Nature and Structure of Nigerian Federalism for SS 3

Class: SS 3
Term: First Term
Week: 2
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Government
Topic: NATURE AND STRUCTURE OF NIGERIAN FEDERALISM
Subject Matter: NIGERIAN FEDERALISM; Federalism before independence from 1914 to 1959; 1960 – 1966; 1967 – 1975; 1976 – to date
Previous Lesson: Emergence of Federalism in Nigeria and Its Contributing Factors

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain

• Define Nigerian federalism.
• Outline the historical development of federalism in Nigeria from 1914 to date.
• Identify the characteristics of Nigerian federalism.

Affective Domain

• Appreciate the complexities and evolution of Nigeria’s federal system.
• Participate actively in discussions and debates on federalism.

Psychomotor Domain

• Analyse the division of powers within Nigerian federalism.
• Debate the advantages and disadvantages of federalism in Nigeria.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• 2014 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Relevant State Unified Scheme of Work
• A suitable textbook
• FCT ERC/NAPPS Scheme of work

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Whiteboard and markers or chalkboard and chalk
• Charts illustrating the division of powers in a federal system
• Relevant Government textbooks
• Handouts outlining key dates and periods of Nigerian federalism

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson is important for students to understand the foundational political structure of Nigeria. It helps them grasp how power is distributed and has evolved over time, which is essential for informed civic participation and understanding contemporary governance challenges.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Students should have a basic understanding of different forms of government (e.g., unitary, federal, confederal) and key historical events in Nigeria.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

NATURE AND STRUCTURE OF NIGERIAN FEDERALISM

Meaning of Nigerian Federalism

Nigerian federalism is a system of government where governmental powers are constitutionally divided between a central (federal) government and various constituent units (states), with each level of government having its own sphere of authority.

Characteristics of Nigerian Federalism

The characteristics of Nigerian federalism include:

1. Constitutional Division of Powers: Powers are shared between the federal and state governments as outlined in the constitution.
2. Written and Rigid Constitution: Nigeria operates under a written constitution that is difficult to amend, ensuring the stability of the federal structure.
3. Supremacy of the Constitution: The constitution is the supreme law, and all laws must conform to it.
4. Bicameral Legislature: The federal legislature consists of two chambers (Senate and House of Representatives) to ensure representation of both states and population.
5. Independent Judiciary: An independent judiciary is responsible for interpreting the constitution and resolving disputes between different levels of government.
6. Dual Citizenship: Citizens are citizens of Nigeria and also of their respective states.

Federalism Before Independence (1914-1959)

The evolution of federalism in Nigeria began with colonial administration:

1. Amalgamation of 1914: The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates by Lord Lugard created a unitary state with a strong central government.
2. Clifford Constitution of 1922: Introduced legislative council but did not decentralise power significantly.
3. Richards Constitution of 1946: Divided Nigeria into three regions (North, East, West) with regional legislative councils, marking the beginning of regionalism.
4. Macpherson Constitution of 1951: Granted more autonomy to the regions and created a semi-federal structure with regional executive councils.
5. Lyttleton Constitution of 1954: Established a true federal system by clearly delineating powers between the federal and regional governments, making the regions coordinate rather than subordinate.
6. Constitutional Conferences (1957-1958): Further refined the federal structure in preparation for independence.

Federalism from 1960-1966

This period covers the First Republic:

1. Independence Constitution of 1960: Maintained the federal structure with three regions (Northern, Eastern, Western) and a clear division of powers.
2. Republican Constitution of 1963: Replaced the Queen as Head of State with a Nigerian President, but largely retained the federal structure and division of powers.
3. Creation of Mid-Western Region (1963): Increased the number of regions to four, further entrenching regionalism.
4. Challenges: This period was marked by political crises, regional rivalries, and a weak centre, which eventually led to the military coup of 1966.

Federalism from 1967-1975

This era was dominated by military rule and the Nigerian Civil War:

1. Military Coups of 1966: Suspended the federal constitution and introduced a unitary system under military decrees.
2. Creation of 12 States (1967): General Gowon’s government replaced the four regions with 12 states, aimed at weakening regional power and addressing minority demands. This was a significant step towards a more centralised federalism under military command.
3. Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970): Further strengthened the federal government’s authority and control over the states.
4. Centralised Military Rule: Despite the creation of states, power remained highly concentrated at the federal level, with state governors appointed by the Head of State.

Federalism from 1976-to Date

This period includes further state creation and transitions to civilian rule:

1. Creation of 19 States (1976): The Murtala/Obasanjo regime created 7 more states, bringing the total to 19, further fragmenting regional power.
2. Second Republic (1979-1983): The 1979 Constitution reintroduced a presidential system and maintained the 19-state federal structure, but the military still exerted influence.
3. Further State Creations:
   • 1987: Babangida regime created Akwa Ibom and Katsina states (21 states).
   • 1991: Babangida regime created 9 more states (30 states).
   • 1996: Abacha regime created 6 more states (36 states).
4. Fourth Republic (1999-Present): The 1999 Constitution established the current 36-state federal structure with the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).
5. Challenges of Contemporary Federalism: Issues such as revenue allocation, resource control, state police, local government autonomy, and true federalism debates continue to shape Nigerian federalism.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Guided Practice, Debate, Group Work

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Engaging/Recalling

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the students and asks them to recall what they know about different forms of government, specifically unitary and federal systems. The teacher then introduces the topic: “Nature and Structure of Nigerian Federalism.”

Pupils’ Activity: Students respond to questions about forms of government and listen attentively to the introduction.

Learning Point: Forms of government recall

Step 2: Meaning and Characteristics of Nigerian Federalism

Time: 8 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Defining

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of Nigerian federalism and leads a discussion on its key characteristics, such as the constitutional division of powers, a written constitution, and an independent judiciary.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, ask questions for clarity, and contribute to the discussion on the characteristics.

Learning Point: Nigerian federalism defined

Step 3: Federalism Before Independence (1914-1959)

Time: 7 minutes

Teaching Skill: Historical Narration/Chronology

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides students through the historical development of federalism in Nigeria from the amalgamation of 1914 to the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954, highlighting key constitutional milestones.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen, take notes, and identify the key constitutions that shaped early federalism.

Learning Point: Pre-independence federalism evolution

Step 4: Federalism from 1960-1966

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Contextualising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the nature of Nigerian federalism during the First Republic, covering the 1960 and 1963 constitutions and the creation of the Mid-Western Region.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen and understand the federal structure of the First Republic.

Learning Point: First Republic federalism

Step 5: Federalism from 1967-1975

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Analysing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the impact of military rule and the Civil War on federalism, focusing on the creation of 12 states and the centralisation of power.

Pupils’ Activity: Students note the shift towards a more centralised federal system during military rule.

Learning Point: Military era federalism

Step 6: Federalism from 1976-to Date

Time: 6 minutes

Teaching Skill: Explaining/Summarising

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher outlines the further creation of states (19, 21, 30, 36) and the federal structure under the Second and Fourth Republics, mentioning contemporary challenges.

Pupils’ Activity: Students follow the timeline of state creation and understand the current federal structure.

Learning Point: Modern Nigerian federalism

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 Nigerian federalism.
2. Mention two characteristics of Nigerian federalism.
3. Name one constitution that introduced regionalism before independence.
4. How many states did Nigeria have in 1967?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Federalism concepts assessed

Step 8: Note-Taking

Time: 4 minutes

Teaching Skill: Guided Writing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils/students to copy the essential Board Summary notes on the nature and structure of Nigerian federalism into their notebooks.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils/students copy the notes carefully into their notebooks.

Learning Point: Federalism notes recorded

Step 9: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Summarising/Reinforcing

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher briefly summarises the main points of the lesson, reiterating the dynamic nature of Nigerian federalism and its historical evolution. The teacher encourages students to continue researching current debates on federalism.

Pupils’ Activity: Students listen to the summary and ask any final questions.

Learning Point: Lesson concepts consolidated

Continuous Assessment/Further Study

Type: Homework

Instruction: Research and write a short essay (200-250 words) on one of the following topics:

1. Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of federalism in Nigeria.
2. Analyse how military rule impacted the practice of federalism in Nigeria.
3. Identify and explain two contemporary challenges facing Nigerian federalism today.

Lesson Keywords

• Federalism – A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.
• Amalgamation – The process of combining or uniting.
• Constitution – A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.
• Regionalism – A political system where power is concentrated in distinct geographical regions.
• Centralisation – The concentration of control of an activity or organisation under a single authority.

Differentiation

For learners who grasp concepts quickly, encourage them to research and present on specific debates surrounding Nigerian federalism, such as resource control or state police. For those who need more support, provide simplified timelines and focus on the core definitions and key historical periods, offering additional examples and explanations.

Suggested Lesson Videos

For further understanding of Nigerian federalism, search YouTube for: Nigerian Federalism history SS3

Teacher Guide for Using This Lesson Plan

Before the lesson, ensure you have a clear understanding of the key historical periods and constitutional changes that shaped Nigerian federalism. Prepare charts or visual aids that illustrate the division of powers. During the lesson, encourage active student participation through questions and discussions, especially when exploring the advantages and disadvantages of federalism. Guide students to copy the Board Summary notes accurately during the designated note-taking time. Pay attention to common misconceptions about the unitary nature of early colonial rule versus the evolution towards federalism. For weaker learners, simplify the timeline and focus on the major turning points. For faster learners, challenge them with critical thinking questions about the future of Nigerian federalism. Ensure a smooth transition between the historical periods to help students see the progression.