Skip to main content
nounstudy
POL444

Student Research Project (Contd.) Nigerian Local Government

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Nigerian Local Government. It explores the meaning, reasons, and characteristics of local government, tracing its historical development, reforms, and systems in Nigeria. The course examines theories, structures, functions, revenue sources, problems, and control mechanisms of local government. It also covers human resources management, inter-governmental relations, and the role of local government in Nigeria's federal system.

About this course

Difficulty
Intermediate
Study hours
60 hours
Maths
Basic
Content
Theoretical, case study
Practical work
Yes
How it is assessed
  • Assignments
  • Tutor Marked Assessments
  • Final Examination

What you'll read

The real module and unit structure of POL444, taken from the course material NOUN publishes.

One paragraph, so you can see how it reads

POL444 · UNIT 3: LOCAL GOVERNMENT REFORMS IN NIGERIA

When the military struck in 1966, local administration system was abolished via Decree 34. The native court system became part of the judiciary, while the local council police was dissolved and integrated into the federal police force. Native Authority Prisons were also taken over by Federal' Prisons. The autonomy and power of the councils were further eroded.

What you should be able to do

  1. Define and explain the meaning, reasons, and characteristics of local government.
  2. Trace the historical development of local government in Nigeria.
  3. Discuss the theories, structures, and functions of local government administration.
  4. Examine the sources of revenue, problems, and control mechanisms of local government.
  5. Analyze human resources management practices in local government.
  6. Discuss inter-governmental relations and local government administration in Nigeria.

What it prepares you for

Careers
  • Local Government Administrator
  • Policy Analyst
  • Public Relations Officer
  • Community Development Officer
  • Political Advisor
Where it is applied
  • Government
  • Public Administration
  • Community Development
  • Political Science
  • Social Services

Where it gets hard

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

  • Module 3: Local Government Revenue, Problems and Control

    Unit 2: Improving Revenue Generation

    Understanding the complexities of revenue generation, allocation, and management requires a strong grasp of financial principles and regulations.

  • Module 5: Inter-Governmental Relations and Local Government Administration

    Unit 3: Structures and Patterns of Intergovernmental Relations

    Grasping the nuances of federalism and inter-governmental relations requires understanding complex legal and political frameworks.

A suggested way through it

Suggested

13 weeks, about 45 hours in total. Yours will differ.

  1. Week 1Module 1: Origin, Reforms and Systems of Local Government
    • Unit 1: Meaning, Reasons and Characteristics of Local Government · 3 hours

      Define local government and identify its key characteristics.. Discuss the reasons for establishing local governments and their importance..

  2. Week 2Module 1: Origin, Reforms and Systems of Local Government
    • Unit 2: Historical Development of Local Government · 3 hours

      Trace the historical development of local government in Nigeria from pre-colonial times to the present.. Examine the evolution of native administration and its impact on local governance..

  3. Week 3Module 1: Origin, Reforms and Systems of Local Government
    • Unit 3: Local Government Reforms · 3 hours

      Analyze the various local government reforms implemented in Nigeria.. Discuss the objectives and outcomes of these reforms..

  4. Week 4Module 1: Origin, Reforms and Systems of Local Government
    • Unit 4: Local Government Systems · 3 hours

      Examine the different systems of local government used in Nigeria.. Compare and contrast the French, Anglo-Saxon, and Marxian systems..

  5. Week 5Module 2: Theories, Structures and Functions of Local Government Administration
    • Unit 1: Theories of Local Government · 3 hours

      Discuss the democratic participatory theory and its relevance to local government.. Analyze the efficiency services theory and resource mobilization theory..

  6. Week 6Module 2: Theories, Structures and Functions of Local Government Administration
    • Unit 2: Structures of Local Government · 3 hours

      Describe the administrative structure of the executive arm of local government.. Explain the structure of the local government legislature..

  7. Week 7Module 2: Theories, Structures and Functions of Local Government Administration
    • Unit 3: Functions of Local Government · 3 hours

      Identify and describe the mandatory functions of local government.. Discuss the participatory functions of local government in collaboration with state and federal governments..

  8. Week 8Module 2: Theories, Structures and Functions of Local Government Administration
    • Unit 4: Functions of the Local Government Legislature · 3 hours

      Describe the law-making functions of the local government council.. Explain the mode of exercising legislative powers and the role of the chairman..

  9. Week 9Module 3: Local Government Revenue, Problems and Control
    • Unit 1: Sources of Revenue · 3 hours

      Identify and describe the various sources of revenue for local government.. Differentiate between external and internal sources of revenue..

  10. Week 10Module 3: Local Government Revenue, Problems and Control
    • Unit 2: Improving Revenue Generation · 3 hours

      Discuss the challenges of revenue generation in local government.. Suggest strategies for improving revenue generation and financial management..

  11. Week 11Module 3: Local Government Revenue, Problems and Control
    • Unit 3: Problems of Local Government · 3 hours

      Identify and analyze the major problems facing local government administration.. Discuss the causes and consequences of these problems..

  12. Week 12Module 4: Human Resources Management in Local Government
    • Unit 4: Control of Local Government · 3 hours

      Describe the mechanisms for controlling local government activities.. Explain the roles of the legislature, executive, and judiciary in controlling local government..

    • Unit 1: Staffing in Local Government Administration · 3 hours

      Describe the staffing functions of local government administration.. Explain the recruitment processes and the role of the Local Government Service Commission..

  13. Week 13Module 4: Human Resources Management in Local Government
    • Unit 2: Promotion, Transfer, Discipline and Retirement · 3 hours

      Discuss the processes of promotion, transfer, discipline, and retirement in local government.. Explain the conditions and rewards associated with retirement..

    • Unit 3: Training and Development in Local Government Administration · 3 hours

      Explain the training programs available for local government staff.. Describe the types of training and development undertaken to improve performance..

Preparing for the exam

What to do
  • Review all study units and focus on key concepts and definitions.
  • Create summaries of each module, highlighting the main points and arguments.
  • Practice answering past examination questions to get familiar with the format and style.
  • Pay close attention to the mandatory and participatory functions of local government.
  • Understand the different models of federalism and their implications for local government.
  • Create concept maps linking Units 3-5 revenue generation concepts
  • Practice essay questions from Units 7-9 weekly
  • Review all TMAs

Questions students ask about this course

What is POL444 about?

This course provides a comprehensive understanding of Nigerian Local Government. It explores the meaning, reasons, and characteristics of local government, tracing its historical development, reforms, and systems in Nigeria. The course examines theories, structures, functions, revenue sources, problems, and control mechanisms of local government. It also covers human resources management, inter-governmental relations, and the role of local government in Nigeria's federal system.

How many units does POL444 have?

POL444, Student Research Project (Contd.) Nigerian Local Government, has 21 units across 5 modules, over 126 pages of course material. You can read it one unit at a time.

How many credit units is POL444?

POL444 carries 3 credit units, at 400 level in Social Sciences.

Is POL444 hard?

POL444 is rated intermediate level, with basic mathematical content. It is mostly theoretical and case study work, and it has a practical component.

How long does POL444 take to study?

About 60 hours of study, spread across its 21 units.

How is POL444 assessed?

POL444 is assessed by Assignments, Tutor Marked Assessments and Final Examination.

What can I do with POL444?

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

More courses in Social Sciences

MAC428

Integrated Marketing Communication

2 credit units

Open MAC428
ECO431

Advanced Micro Economics

2 credit units

Open ECO431
INR422

International Institutions

2 credit units

Open INR422