Lesson Note on Federalism: Meaning, Emergence and Problems of Nigerian Federal Structure for SSS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: Third Term
Week: 10
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Government
Curriculum Theme: Political Systems
Previous Lesson: 1999 Constitution: Features and Merits and Demerits of the Presidential Constitution.
Topic: FEDERALISM
Subject Matter: Meaning of federalism (system where power is shared between central and regional governments), emergence of federalism in Nigeria, factors that necessitate formation of federal government in Nigeria, features of Nigerian federalism, problems of Nigerian federalism (revenue allocation formula, minority issues, state creation, ethnicity rivalry)

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:

• Define federalism.
• State the reasons for the adoption of federalism in Nigeria.
• Identify the features of Nigerian federalism.
• List the problems associated with Nigerian federalism.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the importance of power sharing in a diverse society.
• Recognize the challenges faced by federal systems in developing nations.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Discuss the historical emergence of federalism in Nigeria.
• Analyze the various problems confronting Nigerian federalism.

Social Domain:

• Participate in discussions about the advantages and disadvantages of federalism.
• Suggest possible solutions to the problems of federalism in Nigeria.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• Essential Government for Senior Secondary Schools by D.C. Nwaubani

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Textbooks
• Charts showing the structure of federalism
• Notes from constitutional conferences
• Workbook

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how power is shared in Nigeria and why this system was adopted. It enables them to identify the benefits and challenges of federalism, which is important for their civic knowledge and understanding of governance.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have prior knowledge of different forms of government and the history of Nigeria’s independence.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

FEDERALISM

Meaning of Federalism

Federalism is a system of government where power is constitutionally divided and shared between a central (federal) government and various regional (state) governments. Both levels of government operate independently within their specified spheres of authority, deriving their powers from the constitution.

Emergence of Federalism in Nigeria

Federalism emerged in Nigeria primarily due to its large size and diverse ethnic groups, which necessitated a system that could accommodate regional differences while maintaining national unity. The process involved several constitutional conferences that shaped Nigeria’s political structure:

• The Macpherson Constitution of 1951: Introduced a quasi-federal system by dividing Nigeria into three regions (Northern, Western, and Eastern) with regional legislatures.
• The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954: Established a truly federal system, granting greater autonomy to the regions and clearly delineating powers between the federal and regional governments.
• Constitutional Conferences of 1950, 1957, and 1958: These conferences, particularly those held in London, were crucial in negotiating the terms of Nigeria’s independence and solidifying the federal structure, addressing issues like minority rights, revenue allocation, and the sharing of legislative powers.

Factors that Necessitated the Formation of Federal Government in Nigeria

The following factors led to the adoption of federalism in Nigeria:

• Large Size and Population: Nigeria’s vast landmass and large population made a unitary system impractical.
• Ethnic and Cultural Diversity: The presence of numerous ethnic groups with distinct cultures required a system that allowed for regional self-governance.
• Fear of Domination by Larger Ethnic Groups: Smaller ethnic groups feared domination by the larger ones, making federalism a suitable compromise.
• Desire for Local Autonomy: Regions desired a degree of control over their local affairs and resources.
• Historical Background: The colonial administration had already established regional divisions, which paved the way for a federal structure.
• Economic Viability of Regions: Regions had different economic potentials, and federalism allowed them to manage their resources.

Features of Nigerian Federalism

The key features of Nigerian federalism include:

• Written and Rigid Constitution: The Nigerian constitution is written and difficult to amend, serving as the supreme law.
• Division of Powers: Powers are clearly divided between the federal and state governments into Exclusive, Concurrent, and Residual lists.
• Supremacy of the Constitution: The constitution is supreme, and any law inconsistent with it is void.
• Existence of a Bicameral Legislature: The National Assembly consists of the Senate and the House of Representatives.
• Supreme Court as an Umpire: The Supreme Court interprets the constitution and settles disputes between the federal and state governments.
• Separation of Powers: Powers are separated among the executive, legislative, and judicial arms of government.
• Existence of More Than One Level of Government: Nigeria has federal, state, and local governments.

Problems of Nigerian Federalism

Nigerian federalism faces several challenges:

• Revenue Allocation Formula: The formula for sharing revenue among the federal, state, and local governments is a continuous source of conflict, often leading to agitations for fiscal federalism.
• Minority Issues: The problem of marginalization and neglect of minority groups, particularly in resource-rich areas, often leads to ethnic agitations and conflicts.
• State Creation: Demands for new states continue due to perceived marginalization, resource control, and ethnic sentiments, leading to political instability and increased administrative costs.
• Ethnicity Rivalry: Intense competition and rivalry among different ethnic groups for political power and resources undermine national unity and cohesion.
• Boundary Disputes: Conflicts often arise between states over land and resource boundaries.
• Local Government Autonomy: The extent of financial and administrative autonomy for local governments is often debated and constrained by state governments.
• Corruption: Corruption at all levels of government hinders effective resource management and public service delivery.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and reminds them of previous lessons on types of government. The teacher then asks pupils to mention countries they know that share power between central and regional governments.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greetings and mention countries like the USA, Canada, and India.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of federalism and its global context.

Step 2: Meaning of Federalism

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines federalism as a system where governmental power is constitutionally divided between a central authority and constituent political units, explaining that both levels of government are supreme in their respective spheres.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and take notes on the definition of federalism.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the core definition of federalism.

Step 3: Emergence of Federalism in Nigeria

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on how federalism emerged in Nigeria, highlighting the constitutional conferences of 1950, 1957, and 1958 and the reasons that led to its adoption.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils explain the historical context and reasons for the adoption of federalism, contributing to the discussion.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the historical development and constitutional foundations of Nigerian federalism.

Step 4: Factors Necessitating Federalism

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the various factors that made federalism necessary in Nigeria, such as large size, ethnic diversity, and fear of domination.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and list the factors that necessitated the formation of a federal government in Nigeria.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the underlying reasons for Nigeria’s federal structure.

Step 5: Features of Nigerian Federalism

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher outlines and explains the key features of Nigerian federalism, including a written constitution, division of powers, and the role of the Supreme Court.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and list the important features of Nigerian federalism.
Learning Point: Pupils are familiar with the distinguishing characteristics of federalism in Nigeria.

Step 6: Problems of Nigerian Federalism

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the problems of Nigerian federalism, such as revenue allocation, minority issues, state creation, and ethnicity rivalry, providing brief explanations for each.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss and identify the major problems associated with Nigerian federalism.
Learning Point: Pupils become aware of the challenges and complexities of federalism in Nigeria.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Define federalism in your own words.
2. Mention two constitutional conferences that were significant in the emergence of federalism in Nigeria.
3. State three factors that necessitated the adoption of federalism in Nigeria.
4. List two features of Nigerian federalism.
5. Identify two problems of Nigerian federalism.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding federalism in Nigeria. The teacher also gives pupils an assignment to research solutions to the problems of Nigerian federalism.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are encouraged to think critically about solutions.

Lesson Keywords

• Federalism – A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.
• Revenue Allocation – The sharing of financial resources among different levels of government.
• Exclusive List – Powers reserved solely for the federal government.
• Concurrent List – Powers shared by both federal and state governments.
• Residual List – Powers not listed, usually belonging to the state governments.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research specific historical details of the constitutional conferences. For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified notes and more direct questioning during discussions, ensuring they understand the basic definitions and concepts.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure to use visual aids like charts showing the Nigerian federal structure to enhance understanding. Encourage active participation and debate among pupils on the advantages and disadvantages of federalism in the Nigerian context. Emphasize the constitutional basis of power sharing and the roles of different government tiers.