SCHEME OF WORK AND WEEK 1 NOTE

Scheme of work for SS 3 first term

Week 1 : Meaning and Definition of Human rights
Week 2: characteristics of human rights
Week 3: Categories of human rights
Week 4: Meaning and definition of political Apathy
Week 5: Dangers of political apathy
Week 6: Ways of fighting political apathy in our society
Week 7: public Service
Week 8: Structure of public service
Week 9: Characteristics of public service
Week 10: Functions of public service
Week 11: Ways of improving the public service in Nigeria
Week 12: Reasons for the short comings of the public service in Nigeria
Week 13: Revision
Week 14: Examination

Week 1 Meaning and definition of human rights

Human rights are the fundamental rights and freedoms that every person is entitled to, simply because
they are human. These rights are universal, inherent, and inalienable, and are based on the principles of
dignity, equality, and mutual respect.

Human rights include:

- The right to life, liberty, and security

- Freedom from torture and discrimination
- The right to education, healthcare, and a fair trial
- Freedom of thought, conscience, and expression
- The right to participate in cultural and political life

Human rights are essential for ensuring that individuals are treated with dignity and respect, and are
protected from abuse and exploitation. They are a cornerstone of just and equitable societies, and are
enshrined in international law through various treaties and conventions.

Week 2 note CHARACTERISTICS OF HUMAN RIGHTS.

Human rights have several key characteristics, including:

1. Universality: Human rights are inherent to all human beings, regardless of nationality, race, gender, or
other characteristics.

2. Inalienability: Human rights cannot be taken away, except in specific situations and according to due
process.

3. Indivisibility: Human rights are interconnected and interdependent, and cannot be enjoyed fully without
the realization of all others.

4. Interdependence: Human rights are linked to one another, and the realization of one right often
depends on the realization of others.
5. Equality: Human rights are equal for all, and no one is entitled to more or fewer rights than others.

6. Non-discrimination: Human rights are protected from discrimination based on race, gender, nationality,
or other characteristics.

7. Justiciability: Human rights are enforceable by courts or other tribunals.

8. Timelessness: Human rights are not limited by time, and are relevant in all circumstances.

These characteristics highlight the fundamental nature of human rights and their importance in promoting
dignity, justice, and equality for all individuals.

Week 3 note CATEGORIES OF HUMAN RIGHTS

Human rights are generally categorized into two main groups: civil and political rights, and economic,
social and cultural rights.

*Civil and Political Rights:*

1. Right to life, liberty, and security of person

2. Freedom from torture and cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment
3. Freedom from slavery and forced labor
4. Right to a fair trial and due process
5. Freedom of thought, conscience, and religion
6. Freedom of opinion, expression, and information
7. Right to peaceful assembly and association
8. Right to participate in government and public life

*Economic, Social and Cultural Rights:*

1. Right to work and fair conditions of employment

2. Right to social security and social insurance
3. Right to adequate standard of living, including food, clothing, and housing
4. Right to physical and mental health
5. Right to education and access to cultural life
6. Right to participate in scientific progress and cultural heritage
7. Right to protection of family and children
8. Right to protection of minority groups

Additionally, there are other categories of human rights, including:

*Group Rights:*

1. Rights of women
2. Rights of children
3. Rights of indigenous peoples
4. Rights of persons with disabilities
5. Rights of refugees and migrants

*Collective Rights:*
1. Right to self-determination
2. Right to development
3. Right to a healthy environment

*Third-Generation Rights:*

1. Right to peace
2. Right to development
3. Right to a healthy environment

Note that these categories are not mutually exclusive, and some rights may overlap between categories.

Also, we have both NEGATIVE and POSITIVE rights

Negative rights are fundamental human rights that the government has little or nothing to do about. That
is government is NOT allowed to take actions against such rights. Some of these rights are Rights to
freedom of speech, Rights to religion etc

Positive rights: on the other hand are those fundamental human rights that the government of a safe has
the responsibility to provide and protect. Take for instance Rights to education, Rights to good food,
clothing and medical care etc

Week 4: note MEANING AND DEFINITION OF POLITICAL APATHY.

Political apathy refers to a lack of interest, concern, or enthusiasm towards political activities, events, or
issues. It involves a sense of disengagement, indifference, or disconnection from the political process,
often leading to a decrease in political participation, such as voting, protesting, or contacting
representatives.

Political apathy can manifest in various ways, including:

1. Low voter turnout

2. Lack of knowledge about political issues or candidates
3. Disinterest in political news or discussions
4. Failure to register to vote or participate in elections
5. A sense of powerlessness or hopelessness about creating change through political means

Political apathy can be caused by various factors, including:

1. Distrust in government or political institutions

2. Feeling disconnected from the political process
3. Lack of education or information about political issues
4. Competing priorities or busy schedules
5. Historical marginalization or exclusion from political power

Week 5: Note DANGERS OF POLITICAL APATHY

Political apathy can have several dangers, including:

1. *Undermining democracy*: When citizens are disengaged from the political process, it can lead to a
lack of accountability and representation, eroding the foundations of democracy.
2. *Allowing extremism to thrive*: Apathy can create a power vacuum, enabling extremist groups to fill the
gap and gain influence.

3. *Disenfranchising marginalized communities*: Political apathy can further marginalize already

vulnerable groups, as their voices and concerns may go unrepresented.

4. *Hindering progress and reform*: Apathy can stall social and political progress, as there is little
pressure on leaders to address pressing issues.

5. *Eroding trust in institutions*: When citizens are disconnected from politics, trust in institutions and
leaders can decline, leading to social unrest and instability.

6. *Enabling corruption and abuse of power*: Apathy can allow corruption and abuse of power to go
unchecked, undermining the rule of law and social justice.

7. *Neglecting critical issues*: Apathy can divert attention away from pressing issues, such as economic
inequality, climate change, and social injustice.

8. *Reducing civic engagement and participation*: Apathy can lead to a decline in voter turnout,
community involvement, and other forms of civic engagement.

Note recap:
Political apathy can lead to
1. It can threaten democratic principles
2. It promises electoral malpractices
3. It promotes a non- accountable government
4. It promotes corruption and delays the delivery of democratic dividends
5. It can prevent people from enjoying their fundamental human rights

Week 6: Note WAYS OF FIGHTING POLITICAL APATHY.

Here are some ways to fight political apathy:

1. *Education and awareness*: Encourage critical thinking and understanding of political issues,
processes, and institutions.

2. *Voter registration and mobilization*: Simplify voter registration, promote voting as a civic duty, and
address barriers to voting.

3. *Grassroots engagement*: Support community-based initiatives, advocacy groups, and activism to

build a sense of ownership and empowerment.

4. *Inclusive decision-making*: Ensure diverse representation and participation in political processes to

address the concerns of all citizens.

5. *Media literacy and critical thinking*: Foster a critical approach to information consumption to combat
misinformation and disinformation.

6. *Youth engagement*: Engage and empower young people through education, mentorship, and
leadership opportunities.
7. *Community organizing*: Build coalitions, host town hall meetings, and promote local initiatives to drive
collective action.

8. *Leadership by example*: Encourage elected officials to be responsive, transparent, and accountable

to their constituents.

9. *Civic technology*: Leverage technology to enhance civic engagement, transparency, and participation.

10. *Incentives and recognition*: Recognize and reward active citizenship and community service to
motivate others.

Remember, fighting political apathy requires sustained effort, collaboration, and creative strategies to
reinvigorate civic engagement and democratic participation.

Week 7: Note on PUBLIC SERVICE

Public service is popularly called the Civil service in Nigeria. Public service is a body of professional
administrators who help the executive arm of government to implement government policies and
programmes. These professionals administrators are referred to as public servants or _Civil Servants_
Public service refers to services provided by the government or public institutions to citizens, aimed at
improving their quality of life. Examples include
Health services
Education
Public transportation
Social welfare(unemployment, pension etc)
Security
In Nigeria public service refers to the various government ministries and extra-ministerial departments
excluding public corporations, armed forces, police and local government Administration.
Public servants who work in public service are employed as professionals administrator to advise
government and execute its policies. The head of the public service is normally a permanent secretary
and is made up of workers from grade level 01 to grade level 17.
[8/2, 12:48 PM] Mrs Wumi Wof: Week 8: Note on STRUCTURE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

Nigeria adopted the British Civil service structure. This structure divide the public service into five classes
which are:
1. Administrative class
2. professional class
3. Executive class
4. Clerical class
5. Sub-Clerical class

1. ADMINISTRATIVE CLASS: This class is the highest class in the public service and it comprises the
administrative officers who include; permanent or principal secretaries, directors-general. deputy and
assistant directors director-general, as well as principal officers etc. The permanent secretary is the chief-
Administrative officer and professional head of the ministry (public service within a ministry). There are
eight grades in the administrative class of the civil service with Administrative officer grade 1 (who is a
director) at the top and Administrative officer grade ViII at the bottom level. The entire Administrative class
has the responsibility to advise the minister who is the political head of the ministry and to formulate and
implement government policies that relate to the ministry. Recruitment into Administrative class in public
service has a minimum academic requirement of a first degree from the university.

2. PROFESSIONAL CLASS:
Officers of the professional class are civil servants who execute specialized and technical aspects of
government programmes and policies. They include professionals such as Doctors, Accountants.
Architects, Engineers, Statisticians, Lawyers, Surveyors and Teachers.
Professional civil servants assist government in their area of sills and expertise. A minimum of first degree
in relevant discipline is required for entry into the professional Class of the civil service

3. EXECUTIVE CLASS:
Executive class of the public service implement the policies programmes and decisions of the
government. Officers in this class include technologists, Nurses, personal and confidential secretaries.
The executive class ensures the day to day running of the ministry. Requirements for recruitment into the
executive class include: advance levelGCE, professional Diplomas, polytechnic and University graduates
with OND, HND or a degree certificate

4. CLERICAL CLASS:
Clerical class comprises officers who carry out routine work such as typing, driving , office clerk,craftmen
etc. in the civil service. Requirements for recruitment into the clerical class of the civil service is Ordinarily
level GCE, Secondary School Certificate and Trade Test Certificate.

5. SUB-CLERICAL:
This class of officers render manual service. They are people with no education or maximum
qualifications of primary school leaving certificate. These are people employed in the lowest cadre of
grade level 01 in the civil servic . Officers in this class include messengers, bricklayers, cleaners,
watchmen, office assistants, gardeners and mechanics etc

Week 8: Note.
STRUCTURE OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE.

Nigeria adopted the British Civil service structure. This structure divide the public service into five classes
which are:
1. Administrative class
2. professional class
3. Executive class
4. Clerical class
5. Sub-Clerical class

1. ADMINISTRATIVE CLASS: This class is the highest class in the public service and it comprises the
administrative officers who include; permanent or principal secretaries, directors-general. deputy and
assistant directors director-general, as well as principal officers etc. The permanent secretary is the chief-
Administrative officer and professional head of the ministry (public service within a ministry). There are
eight grades in the administrative class of the civil service with Administrative officer grade 1 (who is a
director) at the top and Administrative officer grade ViII at the bottom level. The entire Administrative class
has the responsibility to advise the minister who is the political head of the ministry and to formulate and
implement government policies that relate to the ministry. Recruitment into Administrative class in public
service has a minimum academic requirement of a first degree from the university.
2. PROFESSIONAL CLASS:
Officers of the professional class are civil servants who execute specialized and technical aspects of
government programmes and policies. They include professionals such as Doctors, Accountants.
Architects, Engineers, Statisticians, Lawyers, Surveyors and Teachers.
Professional civil servants assist government in their area of sills and expertise. A minimum of first degree
in relevant discipline is required for entry into the professional Class of the civil service

3. EXECUTIVE CLASS:
Executive class of the public service implement the policies programmes and decisions of the
government. Officers in this class include technologists, Nurses, personal and confidential secretaries.
The executive class ensures the day to day running of the ministry. Requirements for recruitment into the
executive class include: advance levelGCE, professional Diplomas, polytechnic and University graduates
with OND, HND or a degree certificate

4. CLERICAL CLASS:
Clerical class comprises officers who carry out routine work such as typing, driving , office clerk,craftmen
etc. in the civil service. Requirements for recruitment into the clerical class of the civil service is Ordinarily
level GCE, Secondary School Certificate and Trade Test Certificate.

5. SUB-CLERICAL:
This class of officers render manual service. They are people with no education or maximum
qualifications of primary school leaving certificate. These are people employed in the lowest cadre of
grade level 01 in the civil servic . Officers in this class include messengers, bricklayers, cleaners,
watchmen, office assistants, gardeners and mechanics etc

Week 9: Notes
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE PUBLIC SERVICE

There are basically three characteristics of the public service

1. Permanence
2. Anonymous
3. Neutral.

a. PERMANENCE: The civil servants have high level of job security with protection from arbitrary
dismissal or termination of employment. The civil service and the civil servants operate as a permanent
institution of the state even when government changes. The rule of civil service requires that a civil
servant can only retire after putting 35 years into service or at the age of 60 years old. The only condition
that could terminate their appointment contrary to the term mentioned above is in a case of misconduct.
Civil service provide a stable structure to effect government policies and as such continue the execution
of government policies even when such government is no longer in power.
The permanence of public service brings about stability and continuity in government programs which
later translates into growth and development

b. ANONYMOUS: The minister is the political head of a ministry while the permanent secretary and other
civil servants in the ministry are responsible for executing the programmes of the ministry. The principle of
anonymous explain the fact that all civil servants in a ministry carries out their duties in the name of the
minister who takes public responsibility for the success and failure of his/her ministry. Whatever
operations they carry out only the minister takes the glory /success or failure. The civil servants therefore
operate in the background and do not necessarily need to be recognized by the public because they are
simply doing the job for which they are employed to do.

c.NEUTRAL: Civil servants are expected to be neutral in the discharge of their duties. Civil servants
should not participate actively in politics. Any civil servants that wishes to contest elective post has to
retire first. They are to bury their political opinions when on duty. They should be impartial and unbiased
in the execution of government policies. Civil servants because of the principle of neutrality of the civil
service can work under different government with different ideologies, agenda and manifestos . Even
when the programmes of the government are in conflict with their personal opinion, civil servants should
make their private life personal and carry out their duties religiously.