Local Government Administration
- Management Sciences
- 700 level
- 2 credit units
- 136 pages
- 13 units
This course introduces students to Local Government Administration, a critical tier of government in Nigeria. It explores the historical evolution, structures, functions, and challenges of local governments. Key topics include decentralization, financial management, service delivery, and grassroots development. The course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of local governance and its role in national development, fostering informed participation and effective administration at the local level.
About this course
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Study hours
- 52 hours
- Maths
- Basic
- Content
- Theoretical, case study
- Practical work
- No
- Assignments
- Tutor marked assessments
- Final examination
What you'll read
The real module and unit structure of PAD707, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.
One paragraph, so you can see how it reads
PAD707 · UNIT 1 THE NATURE AND SCOPE OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Local government is the third tier of government mandated by law to cater for the needs of people at the grassroots. It serves as a conveyor belt that takes the central government closer to the governed. It has been defined severally by scholars and organizations according to their backgrounds. We shall observe a few of those definitions.
What you should be able to do
- Understand the nature and scope of local government.
- Explain the significance of local government in Nigeria.
- Analyze the development and reforms of local government systems.
- Identify the functions and challenges of local government administration.
- Apply principles of financial management and accountability.
- Evaluate the role of local government in grassroots development.
What it prepares you for
- Local Government Administrator
- Policy Analyst
- Community Development Officer
- Public Finance Officer
- Governance Consultant
- Government
- Public Administration
- Community Development
- Non-profit Sector
- Policy Research
Where it gets hard
The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.
- Module 2:
Unit 2: Local Government Reform under the Babangida Era and the Introduction of Presidential System at the Local Government Level
Understanding the intricacies of the Babangida era reforms and their long-term impact requires careful analysis of political and economic factors.
- Module 3:
Unit 3: Financial Management and Accountability at the Local Government Level
Requires understanding of financial regulations, auditing processes, and ethical considerations in public service.
A suggested way through it
13 weeks, about 26 hours in total. Yours will differ.
- Week 1Module 1:
Unit 1: The Nature and Scope of Local Government · 2 hours
Define local government and its role in governance.. Discuss the importance of local government in bridging the gap between government and the governed.. Analyze the dimensions and characteristics of local government..
- Week 2Module 1:
Unit 2: The Significance of Local Government · 2 hours
Examine local government as a platform for political education.. Discuss how local government promotes liberty and equality.. Analyze the role of local government in solving local problems..
- Week 3Module 1:
Unit 3: The Development of Local Government · 2 hours
Discuss the agitation for reforms of local administration between 1935-1950.. Examine the regional reforms of local government in Nigeria from 1950-1965.. Analyze the development of local government and democratic governance in Nigeria..
- Week 4Module 1:
Unit 4: Types of Local Government Systems · 2 hours
Identify and explain the different types of local government systems.. Discuss the various forms of local government systems.. Analyze the concept of decentralization and its forms..
- Week 5Module 1:
Unit 5: Functions and Problems of Local Government · 2 hours
Discuss the principles governing the assignment of functions to local government.. Compare the classification of functions in different countries.. List and explain the functions of local government in Nigeria..
- Week 6Module 2:
Unit 1: Evolution of Local Government System in Nigeria · 2 hours
Examine the evolution of local government during the colonial and post-colonial eras.. Analyze the early military era from 1966-1976 and its impact on local government.. Discuss the late military era from 1976-1979 and its reforms..
- Week 7Module 2:
Unit 2: Local Government Reform under the IBB Era and the Introduction of Presidential System at the Local Government Level · 2 hours
Discuss the constitutional reforms under the Babangida era.. Examine the 1988 reforms and the Dotun Philips Committee.. Analyze the introduction of the presidential system at the local government level..
- Week 8Module 2:
Unit 3: The Fourth Republic · 2 hours
Discuss the issues arising from the provisions of Decree 36 of 1998.. Examine the ALGON versus State Governors conflict on tenure elongation.. Analyze the council polls of 2002 and their implications..
- Week 9Module 2:
Unit 4: The 2003 Local Government Reforms · 2 hours
Discuss the reasons that necessitated the 2003 Local Government Reforms.. Examine the Sanda Ndayako Technical Committee and its recommendations.. Analyze the aftermath of the 2003 reforms..
- Week 10Module 3:
Unit 1: Local Government and Service Delivery in Nigeria · 2 hours
Provide an overview of local government and service delivery in Nigeria.. Discuss the challenges to effective service delivery at the grassroots level.. Examine key issues in the quest for effective service delivery..
- Week 11Module 3:
Unit 2: Planning for Development at the Local Government Level · 2 hours
Discuss the principal aims of local government.. Explain the concept of planning.. Examine the planning process and techniques..
- Week 12Module 3:
Unit 3: Financial Management and Accountability at the Local Government Level · 2 hours
Define financial management and its scope.. Conceptualize accountability and its elements.. Discuss measures for ensuring efficient financial management and accountability..
- Week 13Module 3:
Unit 4: Local Government Administration and Grassroots Development in Nigeria · 2 hours
Discuss the objectives of grassroots development.. Examine the programmes of rural development in Nigeria.. Analyze the role of people and community organizations in grassroots development..
Preparing for the exam
- Create a timeline of local government reforms in Nigeria, focusing on key changes and their impacts.
- Develop case studies of successful and unsuccessful local government initiatives, analyzing factors contributing to their outcomes.
- Practice analyzing financial statements and budget documents from local governments, identifying potential areas of concern.
- Review key constitutional provisions and legal frameworks governing local government administration.
- Focus on understanding the roles and responsibilities of different actors in local government, including elected officials, administrators, and community members.
- Prepare to discuss the challenges and opportunities for improving local governance and service delivery in Nigeria, drawing on course materials and current events.
Questions students ask about this course
What is PAD707 about?
This course introduces students to Local Government Administration, a critical tier of government in Nigeria. It explores the historical evolution, structures, functions, and challenges of local governments. Key topics include decentralization, financial management, service delivery, and grassroots development. The course aims to equip students with a comprehensive understanding of local governance and its role in national development, fostering informed participation and effective administration at the local level.
How many units does PAD707 have?
PAD707, Local Government Administration, has 13 units across 3 modules, over 136 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.
How many credit units is PAD707?
PAD707 carries 2 credit units, at 700 level in Management Sciences.
Is PAD707 hard?
PAD707 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.
How long does PAD707 take to study?
About 52 hours of study, spread across its 13 units.
How is PAD707 assessed?
PAD707 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.
What can I do with PAD707?
Local Government Administrator, Policy Analyst, Community Development Officer, Public Finance Officer and Governance Consultant.