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POL221Social Sciences2 Unitsintermediate

Nigerian Government And Politics I

This course is designed for undergraduate students in Political Science, providing a comprehensive overview of Nigerian government and politics. It explores the historical foundations of the Nigerian nation, including the colonial period, constitutional developments, and the rise of nationalism. The course also examines post-independence political dynamics, military interventions, and the evolution of federalism. Students will gain a critical understanding of the challenges and prospects shaping contemporary Nigerian politics.

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45h
Study Time
13
Weeks
3h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
Nigerian PoliticsColonialismNationalismFederalismMilitary Rule

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

British Colonial Administration

2

Nationalist Movements

3

Constitutional Development

4

Federalism

5

Military Intervention

6

Political Parties

Total Topics6 topics

Requirements

Knowledge and skills recommended for success

Basic knowledge of Nigerian history and government

💡 Don't have all requirements? Don't worry! Many students successfully complete this course with basic preparation and dedication.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

Assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

Tutor-Marked Assignments

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

Political Analyst

Apply your skills in this growing field

Policy Advisor

Apply your skills in this growing field

Civil Servant

Apply your skills in this growing field

Diplomat

Apply your skills in this growing field

Journalist

Apply your skills in this growing field

Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

GovernmentPoliticsAcademiaMediaInternational Relations

Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: Introduction to Nigerian Politics

3h

Unit 1: Background to British Administration (1861-1914)

3 study hours
  • •Read the historical background to British administration.
  • •Define key terms like Crown Colony and Protectorates.
  • •Assess the merits and demerits of Indirect Rule.
Week
2

Module 1: Introduction to Nigerian Politics

3h

Unit 2: Sir Hugh Clifford’s Constitution of 1922

3 study hours
  • •Analyze the composition of the Nigerian Council.
  • •Examine the criticisms and merits of the 1922 Constitution.
  • •Understand the improvements introduced by the constitution.
Week
3

Module 1: Introduction to Nigerian Politics

6h

Unit 3: The Rise of Nationalist Movements in Nigeria

3 study hours
  • •Define nationalism and differentiate between nation and state.
  • •Explore the emergence of nationalism in Nigeria.
  • •Identify early nationalist groupings and their objectives.

Unit 4: Sir Arthur Richards’ Constitution of 1946

3 study hours
  • •List the objectives and provisions of the 1946 Constitution.
  • •Analyze the criticisms of the constitution by nationalists.
  • •Understand the background to the 1946 Constitution.
Week
4

Module 2: Towards Nigeria’s Independence

3h

Unit 1: The McPherson’s Constitution of 1951

3 study hours
  • •Explain the evolution of Nigerian federalism.
  • •Identify the prospects and problems of the 1951 constitution.
  • •Analyze the nationalists' agitation for self-government.
Week
5

Module 2: Towards Nigeria’s Independence

3h

Unit 2: The Oliver Lyttleton’s Constitution of 1954

3 study hours
  • •Describe the main provisions of the 1954 constitution.
  • •Compare the 1954 constitution with its predecessor.
  • •Identify the merits and demerits of the constitution.
Week
6

Module 2: Towards Nigeria’s Independence

3h

Unit 3: The 1960 Independence Constitution

3 study hours
  • •Explain the steps taken before the promulgation of the 1960 constitution.
  • •Indicate the main provisions and improvements in the constitution.
  • •Understand the focus and resolutions of the 1957/58 constitutional conferences.
Week
7

Module 2: Towards Nigeria’s Independence

3h

Unit 4: The 1963 Republican Constitution

3 study hours
  • •Describe the process taken to effect the changes in the 1963 constitution.
  • •Distinguish the amendments made.
  • •Explain the distinctive features of the constitution.
Week
8

Module 3: Post-Colonial Period

3h

Unit 1: The Theory of Federalism

3 study hours
  • •Describe the origin of federalism in Nigeria.
  • •Identify the genesis of the nation's political challenges.
  • •Explain the theory of federalism.
Week
9

Module 3: Post-Colonial Period

3h

Unit 2: Evolution of Federalism in Nigeria

3 study hours
  • •Describe the underpinnings of Nigerian federation.
  • •Outline the steps taken by the colonial masters.
  • •Describe the role played by different political leaders.
Week
10

Module 3: Post-Colonial Period

3h

Unit 3: Nigerian Government & Politics (1966-1979)

3 study hours
  • •Explain the basis and structure of the political parties in the First Republic.
  • •Describe the political intrigues in the First Republic.
  • •Identify the causes of military intervention.
Week
11

Module 3: Post-Colonial Period

3h

Unit 4: The Collapse of the First Republic

3 study hours
  • •Explain the remote and immediate causes of the 1966 military coup.
  • •Describe the circumstances leading to the counter-coup.
  • •Analyze the intricacies of Nigerian politics.
Week
12

Module 4: Military Leadership in Nigerian Politics

3h

Unit 1: The Military Intervention in Nigerian Politics

3 study hours
  • •Identify the events leading to the first military coup and the counter-coup of 1966.
  • •Explain the intrigues within the military that led to the civil war.
  • •Identify the military leadership in Nigerian politics.
Week
13

Module 4: Military Leadership in Nigerian Politics

3h

Unit 2: Towards Military Disengagement

3 study hours
  • •Explain the transition program leading to the Second Republic.
  • •Identify the challenges faced by the military in implementing the transition program.
  • •Describe the attitude of politicians towards military disengagement.

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 constitutional developments.

2

Compare and contrast the different constitutions.

3

Analyze the causes and consequences of military interventions.

4

Evaluate the performance of political parties in the First Republic.

5

Practice essay questions on federalism and nationalism.

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