PENNY INTERNATIONAL COLLEGE

JSS 2 CIVIC EDUCATION

THIRD TERM, SCHEME OF WORK

Week Topic
1. Revision of last term’s work: (Democracy):
Meaning, features, importance/benefits, Institutions and their functions.
2. Pillars of Democracy:
(a) Meaning of Pillars of Democracy.
(b) Examples of Pillars of Democracy
3. Election
(a) The concept of election,
(b) Types of elections
(c) Importance of election
(d) Basic qualifications for election.
(e) Free and fair election.
(f) Measures taken to ensure free and fair election.
4. voters Responsibilities
(a) meaning of Voter and voting
(b). Responsibilities of a voter
(c) The procedures for voting
5. Electoral Malpractice:
(a) Meaning of electoral malpractice.
(b) Forms/types of electoral malpractice
(a) Causes of Electoral malpractices.
(b) Consequences of Electoral malpractices.
(c) Preventing Electoral malpractices.
6. Constitutional development in Nigeria:
a) Meaning of Colonization and Constitution
b) Pre-independence (Colonial Constitution of Nigeria)
i) Clifford constitution 1922 – 1946
ii) Richard constitution 1946 – 1951
iii) Macpherson constitution 1941 – 1954
iv) Lyttleton Constitution 1954 – 1960
v) Features of each Constitution.
c) The Independence Constitution (1960)
7. Constitutional development in Nigeria:
a) Post independence
i) First republican Constitution of 1963
ii) Presidential Constitution of 1979
iii) Presidential Constitution of 1989
iv) Presidential Constitution of 1999.
8. Supremacy of the Constitution:
9. Illiteracy: meaning, causes and effects.
10. Revision.
11. and 12. Examination.
WELCOME TO: WEEK 1
Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
i) Define Democracy.
ii) State the features of Democracy
iii) Explain the benefits/importance of Democracy
iv) Enumerate the Institutions of Democracy and their functions.

Topic: REVISION OF LAST TERM’S WORK: (DEMOCRACY)

Meaning:
Democracy can be defined as the government of the people by the people and for the
people; this was defined by Abraham Lincoln in the year 1863.
Democracy can also be defined as a system of government in the hand of the majority
i.e. it is a system of government where the people decide who should rule them and
how they should be ruled.

FEATURES OF DEMOCRACY:
1. Political leaders are appointed through election.
2. Elections are held periodically.
3. There is presence of election umpire i.e. the body that organizes election which is
INEC.
4. There is respect for the rule of law.
5. There is separation of powers.
6. There is majority rule over the minority.
7. There are manifestos and campaign by political parties.
8. There is universal adult suffrage.

BENEFITS/IMPORTANCE OF DEMOCRACY:
1. Democracy promotes freedom of speech. Freedom of expression and freedom of
the press.
2. It promotes free and fair elections.
3. Opposition is tolerated.
4. It gives room for checks and balances.
5. It promotes good governance.
6. It makes elected candidates to be guided by the constitution of the land.
7. It promotes international relations.
8. It safeguards fundamental human rights.
9. It preserves the dignity and integrity of the judiciary.
10. It promotes development in the country.

DEMOCRATIC INSTITUTIONS AND THEIR FEATURES:

The institutions involved in democratic processes and procedures are:
1. The three arms of government. 3. Political parties
2. The electoral umpire (body) i.e. INEC. 4. Pressure groups.
1. The three Arms of government:
The three arms of government are the Legislature, Judiciary and Executive.
a) The Legislature: This is the body that makes laws.
i) They make and pass laws in the country.
ii) They approve budgets of the government through oversight functions.
iii) They confirm the nomination of ministers, ambassadors and leadership of
key positions.
b) The Judiciary: This is the body that interprets the laws.
i) They explain in details the laws passed by parliament.
ii) They also settle disputes between individuals, groups and government.
iii) They punish law offenders by convicting them.
iv) They administer oath of office on officers of government.
c) The Executive: This is the body that enforces the law.
i) They provide security for the country.
ii) The recommend issues to the Legislature.
iii) They arrest law offenders.

2. The Electoral umpire (body) i.e. INEC:

This is the body in charge of organizing and conducting elections into political
offices in the country. They are known as Independent National Electoral
Commission (INEC).
i) They register persons who are qualified to vote i.e. from 18 years of age.
ii) They register political parties and their candidates.
iii) They monitor the operations of the political parties.
iv) They carve out electoral districts.
v) They recruit, train and deploys electoral officers to work on election dates
vi) They announce election date, results and the winner.

3. Political parties: This is the body formed by groups of people with common
interests to win an election. Example is Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).
i) They nominate and present candidates for their political parties.
ii) They bring citizens together under one umbrella.
iii) They organize campaigns.
iv) The link people with the government for business.
v) They sensitize the public against rigging and violence.

4. Pressure groups: This is the body that puts pressure on the government,
public and private organizations to effect considered changes in work places
and in the society. Examples are Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union,
Pengassan etc.
i) They declare strikes and boycotts to make employers or government
listen to their point of view etc.
WELCOME TO: WEEK 2
Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
v) Define Pillars of Democracy.
vi) Give examples of Pillars of Democracy
vii) Explain the relation of the democratic pillars.

Topic: PILLARS OF DEMOCRACY

Pillars of democracy can be defined as the instruments, organs or institutions that work
together in order to ensure continuous survival of democracy in the country. In other words,
Pillars of democracy are those parameters that uphold and sustain democracy. They provide
the needed support for a smooth operation of democratic practices.

Examples of Pillars of Democracy are:

i. The People
ii. Democratic institutions
iii. Rule of law
iv. Transparent /free electoral process
v. Constitution
vi. Free Press and International observers
vii. Electoral Body (INEC)
viii. Majority rule
ix. Minority right
x. Political parties
xi. Security agents (Police, Military, Para-military)
xii. Labour union
xiii. Trade union etc.

THE RELATION OF THE DEMOCRACTIC PILLARS:

The People: These are the law abiding citizens which happens to be the bedrock of
democracy. The people constitute the voters who could also be called electorates as
they vote for their political leaders.

Democratic institutions: They help the state to realize its objectives. Such institutions
include the three arms of government i.e. judiciary, legislature and executives

Rule of law: This is the supremacy of the law which is above individuals, groups and
state officials. It makes democracy to stand, as it will ensure that all laws are obeyed.

Transparent/free electoral process: A free and fair electoral system lays a solid
foundation for democracy. When elections are rigged, it will lead to a fragile
democracy, which can collapse if not well nurtured by truth and justice.

Constitution: This is the body of fundamental rules and regulations with which a particular
country is governed. A good constitution will ensure that democracy is sustained and
maintained because the body of rules and regulations will guide the actions of the ruler and
the ruled.
Free Press and international observers: The press is the mass media through which
information is transferred to the members of the general public. The press plays a vital role in
any democratic government .This is because they keep members of the public adequately
informed of current economic, social and political issues in the country and also serves as a
watchdog to the government of the country.

Electoral Body (INEC): Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) is the

organ of government established to conduct election in the country. For democracy to
survive, INEC must be free to conduct free and fair election without any interference
from anybody. This will enable them to discharge their duties effectively.

Majority rule: This is a form of representative’s democracy where people actually

participate in the election of their leaders.

Minority rights: This is a form of representative’s democracy where the rights of the
citizens must be guaranteed to enable them participate effectively in the government.

Political Parties: This is a group of people having the same ideology and who come
together for the purpose of winning an election and ruling a state. Examples of current
political parties in Nigeria are People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Action Congress of
Nigeria (CAN), All People’s Grand Alliance (APGA), All Nigerian People’s party
(ANPP) etc.

ASSIGNMENT:
1. List three Pillars of democracy and explain their relations.
2. Mention any two Political parties in Nigeria.
3. Explain the meaning of Majority rule and Minority rights in democracy.

WELCOME TO: WEEK 3

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
(i) Define Election,
(ii) Mention the types of election.
(i) mention the other types of Election
(iii) state Importance of election.
(iv) state the basic qualifications for election.
(v) explain the procedures for voting.
(vi). enumerate the responsibilities of a voter.

Topic: ELECTION
Election is the process of choosing a person or a group of persons for political positions
through voting. The main purpose of election is to put people in a position of leadership by a
way of making choices from available alternatives.
The organ of government responsible for conducting election in Nigeria is Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC).

FREE AND FAIR ELECTION

This is the election conducted in a place/atmosphere which is free from harassment,
intimidations and other illegal activities intended to change the will of the voters. In free
and fair election, the will of the masses prevail as candidates are not imposed on them
but only those they voted into power end up being the leaders.

MEASURES TAKEN TO ENSURE A FREE AND FAIR ELECTION

1. The Independent National Electoral Commission must be free to operate
independently without any interference from any one.
2. Voters’ list should be publicly displayed for public viewing.
3. The country should be divided into constituencies on equal population basis to
ensure equal representation.
4. All election materials should be made adequately available at the right time.
5. There should be adequate security in all polling units.
6. The government should use men and women of proven integrity as their officials
during election.
7. Results of election should be announced immediately after election.
8. Election officials should be adequately trained and remunerated so that they
cannot be easily deceived with money.

TYPES OF ELECTIONS
There are basically two types of election, namely:

1. Direct Election: This is a process by which all qualified citizens (voters) cast
their votes directly in order to elect their leaders/representatives by themselves in
a free and fair election.
2. Indirect Election: This is a form of election where few people known and called
Electoral College elect representatives on behalf of the majority of voters. In
other words, it is the process by which only few people are allowed to represent
the general public in electing their leaders.
An electoral college is a body of elected representatives from each state; who in turn
elect the president and the vice president.

Other types of election include:

1. Run-off election/second ballot: This is the type of election that is conducted
just after an election, where no one of the candidate has won the election by
absolute majority in a general election. When there is no clear-cut winner of an
election, a run-off election is conducted, but only the candidates with the highest
votes are allowed to contest at this level.

2. Primary election
This is an election conducted within a political party to choose credible
candidate(s) that can adequately represent the party in any election.

3. Referendum: This is an election organized in order to vote for a decision on a

subject. For example such election can be conducted to determine people’s wish
or opinion on a subject.
 4. Bye-election: This is a special election that takes place after another election, in
order to fill a vacant elective post or replace a politician. Bye-elections may be
conducted as a result of disqualification, resignation or death.

5. Simple majority: This is a type of election where the candidate with the highest
vote is declared as a winner.

6. Absolute majority: This is a type of election where the candidate must score at
least 50% of the total votes cast.

IMPORTANCE OF ELECTION
1. Election serves as a peaceful way of changing government form one regime to
the other.
2. Election will enable the government to know the mind of the people and this is
called public opinion.
3. Election also serves as a forum for political education as it affords voters the
opportunity of learning the electoral process.
4. Election will also make the government in power to be a legitimate one that is
coming from the people.
5. Election will make also the government in power to know how popular their
programs are.
6. It also promotes political accountability because the elected representatives will
give account of their service to the people especially for renewal of mandate.
7. Election will also promote health competition between the contesting parties.
8. People are also able to express their voting right as it will give them opportunity
to vote for the candidates of their choice.
9. Election promotes spirit of competition. Where competition is healthy, it makes
way for efficiency.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS FOR ELECTION

1. The person must be a Nigeria citizen either by birth Naturalization, or registration
2. The person must be sane who is not mentally derailed
3. He must be residing in the country for a period of time
4. He must be a registered voter before the actual election takes place
5. Such a voter participating in an election must never have been convicted for a
criminal offence
6. The voter must also be paying his tax when due
7. Such a person must be loyal to the country and be law abiding.

ASSIGNMENT:
1. Define Election
2. Mention the 2 basic types of elections.
3. Explain two importance of Election.
4. Differentiate between Electoral College and Referendum.
WELCOME TO: WEEK 4
Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
i) Define Voters.
ii) State the responsibilities of Voters.
iii) identify the types of Voting system.
iv) State the procedures for voting.

Topic: VOTERS RESPONSIBILITIES

Voters are those individuals qualified to vote during an election process. Another name
for Voter is Electorate while those contesting for political posts are called Candidates or
Aspirants. In Nigeria, the eligible voting age is 18years and above.
The positions to be contested for both at the central, state and local government levels
are the posts of presidency, governorship, senate, chairman etc

Voting is the process of choosing a representative into government. OR it is a process

of deciding who rules.

RESPONSIBILITIES OF A VOTER
1. He must come out and register before the actual election takes place.
2. He must check his name on the revised electoral register at least 3 months
before the election.
3. On the day of election, he must take his voters card and check his name with the
staff of electoral commission. Then he can exercise his voting right for the
candidate of his choice.
4. He must be law abiding at the polling station and take instruction at the station
from the electoral officers.
5. He must leave the polling station immediately after voting.

VOTING SYSTEM:
There are two types of voting system. They are:
1. Open ballot
2. Secret ballot
OPEN BALLOT: The election conducted in the open place where people line up behind
their candidates or signify their support by raising up their hands is known as open
ballot. Here the person contesting will identify those voting for him and this can lead to
molestation of others in the opposing camp.
SECRET BALLOT: Is a type of election where voters use ballot paper to cast their vote
in a close place such that other voters and contesting candidates may not see them.
Here the candidate may not recognize those voting for him. The safety of the electorate
is guaranteed.

PROCEDURES FOR VOTING

1. The first step is to register all eligible voters before the actual election and also
revise those registers.
2. Next is to fix the date of the election.
3. Appointment of ad-hoc staff to be used by the electoral commission. Those
officers must be well trained.
4. Posting of these electoral officers to the different locations where they will serve.
5. Pasting of posters of Electoral Commission at the various places for
enlightenment purpose.
6. Distribution of electoral materials to the various centers.
7. The actual voting will commence at the various stations.
8. The final thing is the counting of voters and declaration of election results the
returning officer.

ASSIGNMENT:

1. Mention the two types of voting system

2. Highlight two responsibilities of Voters.

WELCOME TO: WEEK 5

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
v) Define Electoral malpractice.
vi) List forms of electoral malpractices.
vii) State the consequences of electoral malpractices.
viii) Identify ways in which electoral malpractices can be prevented.

Topic: ELECTORAL MALPRACTICE

Meaning
Electoral Malpractices are those illegal activities that candidates often engaged
themselves in during election.

FORMS/TYPES OF ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES

1. Rigging
2. Deceitful/fake manifestoes
3. Corrupt security agents
4. Thuggery
5. Financial inducement (bribery)
6. Falsification of election result.
7. Fake thumb printing of ballot papers.
8. Voting by under aged children.
9. Illegal compilation of fictitious names.
10. Multiple voting
11. Illegal printing of voters’ cards.
12. Illegal possession of ballot boxes.
13. Under supply and deliberate refusal to supply election materials to some areas.
14. Announcing of result where no election was held.
15. Unauthorized announcement of election results.
16. Harassment of candidates, agents and voters.
17. Change of list of electoral officers.
 18. Snatching and stealing of ballot boxes.
19. Switching of fake ballot-boxes pre-stuffed with thumb printed fake ballot papers
with genuine ballot boxes.
20. Inflation/manipulation of figures.

CAUSES OF ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES:

Electoral malpractices are caused by a number of factors some of them are listed
below:
1. Lack of civic education: Many voters are ignorant on how to vote, thumb print or
even identify the parties and the candidates of their choice.
2. Greed/selfish interest: Urge for acquisition of wealth.
3. Corruption: some officials of the electoral commission can be bribed and tamper
with ballot boxes.
4. Valued System: Poor value system can be a cause of electoral malpractices.
5. Illiteracy: Most citizens in Nigeria are illiterate and lack political awareness.
6. Ambition to win power at all cost: Through the use of political thugs and
hoodlums to intimidate the electorate.
7. Fear: Fear of losing power and fame.
8. Lack of patriotism to one’s nation.
9. Absence of the fear of God.
10. Peer influence.
11. Poverty.

CONSEQUENCES OF ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES

Electoral Malpractices leads to:
1. Mismanagement of resources.
2. Inefficiency on the side of our political leaders.
3. Political instability in the country.
4. Increase in the level of poverty in the society.
5. Embezzlement of public fund by corrupt leaders.
6. Increase in crime rates.
7. Loss of interest in politics or political Apathy on the side of voters.
8. Loss of confidence in government by the masses.
9. Abuse of office.
10. Bad leadership and governance.
11. Denial of fundamental human rights.
12. Non-implementation of the rule of law
13. Economic and social sabotage i.e. non-provision of social and infrastructural
amenities for the masses.
14. Civil unrest and intimidation of political opponents.
15. Unemployment.

PREVENTING ELECTORAL MALPRACTICES

As citizens of this great Nation, efforts should be made by everyone in order to prevent
electoral malpractices.
1. There must be public enlightenment on election i.e. the public should be
educated on voting procedure
2. The public should be educated on the dangers of electoral malpractices.
3. Voters must obey the laws guiding elections.
4. Voters’ register must be regularly updated.
 5. Regular elections must be held.
6. There must be serious punishment for elections riggers/law breakers.
7. Polling agents should carry out their duties and avoid meddling with the voting
materials and exercise.
8. There should be youth empowerment skills and programmes.
9. There should be provision of jobs for the youths.

ASSIGNMENT
1. What is Electoral malpractice?
2. Give four types of electoral malpractice
3. Mention 5 consequences of electoral malpractices
4. Identify two ways of preventing electoral malpractices.

WELCOME TO: WEEK 6

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
d) Define Colonization and Constitution
e) explain the Pre-independence (Colonial) Constitutions of Nigeria:
vi) Clifford constitution 1922 – 1946
vii) Richard constitution of 1946 – 1951
viii) Macpherson constitution of 1941 – 1954
ix) Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 – 1960
x) Features of each Constitution.
xi) Independence Constitution of 1960:

TOPIC: CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA

Meaning:
Colonization: This can be defined as the take over and settlement of foreigners in a
country.
Colonial administration is the government of the foreigners over the natives of the
land.
Constitution: This is a set of rules, regulations or laws governing a country.

Features of a Constitution:
1. It states the dos and don’ts of citizens of the country.
2. It can be written or unwritten.
3. It can be rigid or flexible (A rigid constitution is difficult to amend while a flexible
constitution is easy to amend).
4. It stipulates the penalties for the violation of rules.
5. It is a source of authority in a country
6. It defines the structure, functions and powers of the three arms of government.
7. It determines the rights and duties of citizens.
The Constitutional development in Nigeria is in two phases:
1. Pre-independence Constitution: This is the first phase i.e. when Nigeria was under
British rule /Colonial rule.
2. Post Independence Constitution: This is the second phase i.e. when Nigeria gained
independence from British rule.

The British or Colonial rule:

Nigeria fell under British rule in 1861. Lord Frederick fredLugard the first governor
general amalgamated (i.e. brought together) the Northern and Southern Protectorates
into one country in the year 1914. He governed using the British pattern of
administration.
Lord Frederick Luggard established the Nigerian Council that laid the foundation for
Constitutional development in Nigeria.

PRE-INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTIONS OF NIGERIA ARE:

i) Clifford constitution 1922 – 1946
ii) Richard constitution 1946 – 1951
iii) Macpherson constitution 1951 – 1954
iv) Lyttleton Constitution 1954 – 1960
Clifford Constitution of 1922 – 1946:
In 1922, Sir Hugh Clifford was appointed the Governor-General of Nigeria after Lord
Frederick Luggard. He made some findings on the northern and southern provinces and
recommendation was sent to the British government and it was approved. The writing
and release of Clifford constitution was a landmark because it was the first written
constitution in the political history of Nigeria; which allowed Nigerians to
participate in the government affairs as “unofficial members”.
Some of its features were:
i) Clifford constitution created two councils in Lagos; which are the executive and
Legislative council.
ii) It granted the governor power to make laws through proclamation.

Richard Constitution of 1946 – 1951:

The defects of the Clifford’s constitution of 1922 led to the introduction of the Arthur
Richard constitution in the year 1946.

Some of its features were:

i) It led to the concept of regionalism i.e. it divided Nigeria into three regions, namely:
Northern, Eastern and Western region
ii) It established a single legislative council for the whole Nigeria, for the first time it
allowed unofficial members in the legislative council.

Macpherson Constitution of 1951 - 1954:

In the year 1951, Sir John Macpherson took over from Sir Richard. The constitution
came into being after a constitutional conference was held at the village, regional and
central level.
Some of its features were:
i) It established a bicameral legislature.
ii) It led to formation of central legislative and a central executive council for the whole
country.
iii) There was regional legislative and regional executive council for the North, West
and East.
iv) The constitution introduced the federal system of government in Nigeria with
division of powers between the central government and regional government.
v) The council was renamed House of Representatives.

Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 – 1960:

In 1954, Oliver Lyttleton became the governor general after the London and Lagos
constitutional conferences held in 1953.
Some of its features were:
i) Nigeria formally became a Federation.
ii) The three regional governments became more autonomous.
iii) Lagos became a Federal Capital Territory.
iv) It made provision for the office of the speaker and deputy speaker.

INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTION OF 1960:

Nigeria became an independent and a sovereign nation on October 1, 1960. British
officials went back to Britain and Nigerians became in charge of their own government.
Some of its features were:
i) Nigeria was declared a sovereign and independent nation.
ii) Nigeria remained a Federation with three regions – North East and West.
iii) There was Bicameral legislature i.e. the Senate and House of representatives at
the centre.
iv) Power was clearly shared between the Federal and the regional government.
v) Fundamental human rights were guaranteed.

ASSIGNMENT
1. What is a constitution?
2. State two features of a Constitution.
3. Describe the two phases of Nigerian constitutional development.
4. Mention the four pre-independence constitution of Nigeria.
5. _____________ amalgamated the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914.
6. Identify three constitutions that were promulgated before the 1960 constitution.
7. State two features of the Independence constitution of1960.

WELCOME TO: WEEK 7

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
i) explain the features of: Republican Constitution of 1963 and Presidential
Constitution of 1979.
ii) explain the features of: Presidential Constitution of 1989 and Presidential
Constitution of 1999.

TOPIC: CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA (continuation)

POST- INDEPENDENCE CONSTITUTIONS OF NIGERIA:

The Post- independence constitutions of Nigeria are:
i) Republican Constitution of 1963
ii) Presidential Constitution of 1979
iii) Presidential Constitution of 1989
iv) Presidential Constitution of 1999.

REPUBLICAN CONSTITUTION 1963:

In 1963, a consensus was reached by all the Nigerian political leaders at a conference
held in Lagos on July 25th and 26th, 1963. This constitution was adopted as the first
republic on the 1st of October, 1963.
Some of its features are:
i) The Parliament passed this constitution on September 19th, 1963.
ii) The constitution came into operation on October 1st, 1963.
iii) This constitution changed Nigeria status to a Federal Republic.
iv) The office of the governor-general was renamed to office of the President
as the Queen/King of Britain was no longer in charge of the governmental
affairs.
v) The President was elected by the members of the Parliament in a sitting
and voting by secret ballot.
vi) The Privy Council in London ceased to be the highest court in Nigeria but the
Supreme Court.
vii) The Federal government was granted power to declare a state of emergency in
any part of the country.

PRESIDENTIAL CONSTITUTION of 1979:

This constitution was adopted as the second republic on the 1 st of October, 1979. The
same day the military handed over power to the civilian. The constitution established a
presidential system of government.
Some of its features are:
i) The constitution made the President to be both the Head of state and
Commander-in-chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces.
ii) The qualifying age of membership of the House of Representatives was put at
21years old.
iii) The constitution made the Local government the third tier of government.
iv) The constitution led to separation of powers and their functions were clearly
stated.

PRESIDENTIAL CONSTITUTION OF 1989:

The Shagari/Ekwueme administration was overthrown by Buhari on the 31st of
December, 1983. The military rule was suspended and the people were ruled by
decrees and edicts.
In 1985 Buhari’s regime (government) was overthrown by Babaginda; and in1987, the
1979 constitution was reviewed and it was approved by the Armed Forces Ruling
Council in 1989.
Some of its features are:
i) A maximum of two-terms of four years duration each was fixed as a serving
terms for the nations President and Governors of the states.
ii) The constitution increased the qualifying age of membership of the House of
Representatives to 25 years old.
PRESIDENTIAL CONSTITUTION OF 1999:
The Presidential election held on June 12, 1993 was annulled and the Head of state,
General Sanni Abacha started a constitutional amendment process.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who took over from Abacha, set up a Constitution
drafting committee. A new constitution emerged and it was called the 1999 constitution
of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Some of its features are:

i) The presidential system of government was retained.
ii) The fundamental human rights were entrenched in the constitution.
iii) It declares the supremacy of the constitution.
iv) The constitution made provision for a bicameral legislature for the federal
government (i.e. two houses/chambers) and unicameral legislature in the state
(i.e. one house/chamber).
v) The constitution set out conditions for acquiring and renouncing citizenship of
Nigeria.
vi) The constitution was written.

ASSIGNMENT
1. Identify three features each of the 1963 and 1979 Constitution.
2. State two features each of 1989 and 1999 constitution.

WELCOME TO: WEEK 8

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
1. Define the concept of the Supremacy of the Constitution.
2. State two reasons for the supremacy of the constitution.

TOPIC: SUPREMACY OF THE CONSTITUTION

Concept of Supremacy of the Constitution means that the law (rules and regulations)
of a country is the highest authority that must be obeyed by all citizens. It means that
the constitution is above all individuals and government regardless of colour, ethnic
group, and age; economic/financial, political and social status. It also means that the
law has no respect for anybody; not even the President of the nation.

Reasons for Supremacy of the Constitution are:

1. The constitution is the highest and final authority that guides the conduct of the
government and the citizens.
2. There is only one constitution for the country and it applies to all states uniformly.
3. It ensures and promotes law and order.
4. It is the final authority that clearly defines the punishment for offenders of the law
(law breakers).
5. Any action or rule by anybody which is not in accordance with the constitution is
regarded as unconstitutional; and it is therefore void and of no effect.
6. It defines the tenure of political or public office holder.
7. It makes the leaders accountable to the people.
8. It promotes the concept of the rule of law.
9. It recognizes the principles of checks and balances.
10. It made the creation of Local government a Constitutional matter.

ASSIGNMENT:
1. Identify constitutions promulgated after Nigeria became independent.
2. Explain the concept of the supremacy of the constitution.
3. _______ Constitution was the first to divide the country into three.
4. One of the unique features of the 1922 Clifford Constitution of Nigeria was the
introduction of _____.

WELCOME TO: WEEK 9

Learning Objectives: By the end of this lesson, you should be able to:
i) Define illiteracy.
ii) State causes of illiteracy
iii) Mention the consequences and solutions to the problems of illiteracy.

TOPIC: ILLITERACY
MEANING:
Illiteracy simply means lack or absence of formal education to one’s life, skills,
character, conduct, behavior attitude and actions. In other words, Illiteracy is the inability
to read or write.
A person who does not know how to read and write is called an Illiterate.
The illiterates are those who are uneducated, untrained and unequipped to participate in
the changing world of Information and Communication Technology (ICT). They become
uncivilized, unenlightened, miscreants, irresponsible, backward, servants, ignorant of
their rights in the society.

CAUSES OF ILLITERACY:
The following are the causes of illiteracy in our society:
1. Ignorance: A good percentage of Nigerians’ populations are illiterates as a
result of the fact that they do not know the importance of education.
2. Poverty: Some families especially those from extremely poor background do not
have enough money to sponsor their children to schools.
3. Lack of governmental fund: When government fails to provide money for the
establishment of free government schools needed to educate these children as
expected.
4. Cultural background: The perception of some culture is that only male children
can be educated while they see it as taboo for the female children to be
educated.
5. Traditions and values: Some people are illiterates because their traditions and
values forbid them from attaining western education.
6. Religious and superstitious belief: When people believe that western
education is evil.
7. Wrong Policies: Wrong government policies and programs are another cause of
illiteracy.
8. Wrong Attitude of parents to education: Many react due to wrong mindset as
a result of the negative happenings in the Nigeria Educational Sector such as
child marriage etc.
9. Poor and inadequate facilities: Many schools in Nigeria lacks conducive
atmosphere for learning, facilities and equipment like laboratory and computer
equipment, buildings, textbooks etc
10. Misplaced priorities: Some group of parents prefers their children to learn a
trade.
11. Lack of easy access due to long distance to the opportunity of receiving
quality/formal education.
12. Bad influence and peer pressure from friends and relations.

CONSEQUENCES OF ILLITERACY:
The negative effects of illiteracy can be felt on the individual and society.
These include:
1. Unemployment: It leads to unemployment because those who are not educated
do not have the required skills needed to be gainfully employed.
2. Proneness to Manipulation: Illiterates are prone to wrong beliefs and are easily
deceived.
3. Poor Standard of Living: It increases the level of poverty in the society thereby
giving room to poor standard of living.
4. Ethnic Manipulation: Illiterates are easily manipulated as a result of ethnic fear
and prejudice (unreasonable dislike and distrust).
5. It prevents science and technological development.
6. Abuse of rights due to lack of education.
7. Illiteracy makes the individuals and the society to be anti-scientific and anti-
progress oriented.
8. It diminishes moral and social values.
9. It prevents social, political and economic developments in the country.
10. It hampers national progress.
11. It leads to inferiority complex.
12. It limits one’s knowledge, skill, talent and gifts that one is endowed with.
13. It embraces backwardness.
14. It leads to increase in the level of social vices or crime rate.
15. It leads to low saving and investment because those depending on others for
survival are higher than the gainfully employed.
16. It leads to increase in the government expenditure.
SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEM OF ILLITERACY:
Illiteracy is a disease that has a cure. The solutions include:
1. Public enlightenment on the dangers of illiteracy.
2. Expansion of access to education such as building of schools in remote areas by
government and voluntary agencies.
3. Promotion of adult literacy.
4. Provision of free education at many levels.
5. Provision of educational facilities and social amenities both in rural and urban
areas.
6. Mass awareness campaign on citizenship education with emphasis on the
importance literacy.
7. Legislation and implementation to ensure school attendance up to a particular
age.
8. Prosecution and trials of parents who deliberately deny any child the right to
education.
9. Ensuring that the cost of acquiring education is very affordable i.e. very cheap to
the common man.
10. Encouraging reading culture.

ASSIGNMENT:
1. List four solutions to the problem of illiteracy,
2. List four causes of illiteracy.
3. List four consequences of illiteracy.

WELCOME TO: WEEK 10

REVISION

REVISION QUESTIONS::
1. Which of the following is NOT a constitutional obligation of any modern
government? (A) Ensuring order and peace (B) protecting life and property (C)
promoting planned development in all sectors (D) eroding constitutional checks
and balances
2. Constitution whose provisions are not contained in a single document is known
as ____. (A) Written constitution (B) Unwritten constitution (C) American
constitution (D) Oceanic constitution
3. Lyttleton took over as governor-general of Nigeria and his constitution took effect
from ____. (A) 1914 (B) 11922 (C) 1954 (D) 1944
4. A constitution confirms the reality of _____. (A) constituencies (B) a nation state
(C) legislative assignments (D) all of the above
 5. One thing the constitution of a country does not do is to ____. (A) name the
President (B) set out rules which guides relationships of people (C) guide against
arbitrary use of power (D) arrange authority structure in government
6. The first written constitution for governing Nigeria was ____. (A) Luggard
constitution (B) Clifford constitution (C) Lyttleton constitution (D) Macpherson
constitution

ESSAY:
Why is the Clifford constitution described as “a landmark in the political history of
Nigeria?

ANSWERS:
1. (D) eroding constitutional checks and balances
2. (B) Unwritten constitution
3. (C) 1954
4. (D) all of the above
5. (B) set out rules which guides relationships of people
6. (B) Clifford constitution

ESSAY:
Clifford constitution was described as a landmark in the political history of Nigeria,
because it was the first written constitution in Nigeria; which allowed Nigerians to
participate in the government affairs as “unofficial members”.