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POL216

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.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
160 hours
Maths
Basic
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
No
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor marked assessments
  • Final examination

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

POL216 · UNIT 2: THEORIES OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

This theory perceives the local government as an avenue for the local populace to participate in politics. Michels and De Graaf, (2017) explains that this school of thought believes that the local government provides the training ground for local populace to engage in democratic governance.

What you should be able to do

  1. Acquire the basic knowledge of concepts and evolution of local government system in Nigeria.
  2. Understand the salient functions of local government in Nigeria.
  3. Have an insight into the sources and management of local government finance.
  4. Identify the challenges facing local government administration in Nigeria.
  5. Propose solutions to address the problems of local government in Nigeria.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Local Government Administrator
  • Political Analyst
  • Policy Maker
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Community Development Officer
Where it is applied
  • Government
  • Public Administration
  • Community Development
  • Policy Analysis
  • Research

Where it gets hard

The units students slow down on, and what makes each one heavy.

  • Module 2: Evolution of Local Government in Nigeria

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

    Understanding the nuances of indirect rule and its differential success across regions requires careful comparative analysis.

  • Module 4: Sources and Management of Local Government Finance in Nigeria

    Unit 2: External Revenue Generation for Local Government in Nigeria

    Grasping the complexities of revenue allocation formulas and inter-governmental fiscal relations demands strong analytical skills.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 105 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Basic Concepts
    • Unit 1: Meaning of Local Government · 7 hours

      Define Local Government.. Discuss the characteristics of Local Government.. Explain the importance of Local Government in governance..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Basic Concepts
    • Unit 2: Theories of Local Government · 7 hours

      Describe the Efficiency Services Delivery Theory.. Explain the Democratic Participatory Theory.. Discuss the Developmental and Accountability Control Theory..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Basic Concepts
    • Unit 3: Features of Local Government · 7 hours

      Explain decentralisation.. Differentiate between deconcentration, delegation, devolution and privatization.. Discuss the importance of decentralisation in local government..

  4. Week 4Module 1: Basic Concepts
    • Unit 4: Types/Classification of Local Government · 7 hours

      Discuss the French system of Local Government.. Explain the Socialist/Communist system.. Analyse the Anglo-Saxon (British) system..

  5. Week 5Module 1: Basic Concepts
    • Unit 5: Justification for Local Government · 7 hours

      Explain the political justification for local government.. Discuss the administrative justification.. Explain the developmental justification.. Analyse Local Government as a channel of communication..

  6. Week 6Module 2: Evolution of Local Government in Nigeria
    • Unit 1: Local Government in Pre-colonial Nigeria · 7 hours

      Describe pre-colonial administration in Hausa-Fulani societies.. Explain pre-colonial administration in Yoruba societies.. Discuss pre-colonial administration in Igbo societies..

  7. Week 7Module 2: Evolution of Local Government in Nigeria
    • Unit 2: Local Government in Colonial Era in Nigeria: Native Administration · 7 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..

  8. Week 8Module 2: Evolution of Local Government in Nigeria
    • Unit 3: Local Government Reforms in 1950 in Nigeria · 7 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..

  9. Week 9Module 2: Evolution of Local Government in Nigeria
    • Unit 4: The 1976 Local Government Reforms in Nigeria · 7 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..

  10. Week 10Module 2: Evolution of Local Government in Nigeria
    • Unit 5: Local Government Autonomy in Nigeria · 7 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..

  11. Week 11Module 3: Functions of Local Government
    • Unit 1: Political functions of Local Government in Nigeria · 7 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 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..

  12. Week 12Module 3: Functions of Local Government
    • Unit 3: Economic /Developmental functions of Local Governments in Nigeria · 7 hours

      Discuss participation in resource mobilisation.. Explain participation in projects executions..

    • Unit 4: Exclusive functions of Local Government in Nigeria · 7 hours

      Discuss constitutional provision on exclusive functions.. Explain the uniqueness of the Local Government.. Analyse the unified Local Government System..

  13. Week 13Module 3: Functions of Local Government
    • Unit 5: Concurrent and Delegated Functions of Local Governments in Nigeria · 7 hours

      Identify concurrent functions of local government in Nigeria.. Discuss delegated functions of local government in Nigeria..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Create a timeline of key events and reforms in the evolution of Nigerian Local Government (Units 6-10).
  • Develop concept maps linking theories of local government (Units 2) with practical challenges (Module 5).
  • Practice essay questions on the functions of local government (Module 3) and their impact on community development.
  • Review case studies of successful and unsuccessful local government initiatives, focusing on financial management (Module 4).
  • Prioritize understanding of constitutional provisions related to local government powers and responsibilities (Units 4, 5).
  • Form study groups to discuss and debate different perspectives on local government autonomy and inter-governmental relations.
  • Analyze past exam papers to identify frequently tested topics and question formats.

Questions students ask about this course

What is POL216 about?

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.

How many units does POL216 have?

POL216, Evolution Of Nigerian Local Government, has 19 units across 4 modules, over 120 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is POL216?

POL216 carries 3 credit units, at 200 level in Social Sciences.

Is POL216 hard?

POL216 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work.

How long does POL216 take to study?

About 160 hours of study, spread across its 19 units.

How is POL216 assessed?

POL216 is assessed by assignments, tutor marked assessments and final examination.

What can I do with POL216?

Local Government Administrator, Political Analyst, Policy Maker, Public Relations Officer and Community Development Officer.

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