CIVIC EDUCATION
UB2 THRID TERM NOTE
ILLITERACY
Meaning.
Causes.
Consequences.
Solution
MEANING OF ILLITERACY
According to the United Nations (U.N), illiteracy is the inability to read and write a simple
sentence in any language. Illiteracy is a common social problem in Nigeria. Various
administrations through their policies have been fighting it, looking for ways to eradicate it. For
instance, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1955 initiated the Universal Primary Education (UPE),
making it compulsory for every child in the then Western Nigeria, to go through the primary
education.
EVALUATION
What is illiteracy?
CAUSES OF ILLITERACY
i.Poverty: This is a major cause for illiteracy. This is the inability of many families to send their
children to school due to lack of funds.
ii.Crave for wealth: To many youths, going to school is a waste of time. They believe that since
the essence of education is to make money, so they rather go into businesses and learn how to
be rich faster.
iii.Loss of bread winners: Some children could not go to school as a result of the death of the
person sponsoring them. Often, most drop out due to lack of funds.
iv.Traditions and values of the society: In some societies like Nigeria, the girl- child is not given
much importance compared to the man- child. Hence, she is made not to attend school. Also,
some societies see education as a threat to their customs and traditions,
v.Inconsistent educational policies: Political instabilities cause constant change in educational
policies. Some regimes have beautiful plans while others are often non-challant about it.
EVALUATION
Mention three causes of illiteracy.
CONSEQUENCES OF ILLITERACY
i.It breeds inferiority complex: When the illiterates are in the midst of educated people, they
could feel inferior because of the inability to relate well with them.
ii.It may lead to complete ignorance: Illiteracy might deny them the opportunity of reading vital
information about many issues that can positively affect them.
iii.It often breeds poverty and crime: Due to his inability to read and write well, a person might
not be able to get a very good job with fat pay. When this happens, he often ventures into
armed robbery.
iv.It can cause misfortunes: Many illiterates fall into avoidable troubles. Due to their
inability to relate effectively, they are often duped of their fortunes in the course of seeking
assistance in completing bank documents.
EVALUATION
State three consequences of illiteracy
SOLUTIONS TO ILLITERACY
i.Free education at all levels.
ii.Mass literacy campaign.
iii.Consistent government policies.
iv.Government should provide more funds to the education sector.
v.All children should have equal access to education.
vi.Government should encourage technical and vocational skills in schools.
EVALUATION
Mention four solutions to illiteracy.
GENERAL EVALUATION/ REVISION QUESTIONS
i.Mention three causes of illiteracy.
ii.State three consequences of illiteracy.
iii.Mention four solutions to illiteracy.
iv.State four benefits of democracy.
v.Mention three conditions necessary for successful operation of democracy.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Fundamentals of Civic Education for Basic 8 by Sola Akinyemi, pgs 156-160.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1.____ initiated the Universal Primary Education (UPE). A. Louis Edet B. Alec Dickens
C. ObafemiAwolowo D. Samuel Akintola
2.The inability to read and write a simple sentence in any language is called ____.
A. writing disability B. dysfunctional education C. illiteracy D. reading disability
3.Illiteracy will lead to the following except____. A. high crime rate B. poverty
C. economic development D. complete ignorance
4.A major cause of illiteracy is____. A. poverty in many families B. inadequate library in the
society C. lack of government vehicle to take pupils/students to school D. inability of the
government to buy books for those willing to attend school
5.The Universal Primary Education (UPE) was initiated in ____. A. 1976 B. 1955 C. 1961 D.
1980
THEORY
1.Define illiteracy.
2.Mention three solutions to the problem of illiteracy.
Supremacy of the Constitution
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Define the concept of the supremacy of the Constitution.
2. Explain why the Constitution is considered supreme in Nigeria.
3. Identify the implications of the Constitution's supremacy on laws and
governance.
Meaning of Supremacy of the Constitution
The Supremacy of the Constitution means that the Constitution is the
highest law of the land. This principle asserts that:
All laws and actions taken by the government, individuals, and organizations
must align with the Constitution.
If any law or action conflicts with the Constitution, it is deemed invalid and
unenforceable.
Key Points
The Constitution is the foundation of governance and legal authority in
Nigeria.
It protects the rights and freedoms of citizens.
Why the Constitution is Supreme
Only One Constitution for the Country
Nigeria operates under a single Constitution, which serves as the main legal
document for the entire nation.
This ensures that all citizens are governed by the same set of laws, promoting
unity and consistency.
Uniform Application of Provisions
The provisions of the Constitution apply equally to all states and individuals.
This uniformity helps to ensure fairness, justice, and equality before the law.
No individual or group is above the law, reinforcing the principle of
accountability.
Conclusion
The supremacy of the Constitution is crucial for maintaining order, justice, and
equality in Nigeria. Understanding this principle helps students appreciate the
importance of the rule of law and their rights as citizens.
Evaluation Questions
1. What does the term "supremacy of the Constitution" mean?
2. Why is it important for Nigeria to have only one Constitution?
3. How does the uniform application of the Constitution's provisions
benefit citizens?
4. Can a law that contradicts the Constitution be enforced? Why or why
not?
5. Discuss the implications of the supremacy of the Constitution on
governance in Nigeria.
Lesson Note on Constitutional Development in Nigeria
Objectives
By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
1. Define what a constitution is.
2. Describe the historical background of constitutional development in
Nigeria.
3. Identify key colonial constitutions and their features.
4. Explain the significance of post-colonial constitutions in Nigeria.
Meaning of Constitution
A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents
according to which a state or other organization is governed. It outlines the
structure of government, the rights of citizens, and the relationship between
the state and individuals.
Historical Background of Nigeria's Constitutional Development
The constitutional development in Nigeria can be traced from the colonial
period when the British established various legal frameworks to govern the
country.
Over time, these frameworks evolved into a series of constitutions that
reflected the changing political landscape and aspirations of the Nigerian
people.
Colonial Nigeria Constitutions
A. Clifford Constitution of 1922
Named after Sir Hugh Clifford, this was the first constitution to introduce limited
self-government in Nigeria.
It established a Legislative Council with elected members but retained
significant power for the British colonial authorities.
B. Richard Constitution of 1946
Introduced by Sir Arthur Richard, this constitution expanded the Legislative
Council.
It allowed for more representation of Nigerians but still maintained British
control over key decisions.
C. McPherson Constitution of 1951
Named after Sir John McPherson, this constitution further increased Nigerian
representation.
It created regional assemblies, giving more autonomy to the regions while still
under British oversight.
D. Lyttleton Constitution of 1954
This constitution established a federal system of government.
It aimed to balance power between the central government and the regions,
promoting greater self-governance.
E. 1960 Independent Constitution
Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960, under this constitution.
It established Nigeria as a sovereign nation with a parliamentary system of
government.
Key features included the recognition of fundamental human rights and the
establishment of a bicameral legislature.
V. Features of Post-Colonial Constitutions
A. 1963 Republican Constitution
Nigeria became a republic, abolishing the monarchy.
It established a presidential system and emphasized federalism.
B. 1979 Republican Constitution
Introduced by General Olusegun Obasanjo, this constitution restored civilian
rule.
It featured a presidential system and aimed to enhance the separation of
powers among the branches of government.
C. 1989 Republican Constitution
This constitution sought to address issues of governance and human rights.
It was short-lived due to political instability and was not fully implemented.
D. 1999 Presidential Constitution
Established after years of military rule, this constitution restored democracy.
It provided for a federal system, separation of powers, and protection of
fundamental rights.
Evaluation Questions
1. What is a constitution, and why is it important?
2. Describe the main features of the Clifford Constitution of 1922.
3. How did the Richard Constitution of 1946 differ from the McPherson
Constitution of 1951?
4. What significant changes did the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954
introduce?
5. Discuss the key features of the 1999 Presidential Constitution.
6. Why was the 1989 Republican Constitution not fully implemented?
