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POL216Social Sciences3 Unitsintermediate

Evolution Of Nigerian Local Government

This course examines the Evolution of Nigerian Local Government. It begins with basic concepts such as the meaning, theories, features, and types of local government systems. The course explores the historical journey of local government in Nigeria, covering pre-colonial, colonial, and post-colonial eras, including significant reforms. It also delves into the functions, sources of finance, and management of local government, addressing challenges like political, socio-economic, and financial problems, including misappropriation of funds.

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160h
Study Time
13
Weeks
12h
Per Week
basic
Math Level
Course Keywords
Local GovernmentNigeriaEvolutionFunctionsFinance

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
Math Level
Basic Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

Meaning of Local Government

2

Theories of Local Government

3

Features of Local Government

4

Evolution of Local Government in Nigeria

5

Functions of Local Government in Nigeria

6

Sources and Management of Local Government Finance

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assessments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

Explore the career paths this course opens up for you

Local Government Administrator

Apply your skills in this growing field

Political Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Maker

Apply your skills in this growing field

Public Relations Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Community Development Officer

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentPublic AdministrationCommunity DevelopmentPolicy AnalysisResearch

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Basic Concepts

7h

Unit 1: Meaning of Local Government

7 study hours
  • Define Local Government.
  • Discuss the characteristics of Local Government.
  • Explain the importance of Local Government in governance.
Week
2

Module 1: Basic Concepts

7h

Unit 2: Theories of Local Government

7 study hours
  • Describe the Efficiency Services Delivery Theory.
  • Explain the Democratic Participatory Theory.
  • Discuss the Developmental and Accountability Control Theory.
Week
3

Module 1: Basic Concepts

7h

Unit 3: Features of Local Government

7 study hours
  • Explain decentralisation.
  • Differentiate between deconcentration, delegation, devolution and privatization.
  • Discuss the importance of decentralisation in local government.
Week
4

Module 1: Basic Concepts

7h

Unit 4: Types/Classification of Local Government

7 study hours
  • Discuss the French system of Local Government.
  • Explain the Socialist/Communist system.
  • Analyse the Anglo-Saxon (British) system.
Week
5

Module 1: Basic Concepts

7h

Unit 5: Justification for Local Government

7 study hours
  • Explain the political justification for local government.
  • Discuss the administrative justification.
  • Explain the developmental justification.
  • Analyse Local Government as a channel of communication.
Week
6

Module 2: Evolution of Local Government in Nigeria

7h

Unit 1: Local Government in Pre-colonial Nigeria

7 study hours
  • Describe pre-colonial administration in Hausa-Fulani societies.
  • Explain pre-colonial administration in Yoruba societies.
  • Discuss pre-colonial administration in Igbo societies.
Week
7

Module 2: Evolution of Local Government in Nigeria

7h

Unit 2: Local Government in Colonial Era in Nigeria: Native Administration

7 study hours
  • Explain local government administration in the Northern Region during the colonial era.
  • Discuss local government in the Western Region during the colonial era.
  • Analyse local government in the Eastern Region during the colonial era.
Week
8

Module 2: Evolution of Local Government in Nigeria

7h

Unit 3: Local Government Reforms in 1950 in Nigeria

7 study hours
  • Describe local government reforms in the Northern Region in the 1950s.
  • Explain local government reforms in the Western Region in the 1950s.
  • Discuss local government reforms in the Eastern Region in the 1950s.
Week
9

Module 2: Evolution of Local Government in Nigeria

7h

Unit 4: The 1976 Local Government Reforms in Nigeria

7 study hours
  • Discuss the standardization of local government.
  • Explain local government as the third tier of government.
  • Analyse the establishment of the Local Government Service Board.
Week
10

Module 2: Evolution of Local Government in Nigeria

7h

Unit 5: Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria

7 study hours
  • Explain the meaning of Local Government Autonomy.
  • Discuss Local Government Autonomy and Fiscal policies in Nigeria.
  • Analyse Institutional Dependence of Local Government in Nigeria.
Week
11

Module 3: Functions of Local Government

14h

Unit 1: Political functions of Local Government in Nigeria

7 study hours
  • Discuss the facilitation of local political participation.
  • Explain the legislative functions of Local Government.
  • Analyse executive functions of Local Government.

Unit 2: Administrative functions of Local Government in Nigeria

7 study hours
  • Explain Local Government as an administrative unit.
  • Discuss the role of the Vice-Chairman.
  • Explain the functions of the Secretary to the Local Government.
Week
12

Module 3: Functions of Local Government

14h

Unit 3: Economic /Developmental functions of Local Governments in Nigeria

7 study hours
  • Discuss participation in resource mobilisation.
  • Explain participation in projects executions.

Unit 4: Exclusive functions of Local Government in Nigeria

7 study hours
  • Discuss constitutional provision on exclusive functions.
  • Explain the uniqueness of the Local Government.
  • Analyse the unified Local Government System.
Week
13

Module 3: Functions of Local Government

7h

Unit 5: Concurrent and Delegated Functions of Local Governments in Nigeria

7 study hours
  • Identify concurrent functions of local government in Nigeria.
  • Discuss delegated functions of local government in Nigeria.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

Read the complete course material as provided by NOUN.

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key events and reforms in the evolution of Nigerian Local Government (Units 6-10).

2

Develop concept maps linking theories of local government (Units 2) with practical challenges (Module 5).

3

Practice essay questions on the functions of local government (Module 3) and their impact on community development.

4

Review case studies of successful and unsuccessful local government initiatives, focusing on financial management (Module 4).

5

Prioritize understanding of constitutional provisions related to local government powers and responsibilities (Units 4, 5).

6

Form study groups to discuss and debate different perspectives on local government autonomy and inter-governmental relations.

7

Analyze past exam papers to identify frequently tested topics and question formats.

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