Nigerian Government And Politics I

1. Discuss the impact of British colonial administration on Nigeria
2. Explain the reasons for the introduction of Indirect Rule
3. Evaluate the strategies of the nationalist movements
4. Discuss the origin and nature of regionalism in Nigerian politics
5. Explain the causes and effects of military interventions
6. Appreciate the current attempt at civil rule in Nigeria

13 weeks, about 42 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction to Nigerian Politics

   • Unit 1: Background to British Administration (1861-1914) · 3 hours

     Read the historical background to British administration.. Define key terms like Crown Colony and Protectorates.. Assess the merits and demerits of Indirect Rule..

2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction to Nigerian Politics

   • Unit 2: Sir Hugh Clifford’s Constitution of 1922 · 3 hours

     Analyze the composition of the Nigerian Council.. Examine the criticisms and merits of the 1922 Constitution.. Understand the improvements introduced by the constitution..

3. Week 3Module 1: Introduction to Nigerian Politics

   • Unit 3: The Rise of Nationalist Movements in Nigeria · 3 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 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..

4. Week 4Module 2: Towards Nigeria’s Independence

   • Unit 1: The McPherson’s Constitution of 1951 · 3 hours

     Explain the evolution of Nigerian federalism.. Identify the prospects and problems of the 1951 constitution.. Analyze the nationalists' agitation for self-government..

5. Week 5Module 2: Towards Nigeria’s Independence

   • Unit 2: The Oliver Lyttleton’s Constitution of 1954 · 3 hours

     Describe the main provisions of the 1954 constitution.. Compare the 1954 constitution with its predecessor.. Identify the merits and demerits of the constitution..

6. Week 6Module 2: Towards Nigeria’s Independence

   • Unit 3: The 1960 Independence Constitution · 3 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..

7. Week 7Module 2: Towards Nigeria’s Independence

   • Unit 4: The 1963 Republican Constitution · 3 hours

     Describe the process taken to effect the changes in the 1963 constitution.. Distinguish the amendments made.. Explain the distinctive features of the constitution..

8. Week 8Module 3: Post-Colonial Period

   • Unit 1: The Theory of Federalism · 3 hours

     Describe the origin of federalism in Nigeria.. Identify the genesis of the nation's political challenges.. Explain the theory of federalism..

9. Week 9Module 3: Post-Colonial Period

   • Unit 2: Evolution of Federalism in Nigeria · 3 hours

     Describe the underpinnings of Nigerian federation.. Outline the steps taken by the colonial masters.. Describe the role played by different political leaders..

10. Week 10Module 3: Post-Colonial Period

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

11. Week 11Module 3: Post-Colonial Period

    • Unit 4: The Collapse of the First Republic · 3 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..

12. Week 12Module 4: Military Leadership in Nigerian Politics

    • Unit 1: The Military Intervention in Nigerian Politics · 3 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..

13. Week 13Module 4: Military Leadership in Nigerian Politics

    • Unit 2: Towards Military Disengagement · 3 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..