Lesson Note on Nigerian Federalism Structure: Historical Phases and Division of Powers for SSS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS 2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 11
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Government
Curriculum Theme: Political Systems and Governance
Previous Lesson: Federalism: Meaning, Emergence and Problems of Nigerian Federal Structure.
Topic: NATURE AND STRUCTURE OF NIGERIAN FEDERALISM
Subject Matter: Meaning of structure of Nigerian federalism (political arrangement and division of powers), federalism before independence from 1914 to 1959, federalism from 1960 to 1966, federalism from 1967 to 1975, federalism from 1976 to date

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Define federalism and explain its structure in Nigeria.
• Identify and describe the division of powers in Nigerian federalism.
• Outline the historical phases of Nigerian federalism from 1914 to date.
• State the advantages and disadvantages of federalism.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the complexities and evolution of federalism in Nigeria.
• Participate actively and respectfully in discussions about federalism.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Present arguments for or against federalism during a debate.
• Illustrate the timeline of Nigerian federalism.

Social Domain:

• Collaborate with peers in group discussions and activities.
• Listen to and consider diverse perspectives on federalism.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• Government for Senior Secondary Schools by O.F. Aluko
• https://www.jstor.org/stable/2750352
• https://www.jstor.org/stable/2750352

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Government textbooks
• Charts illustrating the tiers of government
• Timeline poster depicting phases of Nigerian federalism
• Debate guide

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the political arrangement and distribution of power in Nigeria. It enables them to appreciate the historical development and current challenges of federalism, which is important for informed citizenship.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of government, different systems of government, and Nigerian history, especially the colonial and post-colonial eras.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

NATURE AND STRUCTURE OF NIGERIAN FEDERALISM

Meaning of Federalism

Federalism is a system of government where power is divided constitutionally between a central (federal) government and constituent political units (states or regions). Both levels of government operate independently within their spheres of authority.

Structure of Nigerian Federalism

Nigeria operates a three-tier federal structure:

• Federal Government: The central government with powers over national issues.
• State Governments: The governments of the 36 states, with powers over regional matters.
• Local Governments: The third tier, responsible for local administration and development.

Division of Powers in Nigerian Federalism

The Nigerian constitution clearly defines the division of powers:

• Exclusive Legislative List: Powers reserved solely for the Federal Government (e.g., defense, foreign affairs, currency, customs).
• Concurrent Legislative List: Powers shared by both the Federal and State Governments (e.g., education, health, agriculture). Where there is a conflict, federal law prevails.
• Residual List: Powers not listed in either the exclusive or concurrent lists, which are reserved for State Governments.

Historical Phases of Nigerian Federalism

• Federalism Before Independence (1914-1959)

  This period saw the gradual evolution of federalism. The amalgamation of Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914 by Lord Lugard created a unitary state initially. Subsequent constitutional developments (e.g., Richards Constitution of 1946, Macpherson Constitution of 1951, Lyttleton Constitution of 1954) introduced regionalism and greater autonomy to the regions, laying the foundation for a federal system with three regions (Northern, Eastern, Western).

• Federalism from 1960-1966 (First Republic)

  Nigeria gained independence as a federation with three regions (later four with the creation of Mid-Western Region in 1963). This period was marked by regional rivalries, political instability, and a weak central government, culminating in the military coup of 1966.

• Federalism from 1967-1975 (Military Era)

  The military regime centralized power, but also created more states (12 states in 1967, 19 states in 1976) to break the dominance of the large regions and address ethnic agitations. Despite military rule, the federal structure persisted with more decentralized administrative units.

• Federalism from 1976 to Date

  Further state creation occurred (21 states in 1987, 30 states in 1991, 36 states and FCT in 1996). Nigeria returned to democratic federalism in 1979 and again in 1999. This period is characterized by ongoing debates about true federalism, resource control, revenue allocation, and state autonomy within the 36-state structure.

Advantages of Federalism

• It promotes unity in diversity by accommodating various ethnic and cultural groups.
• It allows for local participation in governance and problem-solving.
• It prevents the concentration of power in a single entity.
• It encourages competition and innovation among constituent units.
• It provides a system of checks and balances.

Disadvantages of Federalism

• It can lead to duplication of functions and waste of resources.
• It may foster regionalism and ethnic sentiments over national unity.
• It can create conflicts between different levels of government.
• It may lead to uneven development among states.
• The process of constitutional amendment can be complex.

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 asks them what they understand by ‘government’ and ‘system of government’. The teacher then introduces the topic: Nature and Structure of Nigerian Federalism.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils recall prior knowledge of government and prepare for the new topic.

Step 2: Meaning and Structure of Federalism

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of federalism and describes the three-tier structure of Nigerian federalism (federal, state, and local governments). The teacher also explains the division of powers using the exclusive, concurrent, and residual lists.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the core concepts of federalism and Nigeria’s governmental structure.

Step 3: Federalism Before Independence (1914-1959)

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher narrates the evolution of federalism in Nigeria from the amalgamation in 1914 through the Richards, Macpherson, and Lyttleton Constitutions, highlighting the introduction of regionalism.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and note key developments and dates.
Learning Point: Pupils trace the origins of federalism in Nigeria.

Step 4: Federalism 1960-1966 & 1967-1975

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Timeline
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the characteristics of federalism during the First Republic (1960-1966), including regional rivalries. The teacher then discusses the impact of military rule on federalism from 1967-1975, focusing on state creation.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the timeline poster and identify major changes during these periods.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how federalism operated and changed during early independence and military rule.

Step 5: Federalism 1976 to Date

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the further creation of states and the return to democratic federalism, highlighting ongoing issues like resource control and true federalism.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils engage in a brief discussion on contemporary challenges of federalism.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the current state and challenges of Nigerian federalism.

Step 6: Advantages and Disadvantages of Federalism

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Debate/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a brief debate or discussion on the advantages and disadvantages of federalism, encouraging pupils to express their views.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate by stating points for and against federalism, drawing from the lesson content.
Learning Point: Pupils critically evaluate the merits and demerits of 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 federalism.
2. Outline the three tiers of government in Nigeria.
3. Mention two powers on the Exclusive Legislative List.
4. State one key feature of Nigerian federalism before independence (1914-1959).
5. List two advantages of federalism.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 1 minute
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding Nigeria’s federal system. The teacher assigns homework for pupils to research the current debate on true federalism in Nigeria.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and prepare for further study.

Lesson Keywords

• Federalism – A system of government where power is divided between a central authority and constituent political units.
• Exclusive Legislative List – Powers reserved solely for the federal government.
• Concurrent Legislative List – Powers shared by both federal and state governments.
• Residual List – Powers reserved for state governments.
• Amalgamation – The process of combining or uniting.
• Regionalism – A political system based on strong regional identities and autonomy.

Differentiation

For struggling learners, the teacher will use simplified language and provide a pre-filled timeline. Advanced learners will be encouraged to research specific challenges of Nigerian federalism and present their findings.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure that the historical phases are clearly distinguished with their unique characteristics. Encourage active participation in discussions and debates to deepen understanding of the advantages and disadvantages of federalism.