8. The Presidential Constitution of 1979: This came to life after the successful completion of Justice Udo Udoma - led Constitution Drafting Committee in June, 1978.
Features:
(1) It provided for the office of the executive president who was the head of state and commander-in-chief of the Nigerian armed forces.
(2) The President has maximum of two term of four years each.
(3) It provided for the office of the vice-president.
(4) It maintained bi-cameral legislature at the centre and unicameral at the state level.
(5) There was clear separation of powers.
(6) The federal character was initiated
(7) Provided for election at Local Government level.
Achievements:
(1) It created the office of the Executive President who was popularly elected.
(2) There was clear separation of powers.
(3) There was supremacy of the constitution.
(4) Provided for a new Federal Capital Territory.
(5) Fully elaborated and guaranteed rights of individuals.
Problems of 1979 Constitution
(1) It is very expensive to operate
(2) Too much power at the centre.
(3) Introduction of impeachment clause was a problem.
9. The 1989 Presidential Constitution: The constitution was born out of the report of the constituent Assembly established by Babangida Administration in 11th May 1988.
Features:
(1) It retained Presidential system of government.
(2) It set minimum academic qualification for major political offices.
(3) It provided for 36 states including the FCT, Abuja.
(4) It retained the bi-cameral legislature
(5) Provided for independence of Judiciary
(6) It made provision for code of conduct Bureau, the Federal Character Commission and so on.
(7) It makes provision for a revenue allocation formula, exclusive and legislative list.
10. Supremacy of the constitution: Supremacy of the constitution simply means the constitution (law of the land) is above everybody. It follows therefore that the government, its agencies and individuals in the country must act according to the provisions and dictates of the constitution. Supremacy of the constitution means there is only one constitution for the country which is above anyone in the country. Supremacy of the constitution is one of the basic principles of the rule of law.
7. The Republican Constitution of 1963
This was born out of all-party conference held in July, 1963 in Lagos. At this conference it was decided that Nigeria should become a republic and so important changes in the constitution became necessary.
Features of 1963 Republican Constitution
(1) It made provision for the office of the Head of State who replaced Queen as the Head of State.
(2) It retained parliamentary system of government.
(3) The Prime Minister was the Head of Government.
(4) It abolished the Judicial service commission.
(5) It brought in republican form of government.
(6) Supreme Court was made the highest Court of Appeal.
Achievements:
(1) It gave Nigeria a republican form of government.
(2) An elected Head of State by the parliament replaced the Queen as the Head of State.
(3) It was the first constitution fully made by Nigerians.
(4) It brought British political interference and influence in Nigeria to an end.
Problems
(1) No supremacy of the constitution but supremacy of the parliament
(2) No clear separation of powers.
(3) The Prime Minister was accountable to the parliament and to the people.
8. The Presidential Constitution of 1979: This came to life after the successful completion of Justice Udo Udoma - led Constitution Drafting Committee in June, 1978.
Features:
(1) It provided for the office of the executive president who was the head of state and commander-in-chief of the Nigerian armed forces.
(2) The President has maximum of two term of four years each.
(3) It provided for the office of the vice-president.
(4) It maintained bi-cameral legislature at the centre and unicameral at the state level.
(5) There was clear separation of powers.
(6) The federal character was initiated
(7) Provided for election at Local Government level.
Achievements:
(1) It created the office of the Executive President who was popularly elected.
(2) There was clear separation of powers.
(3) There was supremacy of the constitution.
(4) Provided for a new Federal Capital Territory.
(5) Fully elaborated and guaranteed rights of individuals.
Problems of 1979 Constitution
(1) It is very expensive to operate
(2) Too much power at the centre.
(3) Introduction of impeachment clause was a problem.
9. The 1989 Presidential Constitution: The constitution was born out of the report of the constituent Assembly established by Babangida Administration in 11th May 1988.
Features:
(1) It retained Presidential system of government.
(2) It set minimum academic qualification for major political offices.
(3) It provided for 36 states including the FCT, Abuja.
(4) It retained the bi-cameral legislature
(5) Provided for independence of Judiciary
(6) It made provision for code of conduct Bureau, the Federal Character Commission and so on.
(7) It makes provision for a revenue allocation formula, exclusive and legislative list.
10. Supremacy of the constitution: Supremacy of the constitution simply means the constitution (law of the land) is above everybody. It follows therefore that the government, its agencies and individuals in the country must act according to the provisions and dictates of the constitution. Supremacy of the constitution means there is only one constitution for the country which is above anyone in the country. Supremacy of the constitution is one of the basic principles of the rule of law.
WEEK 8
ILLITERACY
1. Meaning of Illiteracy.
Illiteracy has been defined by United Nations (UN) as the inability to read and write a simple sentence in any language. There is also what is known as functional illiteracy. This is a situation where an individual can partially read and write but may not be able to effectively utilize this ability in ordinary activities of life. For instance inability to complete forms, write cheque or complete a deposit or withdrawal forms in bank, read and interpret road signs, read newspapers or magazine with full understanding of the content.
Illiteracy is a common social problem in Nigeria. Various administrations through their policies have been fighting against it. For instance Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1995 initiated the Universal Primary Education (UPE) making it compulsory for every child in Western Nigeria to go through primary education.
Causes of Illiteracy
The following are some of the major causes of illiteracy in Nigeria.
1. Negative attitude to education: Many of those who have made it in life without having a formal education have a wrong motion about going to school. Such may not see the need for their children to have serious formal education. They believe that since they made it in life without education, then their children also will make it.
2. Crave for wealth: To many youths, going to school seems a waste of time, they prefer to venture into businesses that will make them rich as fast as possible.
3. Poverty: Major causes of illiteracy is the inability of many families to send their children to school due to lack of funds. So many families live below the poverty line. They find it difficult to have a square meal not talk of paying school fees, buy books and get school uniforms and pay other minor fees in school this make many children to lose the chance of being formally educated.
4. Tradition and values of the society: In many societies in Nigeria it is believed that a female child is not as important as a male child. Therefore female children education is not an important issue in such societies. In some other societies, the case is worse as they do not place value on formal education at all. Education is seen as a threat to customs and culture of such societies.
5. Inconsistent educational policy: Political instability causes constant change in educational policies. Some regime had beautiful plans of educating the children while after had different agenda at the expense of the education of children. The inconsistency in attitude of various governments due to changes in educational policies had also affected educational systems in Nigeria.
6. Loss of bread winners: Many children could not be educated because they lost their parents or someone who can finance their education too early in life, such children though intelligent and have interest in going to school may be frustrated due to lack of funds or sponsors.
Consequences of Illiteracy
1. Frustration of government effort at developing the society: It is always difficult for illiterate to understand and interpret government policy. This makes them to be defiant and un co-operating thereby frustrating government efforts. For instance, government provides fund for construction of drainage so as to prevent flood. An illiterate may frustrate the good intension of government by dumping refuse in such drainage when it is raining. This will eventually cause the problem the government is trying to prevent.
2. Flagrant disobedience of government laws.
3. It breeds inferiority complex: When illiterate are in the midst of others they always feel inferior because they cannot speak fluent English as others do.
4. Inability to meaningfully contribute to nation building: An illiterate may not be able to meaningfully contribute to the progress of the society as educated people do. He may not have good leadership skill that will qualify him to be voted into power. They cannot formulate good policy that transforms the nation.
5. Leads to complete ignorance: A major consequence of illiteracy is ignorance. The inability to read denies them the opportunity of reading vital information about many issues that will indirectly affect them and take necessary actions.
6. Unnecessary troubles and misfortunes: Many illiterates fall into so many avoidable troubles. For instance, a illiterate motorist may take one way unconsciously and this leads him into trouble. Some illiterates also have been duped and unknowingly out confidential information in course of seeking assistance in completing of forms in banks etc.
7. It breeds poverty, crimes and disease: Illiteracy inhibits their victims in getting good jobs with fat pays thereby leading to poverty. A poor man may deride to go into crime say armed robbery.
8. Political thuggery, drug addiction and so on.
Solutions
(1) Free education at all level
(2) Universal basic education should be vigorously pursued and implemented.
(3) Mass literacy campaign
(4) Parents must be encouraged by the government to send the children to school.
(5) Consistent educational policy.
(6) Government should provide more funds to educational section.
(7) Technical and vocational skills in school should be encouraged by the government.
(8) All children should have equal access to education
1. Meaning of Illiteracy.
Illiteracy has been defined by United Nations (UN) as the inability to read and write a simple sentence in any language. There is also what is known as functional illiteracy. This is a situation where an individual can partially read and write but may not be able to effectively utilize this ability in ordinary activities of life. For instance inability to complete forms, write cheque or complete a deposit or withdrawal forms in bank, read and interpret road signs, read newspapers or magazine with full understanding of the content.
Illiteracy is a common social problem in Nigeria. Various administrations through their policies have been fighting against it. For instance Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1995 initiated the Universal Primary Education (UPE) making it compulsory for every child in Western Nigeria to go through primary education.
Causes of Illiteracy
The following are some of the major causes of illiteracy in Nigeria.
1. Negative attitude to education: Many of those who have made it in life without having a formal education have a wrong motion about going to school. Such may not see the need for their children to have serious formal education. They believe that since they made it in life without education, then their children also will make it.
2. Crave for wealth: To many youths, going to school seems a waste of time, they prefer to venture into businesses that will make them rich as fast as possible.
3. Poverty: Major causes of illiteracy is the inability of many families to send their children to school due to lack of funds. So many families live below the poverty line. They find it difficult to have a square meal not talk of paying school fees, buy books and get school uniforms and pay other minor fees in school this make many children to lose the chance of being formally educated.
4. Tradition and values of the society: In many societies in Nigeria it is believed that a female child is not as important as a male child. Therefore female children education is not an important issue in such societies. In some other societies, the case is worse as they do not place value on formal education at all. Education is seen as a threat to customs and culture of such societies.
5. Inconsistent educational policy: Political instability causes constant change in educational policies. Some regime had beautiful plans of educating the children while after had different agenda at the expense of the education of children. The inconsistency in attitude of various governments due to changes in educational policies had also affected educational systems in Nigeria.
6. Loss of bread winners: Many children could not be educated because they lost their parents or someone who can finance their education too early in life, such children though intelligent and have interest in going to school may be frustrated due to lack of funds or sponsors.
Consequences of Illiteracy
1. Frustration of government effort at developing the society: It is always difficult for illiterate to understand and interpret government policy. This makes them to be defiant and un co-operating thereby frustrating government efforts. For instance, government provides fund for construction of drainage so as to prevent flood. An illiterate may frustrate the good intension of government by dumping refuse in such drainage when it is raining. This will eventually cause the problem the government is trying to prevent.
2. Flagrant disobedience of government laws.
3. It breeds inferiority complex: When illiterate are in the midst of others they always feel inferior because they cannot speak fluent English as others do.
4. Inability to meaningfully contribute to nation building: An illiterate may not be able to meaningfully contribute to the progress of the society as educated people do. He may not have good leadership skill that will qualify him to be voted into power. They cannot formulate good policy that transforms the nation.
5. Leads to complete ignorance: A major consequence of illiteracy is ignorance. The inability to read denies them the opportunity of reading vital information about many issues that will indirectly affect them and take necessary actions.
6. Unnecessary troubles and misfortunes: Many illiterates fall into so many avoidable troubles. For instance, a illiterate motorist may take one way unconsciously and this leads him into trouble. Some illiterates also have been duped and unknowingly out confidential information in course of seeking assistance in completing of forms in banks etc.
7. It breeds poverty, crimes and disease: Illiteracy inhibits their victims in getting good jobs with fat pays thereby leading to poverty. A poor man may deride to go into crime say armed robbery.
8. Political thuggery, drug addiction and so on.
Solutions
(1) Free education at all level
(2) Universal basic education should be vigorously pursued and implemented.
(3) Mass literacy campaign
(4) Parents must be encouraged by the government to send the children to school.
(5) Consistent educational policy.
(6) Government should provide more funds to educational section.
(7) Technical and vocational skills in school should be encouraged by the government.
(8) All children should have equal access to education
