Administrative Law

1. Define administrative law and explain its relationship to public administration.
2. Identify and analyze the sources of administrative law in Nigeria.
3. Evaluate the powers and functions of administrative authorities and public officials.
4. Apply constitutional remedies to address administrative wrongs.
5. Assess the role of tribunals in administrative adjudication.
6. Understand and protect fundamental human rights in the context of administrative actions.

13 weeks, about 54 hours in total. Yours will differ.

1. Week 1Module 1: Introduction

   • Unit 1: Public Administration and Law · 4 hours

     Read the introduction to understand the scope and objectives of administrative law.. Define administrative law and explain its significance in public administration.. Identify and describe the sources of Nigerian administrative law, including the Constitution, statutes, and judicial decisions.. Compare and contrast administrative law with constitutional law, noting their similarities and differences..

2. Week 2Module 1: Introduction

   • Unit 2: Sources and Kinds of Administrative Powers · 4 hours

     Define power and explain its relevance in administrative law.. Identify and describe the sources of administrative powers, including express, incidental, and implied powers.. Differentiate between legislative, executive, and judicial powers.. Explain the concept of separation of powers and provide examples of its application in Nigeria..

3. Week 3Module 2: Administrative Authorities & Functions

   • Unit 1: The President/Governors · 4 hours

     Examine the constitutional basis for the office of the President and Governors.. Analyze the powers and responsibilities of the President as the controller of material and human resources.. Discuss the functions of Governors at the state level and their relationship to the President..

4. Week 4Module 2: Administrative Authorities & Functions

   • Unit 2: Ministers/Commissioners/Special Advisers · 4 hours

     Describe the roles and responsibilities of Ministers, Commissioners, and Special Advisers.. Explain the concept of ministerial responsibility in a presidential system of government.. Discuss the constitutional provisions for the appointment and functions of these key officials..

5. Week 5Module 2: Administrative Authorities & Functions

   • Unit 3: The Civil Service · 4 hours

     Define the Civil Service and differentiate it from the Public Service.. Outline the key characteristics of the Civil Service, such as permanency, neutrality, and impartiality.. Describe the roles of the Head of the Civil Service and Permanent Secretary.. Discuss the concept of security of employment in the Civil Service..

6. Week 6Module 2: Administrative Authorities & Functions

   • Unit 4: The Civil Service Commission · 4 hours

     Explain the establishment and functions of the Civil Service Commission.. Discuss the duties of the Civil Service Commission, including recruitment, promotion, and discipline.. Analyze the role of the Civil Service Commission in maintaining standards and ethics within the Civil Service..

7. Week 7Module 2: Administrative Authorities & Functions

   • Unit 5: Nigeria Local Government Administration · 5 hours

     Describe the creation and structure of local governments in Nigeria.. Explain the meaning and reasons for establishing local governments.. Discuss the functions of local government councils and their sources of revenue.. Analyze the problems confronting local governments and the mechanisms for their control.. Examine local government reforms and their impact on local administration..

8. Week 8Module 3: Constitutional Remedies to Redress Administrative Wrongs

   • Unit 1: Rule of Law, Origin of the Doctrine of the Rule of Law, Necessary Conditions for the Rule of Law to Thrive in any Society · 4 hours

     Define the rule of law and explain its importance in a democratic society.. Trace the origin of the doctrine of the rule of law.. Identify and discuss the necessary conditions for the rule of law to thrive in any society..

9. Week 9Module 3: Constitutional Remedies to Redress Administrative Wrongs

   • Unit 2: Sovereign Immunity and Right of Action Against the State · 4 hours

     Explain the concept of sovereign immunity and its limitations.. Discuss the right of action against the state and the circumstances under which it can be exercised.. Describe the functions, powers, and duties of the Public Complaints Commission.. Analyze the achievements of the Public Complaints Commission in addressing administrative wrongs..

10. Week 10Module 3: Constitutional Remedies to Redress Administrative Wrongs

    • Unit 3: Remedies for Administrative Acts · 5 hours

      Differentiate between judicial and non-judicial remedies for administrative acts.. Describe various non-judicial remedies, including petitions, appeals, dialogue, alternative dispute resolution, referendum, lobby, public opinion poll, and civil disobedience.. Explain judicial remedies for administrative acts, such as declaration of rights, mandamus, certiorari, prohibition, interlocutory injunction, and habeas corpus.. Discuss the limitations to judicial remedies..

11. Week 11Module 4: Adminstrative Adjudication

    • Unit 1: Administrative Tribunals and Tribunals of Inquiry · 4 hours

      Explain the need for administrative adjudication.. Classify adjudicatory bodies and define administrative tribunals.. Differentiate between administrative tribunals and tribunals of inquiry.. Present arguments for and criticisms of administrative adjudication..

12. Week 12Module 4: Adminstrative Adjudication

    • Unit 2: Membership of Tribunals & Independence of Tribunals · 4 hours

      Discuss the origin of tribunals and their classification.. Describe the membership of tribunals and the qualifications for appointment.. Analyze the independence of tribunals and the factors that ensure their impartiality.. Compare and contrast administrative tribunals with tribunals of inquiry..

13. Week 13Module 4: Adminstrative Adjudication

    • Unit 3: Rights of Appeal Under Tribunals · 4 hours

      Explain the rights of appeal under tribunals and the limitations to such rights.. Discuss the problems of tribunals, including contempt of decisions.. Analyze the challenges faced by tribunals in enforcing their orders and maintaining their authority..