1.

Revision

2. Human rights

Meaning

Fundamental rights

Characteristics of human rights

Categories of human rights

Factors that protect human rights

Limitations of human rights

3. Fighting political apathy

Meaning of Pol apathy

Ways of fighting Pol apathy

4.Public corporation

Reasons for the establishment of public corporations

problems facing public corporations

Control of public corporations

5. Public service in democracy

Meaning of public service

structure of civil service

Problems of public service in Nigeria

reasons for the shortcomings in the public service

Ways of improving the public service in Nigeria

6. Public service complaint commission( OMBUDSMAN)

functions/importance of OMBUDSMAN

7. Civil society

Meaning
Functions and needs

Qualities and problems

8. Popular participation

Meaning and types

Need for popular participation in civil societies

Traditional and modern mode

diff btw trad and modern mode

9. Revision
WEEK 1

DATE……………………….

REVISION OF LAST TERM’S WORK

WEEK 2 DATE……………………….

SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION

CLASS: S.S.3

TOPIC: CHARACTERISTICS AND CATEGORIES OF HUMAN

RIGHTS

CONTENT: 1. Meaning of human rights

2. Characteristics of human rights

SUB-TOPIC 1: MEANING OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Human rights take the form of possession of freedom to exhibit certain behaviours
that are necessary to being human. They are essential for human existence and all
individuals are expected to enjoy them in full whatever their nationality, place of
residence, sex, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, language or any other states.
These rights are universal, inalienable, interdependent, inherent, indivisible,
fundamental and relative.

Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was adopted by the United Nations
General Assembly on December 10, 1948

The state and government do not grant human rights because these rights are God
given but it is their duty to guarantee the protection of the human rights of every
person living within the states territory. Fundamental human rights are rights to life ,
rights to sovereignty, rights to state protection, rights to private and family life, right
to freedom of movement and rights to nationality etc.

SUB TOPIC 2: CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Characteristics of human rights are the typical features and distinctive qualities that
differentiate them from other types of rights. These features make them fundamental
rights. Human rights possess the following characteristics:

1. Human rights are inalienable: These rights are natural and inborn. They cannot
be taken away from any individual because people are bearer of these rights.
For example right to liberty and freedom of movement, right of equal
education for all, right to life.
2. Human rights are universal because they apply to all irrespective of race,
religion, sex, social status or condition of place where on lives. These rights do
not discriminate.
3. Human rights are interdependent, indivisible, and interrelated. The fulfillment
or exercise of one right cannot be gotten without the realization of others. For
example right to education will lead to improvement in wages, family life,
expression and life will be worthy of living. If you deprive an individual one
of these rights it will adversely affect others.
4. Human rights are fundamental because they are rights essential for human
existence and all individual are entitled to them. Without them life and dignity
of man will be meaningless.
Human rights are lawful/ constitutionally recognized because it is the responsibility of
a state to enforce and perfect the rights of all its citizens. It is in the 1999 constitution
of the federal republic of Nigeria.

CATEGORIES OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Fundamental human rights have been categorized into civic rights, political rights,
economic rights and social rights.

1. Civic and political rights: are a class of rights that protect individuals'
freedom from infringement by governments, social organizations, and private
individuals. They ensure one's ability to participate in the civil and
political life of the society and state without discrimination or repression.. It is
also called first generation rights by Krel Vasak because it was the first legally
binding of the universal declaration of human right (UDHR).

Civic rights include:

i. right to life
ii. freedom from torture
iii. right to freedom from slavery
iv. right to fair trial
v. freedom of speech
vi. freedom of thought
vii. conscience and religion
viii. right to freedom of peaceful assembly and association
ix. rights to personal liberty and security
x. rights to freedom of expression

Political rights include:

i. right to vote and be voted for

ii. right to equal access to public service

2. ECONOMIC AND SOCIAL RIGHTS

These are known as second generation of rights or security oriented rights. It is

also known as soft rights. It talks about economic empowerment to improve
the lives of citizens by the government. These rights include:

i. right to food, water and housing

ii. right to adequate health care
iii. right to work and other means of earning a living
 iv. Right to adequate/ decent standard of living.
v. Right to qualitative basic education and adequate shelter
vi. Right to freedom of movement
vii. Right to freedom from discrimination
viii. Right to equal pay for work done
ix. Right to join the trade union and choose religion
x. Right to protection for mothers and their children
xi. Right to social security.

3. Environmental rights: These rights ensure that a good, clean and conducive
environment is sustained to enable people live decently to attain both physical
and mental health. This is to also avoid physical and health hazards.

i. Right to peace.

ii. Right to clean environment

iii. Right to protection from problems such as decertification, global warming, air
pollution, destructive exploitation of mineral resources and erosion.

WEEK 3 DATE……………………….

SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION

CLASS: SS 3

TOPIC: PUBLIC SERVICE IN A DEMOCRACY

CONTENT:1. Meaning of Public service

2. Reasons for the short comings in the public Services

A. Meaning of Public Service

 Public service can be defined as the arm of executive organ of government set up
to provide administrative and technical services for the smooth running of
government agencies, corporation, parastatals, and ministries that render public
service. It is the unit of government which is saddled with the responsibility of
carrying out day to day operation for the smooth running of the government. It can
also be defined as the totality of administration / structure within which the work of
government is carried out.

However, it is important to note that public service is different from the civil service,

while civil service is a component of the public service, it is that part of the executive
arm of government responsible for the implementation of government policies and
programmes. Workers of the civil service are recruited by the civil service
commission, paid from the consolidated fund of the government and are called civil
servants.

The public service is set up by an Act of parliament for the provision of services such
as postal services pipe-born water, electricity, education, security etc. Basically, public
service as set up by the government can be likened to an enterprise being run and
financed by the government. These enterprises or public service institution are also
known as corporations or parastatals e..g Nigerian Railway corporation, Nigerian Port
Authority, Nigerian National Petroleum corporation, Federal Radio Corporation of
Nigeria etc. Government appoints a board of directors over each of these corporations
or parastatals to oversee their affairs for a special period of time.

B. Principles /Characteristics of the Public Service

The public service is guided on established principles:

1. Political Neutrality: Public servants are not expected to be involved in partisan

politics. Though they are allowed to vote during elections, they are to be neutral and
not card carrying members of any political party. Their loyalties are to any
government in power and are expected to serve with dedication and commitment for
the success of the government.

2. Impartiality: Public servants are expected to be impartial in the discharge of their

regulated duties, functions, responsibilities and assignment. They are not to be biased
or disloyal to the government of the day but are expected to render effective, efficient,
adequate and enduring service without fear or favor.
3. Anonymous.: public servant is anonymous. They are only seen but not allowed to
speak to the press on behalf of the government, nor disclose official secrets or
documents unless if authorized by the minister.

4. Permanence / continuity: the public service is essentially a permanent government

institution which does not change with government that created it. Its workers also
enjoy secure appointment. When there is change of power and government, public
servants remain. They enjoy permanent and pensionable appointment.

5 Public servants are expected to be experts in their functions. They are required to
possess a good measure of expected knowledge and intelligence for effective and
optimum performance in service.

6. Recruitment into the public service should be based on merit and not on quota of
favoritism for workers to perform their functions effectively and ensure the success of
the government.

7. Promotion is based on achievements in the public service

8. In the public service, there are laid down rules and regulation guiding the conduct
and operational mode of public servants called ‘Civil Service Rules’.

Functions/importance of the public service

i. Formation of policy: public servants especially those in the administrative

cadre supply the necessary information needed based on their experience
acquired over the years for the formulation of government policies.
ii. Execution of policy: It executive government policies and programme
iii. Advises the government: Public service through the public servants
advises the government over its policies and programme through the
ministers and commissioners.
iv. Plays intermediary role: Public servant act as the bridge between the
government and general public in the information dissemination.
v. Contributing to the law making process: Before certain bills are passed
into law, the public servants furnish the legislature with useful information
through the executive organ of the government.
vi. Legislative functions: the public services perform legislative functions of
making rules, regulations and bye laws through delegated legislative
powers.
vii. Provision of services: Public servants provide social services.
viii. Management of machinery of government: The public servants are
 responsible for the management of machinery of government and carrying
out of the day to day duties that the public administration required.
ix. Provision of job opportunities: qualified members of the public are offered
employment in the public service.
x. Preparation of Budget: The public servant provide information and
necessary data and help in the preparation and execution of annual budget
and development plan
xi. Conduct of research for government business.
xii. Public enlightenment / education.

Structure / classification of the public/ civil service

The civil / public service is classified into five in hierarchical order. They are:

1. The administrative class/ cadre: the administrative class is made up of well

educated polytechnic or university graduates. Members of this class of public
servants include directors-general or permanent or principal secretaries,
deputy and assistant director general, principal officers etc. these officers are
responsible for advising the ministers, helping in the formulation of major
policies and performing other administrative works of the ministries.
2. The executive class / cadre: This cadre includes the higher executive officers,
assistant executive officers etc. they are usually holders of first degree
certificates, professional diplomas, advanced level certificate etc. they are
responsible for the day to day execution of government business.
3. Professional, technical or specialist cadre: Officers in this cadre are
recruited on the basis of their expert or professional knowledge and skills and
are meant to handle technical or specialized work. These include agricultural
officers, accountant, architects, lawyers, engineers, surgeon etc.
4. Clerical cadre: workers in this cadre include typists, office clerks, clerical
assistants, senior clerical officers, chief clerks. Their minimum qualification is
school certificate, O level GCE.
5. The messengerial, manipulative or auxiliary cadre: These are made up of
unskilled workers including messengers, drivers, mechanics, bricklayers,
cleaners, security men, cooks, gardeners, carpenters etc.

SUB-TOPIC 2: REASONS FOR SHORTCOMING IN THE PUBLIC SERVICE

1. Colonial influence: Nigeria was under the administration of the colonial

master for many years and adopted their system of administration even after
 they had left Nigeria. This is imparting negatively on the public service till
today because present situations in Nigeria have proved these operational
methods and systems inefficient.
2. Poor condition of service: public servants do not earn good salaries compared
to their counterparts in other organizations. They lack motivational incentives
that can enhance their level of performance and productivity. This is
preventing highly qualified personnel from seeking employment in the public
service.
3. Bribery and corruption: The effectiveness and the image of the public service
is gradually being eroded due to bribery and corruption prevalent in the
service. Public servants fail to perform their official duties because they look
forward to being bribed before doing their job.
4. Inconsistency of government policies/ unstable government: frequent change
of government and lack of continuity of policies is grossly affecting
effectiveness and productivity of the public service.
5. Political interference: Government may not give the public service a free hand
to run its affairs and sometimes politicians appoint people to position for
which they are not qualified for or suited.
6. Negative attitude to work: Many public servants regard their jobs as
government work which does not require serious attention and devotion.
7. Tribalism, Nepotism and ethnicism: Some high ranking officers favour only
people from their ethnic group.
8. Too much protocols and bureaucratic bottle necks
9. Poor control system, monitoring and supervision strategy
10. Poor condition of service
11. Military intervention resulting in the disruption, deflection and the reshaping
of public service and the psyche of the civil work force.

Lack of staff development

WEEK 4 DATE……………………….

SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION

CLASS: SS 3

TOPIC: PUBLIC SERVICE

CONTENT:1. WAYS OF IMPROVING THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN

NIGERIA

2. TEACHING OF POLITICAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS

3. USE OF CODE OF CONDUCT BUREAU AND PUBLIC

COMPLAIN COMMISSION.

SUB-TOPIC 1: WAYS OF IMPROVING THE PUBLIC SERVICE IN

NIGERIA

The public service of any nation is the life wire of that nation. Improvement of the
public service in Nigeria is the duty of all Nigerians and some of the ways of ensuring
these are:

1. Good salary packaged and good incentives for public workers. Their salaries
and dues must be paid as at when due and must be reviewed from time to time
to match the dictate of the time.

2. Public Workers should be exposed to training and retraining to update their

knowledge on the use of modern technologies for effectiveness.

3. Both political office holders and public servants should work together towards
the development of Nigeria. Political office holders should treat them as
professionals and allow them to perform their official duties accordingly.

4. The code of conduct bureau should sanction any public officer that is found
wanting in the discharge of his/her duties.

5. The public complain commission should intensity efforts to correct public

officers and punish where necessary.

6. Seminars, workshops, conference, round table talk and other awareness

 creation programmes should be conducted from time to time to enlighten the
public servants on the dos and don’ts as public servants.

7. Recruitment of experts: Because of the technicality involved in the provision

of most essential services, it is incumbent upon the leadership of these
corporations to employ professionals in the relevant fields to man the
equipment used in the provision of their services.

8. Change of perception and attitude: Public servants should change their attitude
to work and their perception of the public that is, the way they treat their
customers so that they can win public confidence needed for their success.

9. Job security

10. De-politicization

11. Political education

SUB-TOPIC 2: TEACHING OF POLITICAL EDUCATION IN SCHOOLS.

One of the ways to remove short comings from public service is through the
teaching of political education in our schools. The teaching of political
education should start from Primary, Secondary and tertiary schools. Politics
has to do with the activities involved in getting and using power in public life,
and being able to influence dispersions that affect a country or a society.
Political education is necessary because it will instill in our children and youth
the core social values, exposes them to the various aspects of politicking,
policies, good governance, democratic principles and practices. It will help
orientate the Nigerian youths and prepare them for leadership positions since
they are the leaders of tomorrow.

SUB-TOPIC 3: USE OF CODE OF CONDUCT BUREAU AND PUBLIC

COMPLAINT COMMISSION.

Use of code of conduct Bureau and public complain commission is of immense

benefit to the nation at large. Government regulatory agencies like the code of
conduct Bureau and public complaint commission can assist the public service in
stemming corruption and also assist them in doing their work the right way in order to
satisfy the consumers.

The public complain commission or the ombudsman is an institution established by

the government to entertain from citizens, complaints of injustice, corruption, unfair
treatment and abuse of office by public officers. These two commissions are to
investigate such cases and to reconnect steps toward discipline or correcting the
situation.

Functions of code of conduct Bureau and public complaint commission

(ombudsman)

1. Entertain grievances and complaints of citizens against the public servants.

2. Investigate cases of corruption, bribery or favouritism against public servants.

3. They also investigate cases of incompetence, use of false documents and

inconsistency in the application of civil service rules by civil servants.

4. To investigate loss of documents and vital papers in the civil service and
government owned corporations.

5. See to the arrest and prosecution of public officers who infringe upon the laws
of the country.

6. Suggest some changes in the laws of the country, so as to improve the

efficiency of the public service.

7. Help to reduce the abuses suffered by citizens in the hands of public servants.

Limitations of the power of code of conduct Bureau and public complaint

commission.

i. They cannot enforce their decisions and recommendations, rather, the

government decide this.

ii. They could not reverse or probe courts decisions and that of government
officials into sensitive positions.

iii. The commission could not compel people to appear before it.

iv. The emphasis on state security and national interest limited the access of the
ombudsman to vital records, information and documents.
Functions of public/civil service commission to the effective operation of Public
Service in Nigeria

1. Recruitment of official into positions in public service

2. Posting / deployment of public servant to the appropriate ministry/department

3. Discipline of erring public servant through query, warning, suspension etc

4. Promotion of public servant

5. Training of public servant for enhanced performance

6. Investigation of unfair/wrongful treatment of public servants

7. Provision of guidelines on appointment, promotion and discipline in the public

service

8. Collaborates with other government agency for improved service delivery

WEEK 5 DATE……………………….

SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION

CLASS: S.S.3

TOPIC: CIVIL SOCIETY

CONTENT: 1. MEANING OF CIVIL SOCIETY

2. FUNCTIONS AND NEED FOR CIVIL SOCIETY.

3. QUALITIES AND PROBLEMS OF CIVIL SOCIETY.

MEANING OF CIVIL SOCIETY

Civil society is voluntary organization of group of people with common interest,

purposes and values which it pursues and protect through peaceful and legal means. It
can also be seen as a group of people who come together for a common cause and to
provide an alternative to pressure group in the society.

Civil society groups refer to non- governmental organizations that empower

community members to take serious interest in how they are governed through
enlightenment, awareness creation and public debate or lectures. They are voluntary
organizations set up and run by private citizens in order to contribute to community or
national development.

Civil societies can be grouped into the following;

i. Foundation e.g. The Nigeria Conservation Foundation which engages in

conservation of forest reserves.
ii. Cooperatives e.g. co-operative thrift societies.
iii. Academic e.g. Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU)
iv. Professional association e.g. Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA)
v. Voluntary Association like Boys Brigades
vi. Cultural Group like ASA Cultural Group, Osogbo
vii. Charities like Young Women Christian Association (YWCA)
viii. Consumer Groups
ix. Pressure groups like Initiative for Civic Education
x. Equity Advocate like Civic Duties Awareness Initiative.

Examples of Civil Society Organisations are:

1. Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO).

2. Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR).

3. Constitutional Rights Project (CRP).

4. Campaign for Democracy and Human Rights (CDHR),

5. Save Nigeria Group (SNG).

6. National Democratic Coalition (NADECO).

7. Women for Change and Development Initiative.

8. Amnesty International.

SUB-TOPIC 2: FUNCTIONS AND NEED FOR CIVIL SOCIETY

The functions of civil society as well as why people need them is numerous, some of
them are:

1. The primary function of the civil society is to socialize the citizenry

2. It addresses social need of the society
3. They promote democratic system of government by enlightening citizens
through political education.
4. Civil societies promote societal norm by encouraging people to cultivate
acceptable mode of behavior in the society
5. Civil society exposes corrupt conduct of public officials and even sues such
officials to court for justice.
6. They help in settlement of disputes and conflicts.
7. They promote law and order
8. They serve as watch dog for political office holder in case of abuse and misuse
of their trust.
9. They force public office holders to be accountable and responsive to the
people.
10. They render free professional service such as legal, medical and financial
assistant to oppression and tyranny.
11. They sponsor public protest against unpopular government.
12. They defend fundamental human right of the citizens.

SUB – TOPIC 3: QUALITIES AND PROBLEMS OF CIVIL SOCIETY

QUALITIES OF CIVIL SOCIETY

1. Civil societies are law-abiding

2. Every civil society group has an organizational hierarchy that they tenaciously
follow.
3. Civil societies carry out voluntary services for the society
4. Civil society collaborates with the government and other agencies to achieve
their aims and objectives.
 5. Membership of civil society is voluntary and compulsory.
6. Civil society is development oriented as its activities bring about the
development and empowerment of members of the society.
7. Civil society are organized members that share common interest and
philosophy.

PROBLEMS OF CIVIL SOCIETY

1. Leadership problems: in most cases, civil society groups face leadership

problems. A leader coordinates moderates and encourages the followers to
function. However, some leadership of civil society does fail to perform these
roles fully.
2. Civil strife: civil society is made up of people with individual difference.
Some have the tendency of dominating others, this sometimes create civil
strife among them.

Inadequacy of funds: one of the major problems of civil society is fund to carry their
various agenda.
WEEK 6 DATE……………………….

SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION

CLASS: S.S.3

TOPIC: POPULAR PARTICIPATION

CONTENT: 1. Meaning of popular participation

2. Types of popular participation

SUB-TOPIC 1: Meaning of popular participation

Popular participation is the process of involving every citizen in the political affairs
and decision –making process of their community, state or country. It also means
collective effort of the people to pool their efforts and recourses together to attain
their objectives. It means to have passion, interest in the social, political, economic
activities of a nation.

SUB-TOPIC 2: TYPES OF POPULAR PARTICIPATION

1. POLITICAL: This involves citizens joining political groups and also getting
involved in policy making and implementation in their community, society or
nation. It also involves eligible voters exercising their civic rights by voting or
being voted for during general elections.
2. ECONOMICS: This means engaging in trade, commercial and business
activities in a country. It means to engage in legitimate and legal business, to
encourage local producer and manufacturer of goods and services by
patronizing them. This involves citizens and group taking part in community
based projects through partnership with government, private enterprises and
foreign investor. Such projects are usually beneficial to the host communities
in particular.
3. SOCIAL: This involves the use of our talent and skills for national growth
and development. Talents of songs, music, dance, comedy, entertainment etc
have expose so many to international fame and recognition.
4. EDUCATIONAL: This involves readiness to support and assist the
 government in the educational sector of the economy. This will make
education to be competitive, available and also increase the literacy level in
the country.
5. SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY: This entails our involvement in
researches, discoveries and invention of new things as this will bring wealth
and fame to the country.
6. ARTS AND HUMANITY: It is the involvement of citizens in visual arts,
graphic designs, drawings, molding, sculpturing and natural science.

SPORT AND ATHLETIC: Students who are gifted and talented with athletic and
other sporting skills should be involved and make good use of it.

SUB-TOPIC 1: NEED FOR POPULAR PARTICIPATION IN CIVIL

SOCIETY.

The need for popular participation in civil society in the recent years gathered much
impetus because of the gain in it.

1. Sense of belonging: Popular participation is important because it gives sense of

belonging, satisfaction, in sight to the individual and his society. The popular
participation makes the citizens see themselves as part and parcel of society. It leads
to social stability and harmony in society.

2. Involvement of the people: The youth and adult, male and female through popular
participation come together in democratic principle to engage in activities they have
interest in. This helps to get the people enlightened and organized socially,
economically and politically

3. Stability in Government: Popular participation makes the government to be

stable. This is because everybody is involved either as a good leader or a good
follower. People are easily mobilized for societal action activities.

4. Popular consciousness and education: It entails active participation by the

citizenry in consultations, consensus building, political discussions and debates,
constructive criticisms and contributions. Citizens in a well informed society use
popular participation in polities to develop.

5. Legitimacy of Government: Popular participation gives legitimacy to the

government. The way and manner the electorate participates in the general elections,
economic pursuits, sports and cultural activities that are obtained in the country shows
their acceptability of the government in power.

6. Provision of opportunities: Popular participation provides greater opportunities

for the citizens to develop their natural potentials. It provides suitable environment for
wealth creation, income generation through employment opportunities, market and
transport system, good road network, security, and so on

7. Reduction of political apathy: Popular participation reduces political apathy in

society. This is because people become active when their voice is heard and their
opinions are taken into consideration in decision making.

SUB-TOPIC 2: TRADITIONAL AND MODERN MODE OF POPULAR

PARTICIPATION.

Traditional mode popular participation

All societies, the world over have developed various ways of approaching political,
economic, cultural, judicial and other social issues in their environment. Popular
participation in traditional societies consists mainly of the following:

1. Meeting at the town square, market square or palace of the Leader: In some
communities the community leader could be an Oba, Obi, Emir, Eze, Baale in whole
palace meetings are regularly held, and issues if concern are discussed and resolved.
But in some communities, meetings are usually held at the village square or market
square to discuss issues that affect them.

2. Participation of youths: The youth in traditional setting are powerful power

brokers in the administration of the local communities. In Igboland youth were used
in the past for defense and sanitation purpose. Up till now, the youths are used to
execute policies and projects in many traditional communities.

3. Participation of Women Groups: The women are also involved in the

administration of many traditional communities. Women associations and groups are
powerful tools in meeting the needs of the community though, their participation if
not as much as that of men;

4. Punishment of Lawbreakers: Community members in Pre-colonial societies

enforced the law among their members. Anybody who acted against the rules and
regulations and taboo was reported and punished accordingly if found guilty.
5. Participation as Agents of socialization: Community members are much involved
in the socialization process in the traditional setting.

Advantages of Traditional mode of popular participation

i. It is simple to arrange

ii. It saves time and energy

iii. Saves cost

iv. It gives confidence to both the leaders and the followers:

v. Bribery and corruption practices are absent

vi. There is no court litigation

vii The issue of opposition does not encourage bitterness and rancor

Modern Mode of Popular Participation:

Modern mode of popular participation has a lot of well defined conditions which all
the participating interests group or individuals must adhere to. These include:

1. Participation in general elections: This type of popular participation strengthens

the democratic culture and legitimizes the government. In elections people directly
elect their representatives in popular and periodic elections.

2. Participation in Debates to Address Issue(s) of National and common Interest:

Through radio, television and phone-in programmes or articles on national dailies
community members participate in the affairs of the country.

3. Youth Programmes: Youth programmes like in NYSC (National Youth Service

Corps) enable youths to participate in, interact with youths from different ethnic
groups during the compulsory service year.

4. The use of Agents of Mobilization: Agents of mobilization such as MEMSER and

NOA are used in Nigeria to enable people to participate in the affairs of the state.
Such agencies enhance the capacity of the people through mass education, awareness
creation.

5. Sponsorship of programmes: Community members’ participle in the affairs of the

state through sponsoring certain programmes on radio, television and news papers as
well as advertisements in the media.

Advantages of Modern Mode of popular participation.

1. It gives the citizens the natural confidence to choose their leaders wisely.

2. It enable all eligible voters to participate in the electoral processes actively.

3. It promotes growth and development of democracy, rule of law, economic and

sport solidarity.

4. It makes voters or supporter become well equipped to access the performance

of those in charge of the affairs of state.

5. There is a good link between the electorate and the elected members.

Disadvantages of modern mode of popular participation

1. It is very expansive to carry out all the activities and get a fair result.
2. Many voters are illiterate, so, they neither know why they are voting, nor
understand how to vote correctly.
 3. It breads disorder, lawlessness and thuggery.
4. It encourages the use of money to lobby the electorate.
5. Mediocre are most often elected instead of the good political philosophers.
6. It encourages bribery and corruption
7. It gives room for stealing of ballot boxes and falsification of result, killing and
kidnapping of political opponents
8. It is time and energy consulting.

It promotes unhealthy competition, rancor and victimization of innocent people in the

society.

WEEK 7

SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION

CLASS: SS 3

DATE: ………………….

TOPIC: PUBLIC CORPORATIONS

CONTENTS: (1) Meaning – (a) Definition.

(b) Reasons for setting public corporations.
 (c) Functions of public corporations.
(d) Examples of public corporations.

Sub-Topic 1: DEFINITION AND TYPES OF PUBLIC CORPORATIONS

Definition of public corporations

Public corporations are government owned establishments and enterprises established

through the acts of parliament or statutes, decrees or edicts to provide essential social
and welfare services to the people. Public corporations are owned by the government
but managed by board of directors appointed by the government.

Types of public corporations

There are two main types of public corporations:

1. Those providing essential services like water corporations, Power Holding

Company of Nigeria, Federal Housing Authority and Nigeria Ports Plc.
2. Those of commercial nature like state owned banks, hotels, textile mills, insurance
companies and transport services.

Sub-Topic 2: REASONS FOR SETTING PUBLIC CORPORATIONS

1. The Nature of their Services: Government prefers to handle the rendering of

these essential services in order to reduce their costs.
2. Capital Involvement: the huge amount of capital involved may never be afforded
by individuals, hence, government involvement.
3. Prevention of Exploitation: if private enterprises are allowed to render the
essential services, there will be exploitation.
4. To raise the standard of living of the people: regular provision of these essential
services will help to raise the standard of living of the people.
5. To ensure constant supply: if these services are left in the hands of private
enterprises, there will be irregular supply.
6. To avoid private monopoly: private monopoly in the provision of essential
services is detrimental to members of the public
7. Employment opportunities: government establishes and owns public corporations
in order to provide employment opportunities to the citizens of the country.
8. For rapid economic development: their presence attracts both local and foreign
investors and speeds up the economic development of the country.
9. For security reasons: government of a country establishes and owns public
corporations like airports, seaports, etc. in order to keep eagle eye on them to know
 who and what comes in and out of a country.

Sub-Topic 3: FUNCTIONS OF PUBLIC CORPORATIONS AND EXAMPLES

OF PUBLIC CORPORATIONS.

Functions of public corporations

The functions of public corporations include the following:

1. They provide services at prices which are affordable by the general public.
2. They protect the security of the nation by preventing private participation in certain
sensitive areas.
3. Public corporations provide employment opportunities and prerequisite skills for
the people.
4. Public corporation provides revenue for the government.
5. They also serve as media for national integration and for the promotion of national
interest.
6. They provide some essential public utilities, social amenities and welfare services
that private individual may not be able to provide.
7. They sometimes prevent undesirable private business enterprises from exploiting
the people.

Examples of public corporations

The following are some of the examples of public corporations:
1. Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)
2. State Water Corporations
3. State Transport Corporation
4. State Owned Banks
5. Nigerian Ports Plc

Sub-Topic 1: REASONS FOR CONTROL

The following are the reasons for controlling public corporation.
1. Efficiency in Administration: there is need to check the activities of public
corporations in order to make it more efficient and result oriented.
2. For Quality Services: public corporations must be controlled so that they can
provide more quality services to the members of the public.
3. To check abuse of power: control of public corporation is also necessary in order
 to check misuse of power due to the autonomous status of public corporations.
4. Mismanagement of Funds: it is equally necessary to check public corporations in
order to check embezzlement.
5. To protect the interest of consumers: there is need to protect the interest of
consumers who may not enjoy services provided by public corporations
6. Promotion of Economic Growth: in order to promote economic growth and
reduce wastage of resources.
7. Accountability: control of public corporation will make officials of public
corporations accountable for their actions.
8. Goals attainment: each public corporation is established by the government with
certain objectives. To actualize the objectives there is need to control public
corporation
TYPES OF CONTROL

Public corporations are controlled through the following:

1. Ministerial Control: the minister sometimes has the power to appoint and dismiss
members of boards of directors and senior management staff of public corporation.
Also, occasionally he gives directive which affect the policies and objectives of the
corporation. He also approves all loans and major expenditures.
2. Parliamentary Control: public corporations are established through the act of
parliament and can be dissolved by the legislative assembly. They can modify the
laws establishing them. It also examines their audited accounts and revises the
corporations’ budgetary allocations over a given period.
3. Judicial control: as a legal entity which can sue and be sued, a public corporation
can be dragged to court if it fails to act within the limits set by the law that
established it and its actions declared ultra vices.
4. Financial Control: public corporations are controlled by the legislature which
scrutinizes their audited accounts.

Public Control: members of the public who consume goods and services of the public
corporations exercise some form of control through criticisms they level against these
corporations.

PROBLEMS OF PUBLIC CORPORATION

1. Lack of funds: public corporations lack adequate capital which is necessary for the
purchase of up-to-date equipment and employment of skilled personnel that are
require for effective provision of social amenities to the people.
2. Corruption and mismanagement: the available resources are often mismanaged
while the directors divert the corporation’s funds to personal use.
3. Inefficient and poor productivity: the level of efficiency and productivity in public
corporations is usually low. There is under-utilization of man power and waste of
funds and materials that are needed for efficient and effective productivity.
4. Absence of accountability to the people: the management of public corporations
hardly accounts for the resources which the government gives out to their
corporations in the form of subsidies and subventions.
5. Lack of skilled personnel: the existence of poor conditions of service in some
corporations has denied them the opportunity of getting qualified personnel to
control key areas in the corporation.
6. Political Interference: the supervising minister or the board of directors may be
changed frequently resulting in inconsistent policies and programmes.
7. Nepotism, Tribalism and Favouritism: appointment of staff to public corporations
are usually based on party affiliations or other subjective considerations and so the
appointees maybe incompetent and undedicated.
8. Monopoly: most public corporations enjoy a monopoly of services they offer
because of the lack of competition or rivalry, they are complacent and workers
sometimes carryout their duties with no sense of urgency and commitment.
9. Lack of Autonomy: public corporations require autonomy from the government to
carry out the objectives of their organizations.

SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS

1. Adequate funds: Adequate funds should be provided to make public corporations
to achieve the goal and objectives of their organizations.
2. Appointment of competent people into the board: the board of directors of public
corporations should be composed of people with suitable educational
qualifications, experience, ability and integrity.
3. Autonomy: the autonomy of the board of directors and the management of public
corporations should be strengthened to enable them to develop better conditions of
service and means of implementing programmes.
4. Accountability: public corporations should be compelled to render proper audited
reports and accounts periodically to the government and the people.
5. Honesty and Discipline: corrupt, redundant and unproductive employees should be
shown the way out and good leadership by example should be encouraged and
promoted.

Privatization and Commercialization should be vigorously and thoroughly pursued.

WEEK 8

DATE……………………….

SUBJECT: CIVIC EDUCATION

CLASS: S.S.3
TOPIC: FIGHTING POLITICAL APATHY
CONTENT: 1. DEFINITION OF APATHY 2. MEANING OF
POLITICAL APATHY
According to Longman Dictionary Apathy is defined as “the feeling of not being
interested in something and not willing to make any effort to change things”. Also
according to Encarta Dictionary Apathy means “lack of enthusiasm or energy, lack of
interest in anything, or the absence of any wish to do anything”.

MEANING OF POLITICAL APATHY

It is a form of indifference or nonchalant attitude towards political activities by
citizens. It is lack of interest in politics or political activities by citizens of a country.
It also refers to the tendency of some members of the society to shun political
activities in their country.

Political apathy is the feeling of not being interested in political programmes or

activities by the people of the country. It is a situation in which citizens of a country
shows an indifferent attitude towards political activities. It is total loss of interest in
political programmes or activities. It is a situation in which citizens are not
enthusiastic to participate in politics.

FORMS OF APATHY
Political apathy can take different shapes. Some of these shapes include:

1. REFUSAL TO REGISTER TO VOTE: This is a situation in which eligible

voters refuse to register with the electoral body in order not to participate in
election of political leaders.
2. REFUSAL TO VOTE DURING ELECTIONS: Another form of political
apathy is the refusal to cast one’s vote during election. Some citizens refuse to
vote during election even though they are registered with the electoral body in
the country.
3. REFUSAL TO CONTEST ELECTIONS: Some eligible citizens refuse to
take up elective posts or offices because they are apathetic.
4. REFUSAL TO PARTICIPATE IN PROTESTS AND
DEMONSTRATION: Based on the belief of some citizens, and lack of
interest in politics, they will refuse to protest against election malpractices
5. NON INVOLVEMENT IN ELECTIONEERING CAMPAIGN: A form of
political apathy is the refusal to take part in electioneering campaigns.
6. REFUSAL TO SUPPORT ANY CANDIDATE OR POLITICAL PARTY:
Refusal to support any candidate or party is another form of political apathy.

REASONS FOR POLITICAL APATHY

1. BAD GOVERNANCE: People tend to lose interest in politics when the
government does not rule well, when the leaders are corrupt and the same
measures are not used for all the sections of the economy.
2. UNFULFILLED ELECTORAL PROMISES: There is going to be political
apathy when manifesto of the parties are not strictly adhere to. Manifesto is
the document listing party programmes and policies. It shows clearly what the
 party will do when in power.
3. VIOLENCE DURING ELECTIONEERING CAMPAIGNS: Political
apathy sets in when electioneering campaigns are characterized by violence.
4. VIOLATION OF HUMAN RIGHTS: When there is violation of human
rights by government agencies this will create the spirit of apathy in the
citizens and it will not allow them to participate in peaceful protests and
demonstration.
5. TRIBALISM: A situation where one of the tribe is favoured over the other,
political apathy will set in.
6. RIGGING OF ELECTION: Election is meant for the removal of bad leader.
When electorates see that instead of free and fair elections, elections are
rigged in favor of individuals and parties, they tend to lose interest in politics.
7. COUP DE’ TAT: Constant military interventions in politics have discouraged
so many people from participating in the electoral process of the country.
POLITICAL THUGGERY: The issue of hooliganism has dissuaded decent people
from participating in politics.

Ways of Fighting Political Apathy

The following ways are the means by which citizens can fight

against political apathy

1. By participating in election

2. By knowing and defending our right

3. By joining or belonging to popular organizations

like the NLC (Nigeria Labor Congress) political party like

APC, PDP,LP etc.

4. Participation in elections: learning of biographies

and political activity of candidates.

5. Learning and defending people’s rights.

6. Join Nigerian political parties or organizations such

as Nigeria Labor Congress.

7. Development of political culture and interest.

8. Motivation of the people to improve their lives that

depend on political situation in the country.