Table of Contents
Civic education, also known as citizenship education, plays a crucial role in instructing Nigerian youths about their duties and rights, molding them into responsible future leaders and conscientious followers. Its focus is on instilling the right values, positive attitudes, and socially embraced behaviors.
This educational approach exposes students to the essential awareness of democratic values, enabling them to contribute meaningfully to the socio-political development of their nation and the global community.
Reasons for Civic Education include instilling in students the importance of nationalism and patriotism, addressing the multi-dimensional problems of Nigeria. It also cultivates consciousness about democratic values, social-political institutions, and citizens’ rights and duties. Additionally, it aims to support the government in serving citizens by providing basic infrastructure for an improved standard of living, reorienting citizens towards positive values for economic growth, and educating them on defending their rights when the government deviates from the constitution.
The objectives of civic education in schools revolve around helping students acquire knowledge for self-development and actualization. This involves learning to solve emerging issues, understanding government functions and responsibilities, promoting interpersonal relationships, and instilling values for responsible citizenship.
The importance of civic education to nation-building is evident in its role in promoting national unity, integrity, and consciousness. Citizens need to be aware of their rights and responsibilities, knowing how to assert those rights when violated by either the government or individuals.
Furthermore, citizen education:
Values, in the context of civic education, encompass monetary and non-monetary aspects, reflecting the perceived worth of a thing. Specifically, in this domain, values are defined as the esteemed quality or importance attributed to certain ideas or beliefs, acknowledged and upheld by individuals and the society they inhabit. Additionally, values encompass a set of moral principles and standards that guide our interactions within society.
Emphasizing positive and constructive attributes, values play a crucial role in shaping good and active citizens. They serve as solutions to human and societal issues such as corruption, terrorism, cultism, thuggery, and robbery. Originating from societal standards of behaviour and ideals, values draw influence from various sources including family, environment, and the collective ethos.
There are several types or forms of values, including selflessness, hard work, discipline, justice, love, contentment, integrity, and more.
Selflessness:
This entails the capacity to prioritize and care for others more than oneself. An exemplary figure demonstrating selflessness is the late Chief Ganiyu Fawehinmi, unofficially titled Senior Advocate of the Masses (SAM), who ardently fought for justice and the elimination of inhumanity among people.
Justice:
Justice involves fairness, reasonableness, and rightness in dealing with individuals. It signifies the absence of favouritism, bias, or sentiment when resolving conflicts between two or more parties. A just society is essential for maintaining peace and harmony among its members.
Justice Categories
There exist four distinct categories of justice:
Justice serves several vital purposes:
Values play a crucial role in various aspects of life:
Youth empowerment encompasses a diverse range of approaches aimed at providing opportunities for young individuals to learn and equip themselves for future responsibilities and challenges in adulthood. The focus is on fostering the development of self-employment and financial productivity among the youth.
This process involves creating an environment that enables young people to make important life decisions independently, rather than relying on external direction. Youth empowerment seeks to equip individuals with the necessary skills to impact their lives positively and contribute to society as a whole.
Key aspects of youth empowerment skills include:
These encompass affective, cognitive, and psychomotor skills essential for addressing life’s challenges. Acquiring these skills promotes personal growth and helps individuals navigate daily life effectively. Positive coping skills enable individuals to overcome disadvantages, while negative coping skills, such as using substances to cope with depression, provide short-term relief but are not sustainable.
Chesney M. (2005) suggests several coping strategies in a British Journal, including breaking down problems, identifying changeable aspects, making action plans, keeping options open during stress, positive thinking, and seeking support from friends and family.
These skills involve the precise handling of objects with speed and control using the body or other artistic means. Manipulating skills in relationships can include strategies to control another person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors through overt or covert cohesion. Examples include using power, unsolicited rescuing/helping, inducing guilt, and exploiting weaknesses.
These skills involve cognitive activities and can be categorized into various types.
It fosters the development of youthful potential by instilling the right attitude and skills, enabling them to contribute significantly to the nation’s progress.
It serves as a deterrent to youth delinquency, effectively reducing crime rates, negative behaviors, and violence among the younger population.
Investing in the future of the youth is a prudent choice, as it yields long-term benefits and contributes to their overall well-being.
Empowering youth through vocational training promotes self-reliance, transforming them into self-employed individuals who create job opportunities rather than seeking employment.
Youth empowerment initiatives play a crucial role in identifying and nurturing leadership skills among young individuals.
These programs contribute to building the self-esteem and ego of youth, dispelling notions of inadequacy based on socio-economic backgrounds. Empowered youth discover unique talents and skills, boosting their confidence and inspiring them to excel in life.
Empowering youth equips them with problem-solving skills, reducing the likelihood of engaging in cultism and other negative consequences arising from an inability to cope with life’s challenges.
Citizenship denotes the relationship between an individual and the country in which they reside, entailing full constitutional rights. The overarching goals of citizenship encompass the preparation of individuals for leadership roles, the sustenance of democracy, the education of youth regarding their duties and obligations, and the fostering of national unity.
Acquiring citizenship can occur through various methods, each dependent on the type of citizenship sought:
Voter education encompasses the instructional process of equipping individuals with knowledge and skills related to political engagement. This comprehensive approach involves teaching, training, and learning activities designed to inform and guide citizens before, during, and after elections in a given country.
In its broadest sense, voting involves the electorate or voters selecting their preferred candidates. On voting day, citizens exercise their civic rights by visiting polling stations. Each voter is provided with a ballot paper, which they mark with their choice in secret before placing it in a designated ballot box assigned to the candidate or party of their preference. Electoral officials oversee the distribution of ballot papers and monitor the overall conduct of the voting process.
Voter registration is the formal procedure of creating an official record of individuals eligible to vote during an election. This typically includes individuals aged 18 and above who are of sound mind. The voter’s list is publicly displayed to allow for objections and complaints, ensuring transparency and accuracy in the registration process.
Prior to the Election day, every eligible voter is required to complete the registration process. At the registration center, they will receive a voter’s card, serving as their qualification for participating in the voting process on the election day.
On the designated election day, voters proceed to the center where they completed their registration. There, they present their voter’s card and undergo accreditation before being provided with a ballot paper containing the names and logos of all political parties.
An election is the process of selecting a candidate to represent the people of a country in various government branches, involving the act of voting. The fundamental idea behind elections is to empower voters with a range of choices, allowing them to select candidates who can positively impact and transform the nation.
The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) serves as the cornerstone of democracy in Nigeria, established as a permanent body by the constitution to oversee the conduct of Federal, state, and Local Government council elections.
Following the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the State Independent Electoral Commission (SIEC) is empowered to:
Democracy hinges on the pivotal role of free and fair elections in establishing the legitimacy of governments. Such elections guarantee that all eligible citizens possess the unimpeded right to vote, devoid of any unwarranted influence. The electoral proceedings unfold in a transparent and unbiased manner, incorporating the following integral components:
Collectively, these principles underpin the conduct of free and fair elections, nurturing democracy, citizen participation, and trust in the electoral system.
Electoral malpractice pertains to any illicit or unethical conduct occurring within the electoral process, intending to manipulate election outcomes or compromise its impartiality. It manifests in various forms and can be orchestrated by individuals, groups, or even state entities. The following are instances of electoral malpractice:
Forms of Electoral Malpractices in Nigeria include the compilation of fictitious names, illegal creation of separate voter lists, falsification of election figures, abuse of voter list exercises, allowing underage voting, harassment, intimidation, and victimization of candidates, agents, and voters, manipulation of the process by the ruling party, and corruption and bias at various election tribunals.
Causes of Electoral Malpractices in Nigeria are rooted in the desire to perpetuate one ethnic group or party in power at the expense of others, driven by selfish interests and ethnic/cultural hegemony. The influence of the PDP since May 29th, 1999, and the long years of military rule coupled with external influences are contributory factors.
Preventing Electoral Malpractices in Nigeria involves proper delimitation of constituencies based on equal population representation, ensuring the electoral body’s true independence and non-partisanship, meticulous compilation of eligible voter lists, displaying voter registers to remove deceased names and include qualified individuals, and implementing adequate security measures to create a conducive atmosphere for voters to exercise their rights.
Electoral malpractice undermines democratic principles, erodes public trust, and can lead to illegitimate outcomes. Governments, election monitoring bodies, civil society organizations, and citizens play crucial roles in detecting and preventing such malpractices to ensure the integrity of elections.
To ensure and boost economic development, planning plays a crucial role by increasing the rate of capital formation through elevated levels of income, saving, and investment. It also addresses the issues of widespread unemployment and high levels of poverty, aiming for a more equitable distribution of resources among the population.
Additionally, planning promotes effective risk management in executing public projects, contributing to organizational and individual learning. The ultimate goal is to foster proper growth and development, enabling a comparison of performance with advanced democracies in the West and successful Asian economies like China, Malaysia, Singapore, and South Korea.
Planning provides the framework to determine what needs to be done and when. Without proper planning, projects or programs may be implemented incorrectly, leading to suboptimal outcomes.
It helps manage crises, ensuring smoother implementation, improves focus on priorities, and leads to more efficient use of time, money, and other resources.
Planning also establishes criteria for success, allowing individuals and units to assess whether achieved results align with the intended objectives.
Lack of planning or insufficient planning can result in the wastage of materials and human resources. It may contribute to a vicious cycle of poverty, particularly in terms of technological skill, knowledge, and entrepreneurial activity.
This, in turn, can lead to underutilization or misutilization of natural resources. A lack of planning contributes to a low rate of capital formation, impacting productivity, real income, saving, investment, and overall economic growth.
In extreme cases, an unplanned economy can lead to chaos, social unrest, and security threats such as kidnapping, militancy, and terrorism.
Planning is defined as the process of setting goals, developing strategies, outlining implementation arrangements, and allocating resources to achieve those goals.
The Nigerian Constitution, serving as the supreme law of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, establishes the governance framework, delineates government powers, and safeguards the fundamental rights of citizens. Adopted on May 29, 1999, it marked the transition to democratic rule after years of military governance.
Key features include a federal system, separation of powers, protection of fundamental human rights, guidelines on citizenship, and the structure of government institutions. The Constitution also outlines the amendment process and emphasizes the importance of consulting history, parliamentary acts, and societal customs in its formation.
Noteworthy influences include past United States constitutions and works by prominent figures like Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Chief Anthony Enahoro. It is crucial to recognize that this summary provides a broad overview, and the full document contains detailed provisions on various aspects of governance and citizenship.
The Nigerian Constitution draws its strength and wisdom from various sources that reflect the nation’s history, legal framework, and cultural diversity.
The constitution reflects a profound understanding of the nation’s history, considering past political developments as an integral part of the people’s collective narrative. This historical perspective contributes to the formulation of a document that resonates with the experiences and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
The laws enacted by the parliament serve as a foundational element of the constitutional framework. These legislative acts shape the legal landscape and provide the basis for the constitutional provisions that govern the nation.
Given Nigeria’s pluralistic society, the constitution acknowledges the significance of customs, traditions, beliefs, norms, and values. The incorporation of these elements in the constitution recognizes the diverse cultural tapestry of the nation, ensuring that the document reflects the essence of its people.
The Nigerian constitution takes inspiration from the constitutional models of other nations. Notably, the past constitutions of the United States have served as a guide, providing valuable insights into the establishment of a robust and enduring legal framework.
The thoughts and writings of influential figures such as Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Nnamdi Azikiwe, and Chief Anthony Enahoro have left an indelible mark on the Nigerian constitutional landscape. Their works, including Chief Awolowo’s “Path to Nigeria Freedom” and Chief Enahoro’s contributions, have provided guidance and inspiration during the constitution-making process.
In essence, the Nigerian Constitution is a dynamic document that reflects a synthesis of historical context, legislative enactments, cultural diversity, and the wisdom of influential figures. This multifaceted approach ensures that the constitution is not just a legal document but a reflection of the collective identity and aspirations of the Nigerian people.
It is crucial to recognize the evolving nature of the constitution and its responsiveness to the changing needs and dynamics of the nation, providing a resilient foundation for governance and the protection of citizens’ rights and liberties.
The 1999 constitution serves various functions, encompassing key aspects of governance in Nigeria. These functions can be delineated as follows:
The constitution commences with a preamble, articulating its aspirations.
It outlines the governmental structure, discerning between unitary and federal systems, while elucidating the distribution of powers among the state’s component units.
The constitution delineates the powers and functions of political institutions such as the executive, legislative, and judicial branches, emphasizing the separation of powers.
It dictates the preferred party system—whether one-party, two-party, or multi-party systems.
The Constitution defines citizens’ rights, duties, and obligations to the state.
It stipulates the duration of a government’s term, specifying a four-year tenure.
Functions:
Other provisions include a comprehensive list of local government functions, educational qualification requirements for officeholders, and emphasis on checks and balances in governance.
Demerits:
Cultism refers to the affiliation and activities of cults, secretive groups whose members engage in socially unacceptable behaviors. In Nigeria, particularly within tertiary educational institutions and some secondary schools, numerous cults create an unsettling environment for those peacefully going about their affairs. These groups operate clandestinely, with meeting locations known exclusively to their members, often conducting their activities at night.
Some cults are gender-based, exclusively admitting female members, such as Daughters of Jezebel, Temple of Eden, Barracudas, Amazons, Hot Brassiere, and Black Beret.
Cults have a long history in Africa, with the Ogboni Fraternity prominent among the Yoruba people. The Pyrates Confraternity, formed in 1952 at the University of Ibadan, aimed to resist foreign cultural imposition, work for Nigeria’s independence, address societal issues, and promote humanitarian activities. Rival cults emerged from expelled members, leading to the proliferation of campus cults from 1980 onward.
The legal system encompasses a set of rules that citizens of a country or organized group are expected to follow. These laws are established by the government through the legislature, a key component of democratic states or countries, following the country’s constitution.
Order is defined, according to the Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English, as a situation in which rules are adhered to, and authority is respected.
Orderliness is the state or condition in which laws and rules are obeyed. It prevails when citizens comply with the regulations set by the government, contributing to a harmonious and regulated society.
The concept of law and order operates when citizens adhere to established rules and regulations, promoting peace and progress in society. Conversely, a breakdown occurs when laws are not followed, disrupting the peace of society.
Some visible signs of orderliness or law and order in society include adherence to due process, peaceful conduct of elections, queuing culture, orderly examinations, listening skills, responsible driving, decorum, and obeying traffic rules.
Law and order are crucial for maintaining peace, enabling individuals to pursue their activities without disruption. Additionally, law and order protect human rights, ensure justice, and contribute to societal growth and development.
Various agencies, such as the Nigeria Police Force, Armed Forces, Public Complaints Commission, government organs, Nigerian Prisons Service, Nigerian Customs Service, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), and Code of Conduct Bureau, play key roles in maintaining law and order.
Different agencies have specific roles, such as crime detection and prevention by the police, protection of the country’s borders by the Armed Forces, and financial crime enforcement by the EFCC and ICPC.
Citizens contribute to law and order by obeying rules and regulations, reporting crimes, acting as witnesses in court, and protecting public property funded by taxpayers for the benefit of all.
To foster a peaceful coexistence in society, adherence to law and order is essential. This necessitates the recognition of constituted authority and the importance of respecting those in positions of power.
Power can be defined as the capacity to influence another person’s behaviour through the threat of sanctions. It operates within relationships, requiring a connection between the wielder and the subject. The exercise of power without legitimate authority is not considered valid, as legitimacy grants recognition to the leader’s right to rule.
Authority is the acknowledgement of the right to rule, representing the legitimate exercise of power. Leaders require both power and authority to govern effectively. The combination of power and authority confers legitimacy, allowing leaders to rule and enforce rules for the common good.
Constituted authority refers to individuals or groups appointed or elected into positions of leadership. This leadership is recognized by the people, having gained consent through appointment or election. Respect for constituted authority involves obedience to the rules and regulations established by duly elected or appointed leaders for the overall well-being of society.
Leaders can emerge through various means:
Constituted authority plays a crucial role by:
Employment involves active participation in a job or occupation.
Unemployment is the absence of a paid job or being without employment, often characterized by involuntary idleness.
Poverty is a state characterized by the absence or inadequate availability of essential material needs for the affected individuals.
Addressing poverty can be effectively achieved through full employment, leading to:
Benefits Of Full Employment
Ensuring job security involves various factors:
Capitalist democracy functions as a government system wherein authority emanates from citizens to elected officials, and governance operates with the consent of the electorate. It is organized based on principles such as popular sovereignty, political equality, consultation with the public, and adherence to majority rule.
Political parties act as crucial instruments for effective governance. They are associations of individuals or groups united under a national manifesto, competing to win control of the state machinery.