DEEPER LIFE HIGH SCHOOL

www.dlhschool.com

FIRST TERM: E-LEARNING NOTES

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT
CLASS: SS2
SCHEME OF WORK

WEEK 1: TOPIC
THEME: POLITICAL PARTIES, PRESSURE GROUPS AND ELECTION
1. Electoral Process: (4) Electoral Commission and Electoral Officials: (a) Electoral
Commission: (i) Roles or duties (ii) Problems (iii) Organization. (b) Electoral officials: (i)
Electoral officer (ii) Supervisory Presiding Officer, (iii) Presiding Officer, (iv) Polling Clerk
(v) Polling Agent.
2. Public Opinion: (a) Definition of public opinion. (b) How public opinion is formed. (c)
Measurement of public opinion. (iv) Importance of public opinion. Mass Media: (a) Mass
media – meaning, roles, impact. (b) Watch dog.
THEME: PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION
3. Civil Service: (a) Meaning of Civil Service. (b) Characteristics of the Civil Service. (c)
Functions. (d) Structure of the Civil Service. (i) Administrative/professional. (ii) Executive.
(iii) Clerical, etc. (e) Honesty, integrity.
4. Personnel Administration in the Civil Service: (a) Meaning of the Civil Service
Commission. (b) Functions of the Civil Service Commission. (c) Relationship between the
Civil Service and Political executives.
5. Public Corporations: (1) Meaning – (a) Definition. (b) Reasons for setting public
corporations. (c) Functions of public corporations. (d) Examples of public corporations.
6. Public Corporations: Structure and Organization: (a) Organizational Structure of
public corporations. (i) Minister (ii) Board (iii) Management. (b) Comparison of
organizational structure of public corporation with civil service. Control and Problems
of Public Corporations: (a) Reasons for control. (b) Types of control; (i) parliamentary,
(ii) financial, (iii) judicial, (iv) ministerial, etc.
7. MID-TERM BREAK
8. Control and Problems of Public Corporations (continued) (c) Problems of public
corporation; (i) lack of accountability, (ii) mismanagement. (d) Solution to the problems.
9. Commercialization, Privatization and deregulation of Public Corporations: (a)
Meanings of commercialization, privatization and deregulation. (b) Reasons for
commercialization, privatization and deregulation. (c) Merit and demerits
10. Local Government: (1) Local Government Administration: (a) The Meaning of local
government. (b) Reasons of the creation of local governments. (c) Functions of local
governments (d) Systems of local government; (i) The French system, (ii) The British
System, (iii) The Nigerian System.
11. Revision
12. Examination.

1
WEEK 1

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT

CLASS: SS 2

DATE: ………………….

TOPIC: ELECTORAL PROCESS (4) – Electoral Commission and Electoral Officials

CONTENT: (a) Electoral Commission: Role or duties, problems and organization.

(b) Electoral Officials: Electoral officer, Supervisory Presiding Officer,
Polling Clerk and Polling Agent.
Sub-Topic 1: ELECTORAL COMMISSION: ROLE OR DUTIES

Meaning of Electoral Commission: An electoral commission is a politically independent and

impartial body charged with the responsibility of conducting free and fair elections in a country.
It is generally established by the constitution to guarantee autonomy. Their functions are
stipulated in the constitution of the country. In Nigeria presently, it is called Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC), in 1979 it was called Federal Electoral Commission
(FEDECO).
Role or Duties of Electoral Commission
i. Organises and conducts free and fair elections in a country.
ii. Delimitation of the country into constituencies.
2
iii. Registration of political parties.
iv. Registration of eligible voters.
v. Screening of candidates.
vi. Appointments and training of electoral officers.
vii. Provision of adequate electoral materials to voters
viii. Counting of ballot papers.
ix. Announcement of election results.
x. Provisions of adequate security to voters.
xi. Education of the electorates.
xii. Witness on election issues.
xiii. Issuance of certificate of return to winners of elections.
Problems of Electoral Commission
There are problems facing electoral commission in Nigeria like other developing world. Such
problems include:
i. Political Interference: Since electoral body is always put in place by the government of the
day, their independence might not be total because it has to dance to the tunes of its ‘boss’
because it is he who pays the piper that dictates the tune. Some influential politicians many
a times want to have their wishes carried out which is against the goal and rules of the
establishment of the commission.
ii. Poor Communication Network: Communication networks are bad in some parts of the
country which may affect the work of the commission especially when election is going on
in different centres all over the state or country and they need to monitor. Besides, the
facilities for effective communication might not be procured due to lack of funds.
iii. Lack of Adequate Funds: There are times when the government of the day will not be able
to give adequate funds to meet the various needs of the commission and hence, their
performances are affected.
iv. Lack of Modern Equipment: A substantial part of the commission’s work is done
manually. There are modern gadgets that would have made the work easier, faster and more
accurate than they are now.
v. Partisan Activities of Electoral Officials: Electoral officers are sometimes biased. They
aid and abet the manipulation of elections in favour of some candidates, thereby removing
the confidence which citizens repose on them.
vi. Problem of Illiteracy: the low level of literacy constitutes a problem to the electoral
commission. This is because some of the voters may not be able to vote intelligently and
objectively.
vii. Electoral malpractices rampant among the political leaders and their associates always
pose problems to the electoral officials because the corrupt politicians always hang on their
necks.

EVALUATION
1. What is electoral commission?
2. What are the functions of electoral commission in the electoral process?
3. What problems are likely to hinder the success of the commission in Nigeria?

3
Sub–Topic 2: ORGANISATION OF ELECTORAL COMMISSION
The electoral commission in Nigeria is made up of
a. The National Electoral Commission Chairman: This is the head of the electoral
commission charged with the conduct of free and fair election in the country. He oversees the
conduct of elections in the states and local governments through the state residents’ electoral
commissioners. The current electoral commission chairman in Nigeria is Professor Atahiru
Jega.
b. State Resident Electoral Commissioner: This is the head of the electoral commission at the
state level. Each of the 36 states in Nigeria has a resident electoral commissioner.
c. Returning Officer: This is the officer responsible for the announcement of election results
for each election. They are at the national, states and the local government levels.
d. Supervisors: These are the officers responsible for the supervision of the presiding officers at
the polling centres.
e. Presiding Officer: This officer is responsible for controlling the polling centre or station.
f. Polling Clerks/Polling officer: They are responsible for checking the names of eligible
voters in the voters register and record necessary details.
g. Polling Agents: They are the representatives of political parties and candidates at the voting
centre.
h. Security Officers: They are to maintain law and order at the voting centres.
i.
History of electoral commission in Nigeria
i. 1959: Electoral Commission of Nigeria (ECN) set up by: The Colonial Government.
ii. 1960: Federal Electoral Commission (FEC) set up by: Tafawa Balewa Government with
Late Eyo Ita as the Chairman.
iii. 1978: Federal Electoral Commission (FEC) set up by General Olusegun Obasanjo with
Chief Michael Ani as the Chairman.
iv. 1978–83: Federal Electoral Commission (FEDECO) as President Shehu Shagari chose
Justice OVIE Whiskey as the Chairman.
v. 1987: National Electoral Commission (NEC) set up by General Ibrahim Babangida with
Prof. Eme Awa as the Chairman.
vi. 1989: National Electoral Commission with Prof. Humphrey Nwosu as the Chairman.
vii. July 1993: National Electoral Commission (NEC) with Prof. Enya as the Chairman
appointed by Chief Ernest Shonekan the head of the National Interim Government.
viii. November 1993: National Electoral Commission of Nigeria (NECN) as renamed by General
Sanni Abacha with Chief Dagogo Jack as the Chairman.
ix. July 1998: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as renamed by General
Abdulsalam Abubakar with Ephraim Akpata and later Abel Guobadia as Chairman.
x. 2003: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with Prof. Maurice Iwu as
Chairman as appointed by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.
xi. June 2010: Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) with Prof. Attahiru Jega as
Chairman as appointed by President Goodluck Jonathan.

EVALUATION
1. What is electoral commission?
2. What are the functions of electoral commission in the electoral process?
4
3. The Independent National Electoral Commission has the power to prepare and maintain the
register of
A. electoral candidates
B. voters
C. political parties
D. constituencies (2015 WASSCE).

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Define electoral commission?
2. State the functions of electoral commission in the electoral process?
3. What problems are likely to hinder the success of the commission in Nigeria?
4. Who is the current chairman of electoral commission in Nigeria?
5. Mention any four electoral officials.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. Which of the following is not the responsibility of an electoral commission?
(a) Creation of constituencies (b) Registration of voters (c) Nomination of candidates (d)
Registration of political parties (e) Provision of polling booths
2. Which of the following is a function of Electoral commission? (a) Arbitrating among political
parties (b) Arranging and conducting elections (c) Organising political parties (d) Supporting
political parties (e) Taking part in an election
3. All but one of the following is organs of electoral commission in Nigeria?
(a) The Chairman (b) Resident Electoral Commissioner (c) Returning officer (d) Supervisor
(e) Party Chairman
4. One of the major problems confronting electoral commission in Nigeria is...
(a) non – permanence of leadership (b) delay of officers’ promotion (c) lack of capable hand
(d) political interference (e) too large population to handle
5. The present electoral body in Nigeria is ......... (a) Independent National Electoral Commission
(INEC) (b) Federal Democratic Commission (FEDECO) (c) National Electoral Commission
(NEC) (d) Federal Electoral Commission (e) Electoral Commission of Nigeria.
READING ASSIGNMENT:
Read Government for Senior Secondary Schools Book 2 by R.E. Aiyede et al (2012); Melrose
Nigeria Limited. Pages 16–18.
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT
Read about public opinion.

5
WEEK 2

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT

CLASS: SS 2

DATE: ………………….

TOPIC: PUBLIC OPINION/MASS MEDIA

CONTENT: (a) Definition and Formation of Public Opinion

(b) Measurement and the Importance of Public Opinion
6
 (c) Meaning, Roles, and Impact

(d) Watchdog role.

Sub-Topic 1: DEFINITION AND FORMATION OF PUBLIC OPINION

Definition of Public Opinion:

Public opinion can be defined as the general opinion that the majority of people in a community
hold on a given public issue at a particular time. It refers to what members of the public think or
feel about government proposed action or actions already taken by government.
The level of peoples’ interest in public opinion is mainly determined by their literacy level. This
makes the level to be very low in developing countries as only few that have the understanding
and know their rights express their views in public issues.
Consensus of opinion is when a large majority of the people hold the same view on any issue.
Formation of Public Opinion
i. Political Parties: Political parties try to understand the needs of the citizenry. They
therefore build their programmes or manifestoes to address such needs. Such programmes or
the communication of political leaders on them now constitute an organized presentation of
public opinion on the issue. The political parties therefore educate the electorates on the
possibilities of a better living and so direct public opinion toward such goals.
ii. Pressure Groups: The change in government policies and actions that pressure group
demand may be particular to them or affecting the whole society. Whichever way, their
activities and goals usually become reference point and helps in the formation of public
opinion.
iii. Peer Groups: Members of similar age group can meet to discuss on any pressing national
issue and therefore form an opinion among their members.
iv. Influential Personalities: Influential members of the society like Pastors, Imams, traditional
rulers, etc. can also help to formulate public opinion through their comments and advice to
the people and the government.

7
v. Mass Media: The mass media can take a stand on any public issue which can help the
members of the public to form an opinion on certain issues of national importance.
vi. Government Agencies: Public opinion can also be formed through government
enlightenment programme like National Orientation Agency especially in making the
members of the public have a positive image of the government in power.
vii. Public Lectures: Public opinion can also be formed through organization of seminars,
lectures to which certain people will be invited to talk in order to help people form an
opinion.
viii. Family: This is the first place where the child can learn about the issues of the society.
Public opinion can therefore be formed through family discussions.
ix. Religious Organization: Religious leaders can help to mould public opinion by discussing
with members of their group and even pray for the country’s leaders.
x. International Organization: When a country belongs to an international organization,
public opinion can be formed through the views held by the majority of members of that
organization.
xi. Rumours and Gossips: Many citizens not well informed may form their opinions from
common rumours and gossips.

EVALUATION
1. Define public opinion.
2. Explain four factors that can promote public opinion in a state.
3. Highlight how family can help in the formation of public opinion.
4. Define Public opinion (b) Explain three factors that can promote public opinion in a state
(2008 WASSCE)

Sub–Topic 2: MEASUREMENT AND THE IMPORTANCE OF PUBLIC OPINION

Measurement of Public Opinion
Public opinion can be measured through the following means:
i. Mass Media: As people express their minds in the mass media – newspapers, magazines,
radio, television, etc, the public opinion is determined.
ii. Public Hearing: Public opinion can be measured through opinions expressed in public
hearing set up by the government on certain issues.
iii. Letters/Petitions: it can also be expressed through letters and petitions which people send
to the government to express their minds.
iv. Face to Face Interaction: Public opinion can also be measured by the people meeting face
to face with their political leaders.
v. Protest/Demonstration: People can demonstrate for or against the policies and programmes
of the government.
vi. Opinion Polls: This can be arranged by mass media through interviews, surveys and
questionnaires in order to bring out certain information about the government and the
people. It is always measured in percentage.
vii. Referendum/Plebiscite: Public opinion can be measured through referendum or plebiscite
where people vote ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ to support or oppose government policy.

8
viii. Outcome of Election: The result of an election shows the weakness or strength of the
government in power. Such election outcome will prove the popularity or otherwise of the
government.
ix. Random Sampling: It can be measured through random sampling of opinions from various
sections of the community through phone or live television or radio programmes.
x. Opinion Leaders: There are opinion leaders in the society who could speak on behalf of the
people as their views are respected by the government.
Importance of Public Opinion
i. It helps in making the government moderate her actions or if possible reverse some actions
that may help to pull down the government.
ii. It brings about the formulation of programmes and policies that will be to the best interest of
majority of the people.
iii. It wakes up government and its agents from slumber.
iv. In election period, it helps government to ascertain its popularity and whether it can win or
lose election.
v. It serves as avenue through which public views are channeled to the government.
vi. Opinion polls provide valuable information about those contesting elections.
vii. It directs the government in knowing what the public thinks about its policies and actions.
viii. It helps the government to know the needs and the aspirations of the citizens.
ix. Opinion polls help the voters to cast their votes for popular candidates.
x. It helps to check the excesses of the government especially where majority of the people are
literates and are interested in expressing their opinions through different available means.

Sub-Topic 3: MASS MEDIA

9
Meaning: Mass media can be defined as the media used for addressing or communicating with
the masses. It is anything that serves as the source for communicating to and among a large
audience at the same time.

Mass media consists of the various means by which information reaches large number of people,
such as television, radio, movies, newspapers and the internet.

TYPES OF MASS MEDIA

i. Publishing media (books, newspapers, magazines etc): These types of media are the
oldest form of mass media. The first book in the world was believed to be printed in 863AD
in China.
ii. Broadcasting – Radio and television: The first commercial broadcast in the United State
began in the 1920s. The first television broadcast for a mass audience began in 1936 in
Germany and UK. Regular mass TV broadcasts in the United State began only in 1948.
iii. Electronic media: The electronic media is the new age media that includes the computers,
mobile phones, internet, iPods, CD players, tape recorders, etc. The electronic media is what
our world resolves round today. Internet is the media that connects the entire globe. Through
E-mail you can get connected to someone in another part of the world in just few seconds.
iv. Mobile phones were first introduced in 1979 in Japan. They were not popular among the
masses until mid 90s.
Cassette players, which have now been renovated into iPods and CD players, are important
invention.
Computer has turned the electronic around and has changed the faces of modern technology.
Without computer internet would have been impossible.

ROLES OF MASS MEDIA

Mass media are useful in many areas including the following:
1. Information: The mass media is an avenue through which information can be passed to many
people at the same time covering a long distance. Information is a coin of two sides – sending
and receiving. One can send and receive information through the mass media.
2. Role as an agent of influencing public opinions: Newspapers, magazines, radio and
television, internet, mobile phones, etc has helped tremendously in educating people to know
the activity of government and the policies that were not in the interest of the people. For
example, newspapers were one of the tools used against the colonial masters to attain
independence.
3. Advocacy for business and social concern: This includes advertising, marketing,
propaganda, public relation, political communication.
4. Entertainment: Since the late 20th century, through video and computer games the mass
media has been the source of entertainment.
5. Public service announcements: Mass Media – Radio and television in particular have been
used by the government to reach out to people in terms of news, announcement and

10
 entertainment. Programmes that are educating are on radio and television to make the masses
get familiar with what is going on around them. Today radio and television are so common
that an average man can afford it.
IMPACT OF MASS MEDIA
Generally, products of science and technology posed both good and evil on the society. Mass
media plays both positive and negative roles in the lives of the masses.

POSITIVE IMPACT OF THE MASS MEDIA

i. Promotion of education: Mass media can be used for educational purposes in an effective
manner. They promote education through lessons given on specific subjects as well as
coverage of some competitions on specific subjects. They also educate people on what is
going on in the society.
ii. Mass media is the fastest means of communication which has made the accessibility of
information very fast.
iii. Agent of change: The mass media are seen as agent of change in that they look for the ways
of making life better and comfortable for the people. They put pressure on the government to
bring the much needed change for the people.
iv. Political impact: The mass media also made positive role in the past in promoting political
development such as their role in installing credible government in power as well as giving
political education to the electorates.
v. Economic role: The mass media also helps to promote trade and industrial growth through
advertisement of products as well as promoting international trade. There are columns
devoted for financial matters such as stock exchange, banking news, job advertisement, etc.
vi. Projecting positive image of government: The mass media also helps to project
government image by bringing the activities of the government to the attention of the people
in order to arouse public support for the government.
vii. Information network: Most of the news and things going on in the world is got through the
press as they inform the members of the public on what is going on in the society.
viii.Watchdog role: The press is the watchdog of government in checking misuse of powers by
the organs of government with a view of checking the excesses of government.
ix. Promotion of sports and culture: The press also promotes local and international sports as
well as promoting culture and tourism in our society.
x. Giving of necessary advice to government: the press also helps in giving necessary advice
to the government through their editorial comments.
xi. World affairs: They also bring countries of the world together as they inform us of
happenings in other parts of the world.

Negative/Disadvantages of Mass Media

11
i. Mass media sometimes pass information that cannot be verified. Such information given
might not be true. This lead to misinformation
ii. News can be manipulated to influence the minds of the audience. For example, a particular
political party may manipulate report in its favour, which would indicate its political control
in the media.
iii. Media bias can occur due to various issues.
iv. Wrong interpretation of news may create further unrest in any place or even violence in case
of extreme situation.

EVALUATION
1. What do you understand by the term Mass Media?
2. Mention five media outfits in Nigeria.
3. Highlight five roles played by the mass media in strenghtening modern democracy (2019
WASSCE).

Sub–Topic 4: ACTIVITIES OF THE PRESS AS WATCH DOG OF GOVERNMENT

This is the role played by the press in monitoring the activities of the organs of the government
with a view of checking the excesses and unconstitutional acts of government. The press is a
specialized interest group in Nigeria. As the fourth estate or the "societal watchdog," it is the
most vocal and effective interest group in the country, especially because other interest groups
channeled their demands and support through the press. The media could act as a watchdog
because of the large number of newspapers, radio and television stations, and because of the
wide degree of press freedom.
The following are the ways the mass media can perform the watchdog roles.
1) Investigative journalism: The mass media can investigate some actions of government and
bring their findings to the attention of the public.
2) Public criticisms: They can also criticize some negative actions of government that may
have negative impact on the people as well as some constitutional breaches.
3) Watchdog on corporations and businesses: The mass media can perform their watchdog
role by paying special attention to specific areas or focus on the activities of a particular
corporation.
4) Political watch: they also set the watch on political events in the country like monitoring the
activities of the political parties, the actions of the electoral commission and conduct of the
elections and they make their findings known to the members of the public.
5) Economic and Financial Management: It is one of the watchdog roles of the press to
check financial mismanagement of the public fund by those at the corridors of power by
bringing such information to the attention of the public.
6) The General Public Good: They monitor government, businesses, the environment and any
other area where public interest is threatened.

12
7) Watchdog on Rights: Any violation of fundamental human rights can be investigated and
checked by the mass media in order to secure the rights of the oppressed in the society.

EVALUATION
1. Define opinion poll.
2. Write out five factors that make the conduct of public opinion unreliable in West Africa.
3. List five importance of opinion poll.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Define public opinion.
2. Explain four factors that can promote public opinion in a state.
3. Highlight how family can help in the formation of public opinion.
4. Define opinion poll.
5. Write out five factors that make the conduct of public opinion unreliable in West Africa.
6. List five importance of opinion poll.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. Public opinion can be expressed through …. (a) census (b) general strike (c) socialization (d)
compromise
2. Public opinion helps the government to ……. (a) control the public (b) find out what the
public think about its activities (c) influence the public (d) suppress its opponent.
3. Public opinion is the view held by the ….. (a) minority (b) civil servants (c) majority (d)
politicians
4. Which of the following people cannot influence the opinion of the people? (a) Lunatics (b)
Civil servants (c) Religious leaders (d) Politician
5. One of the effects of outcome of opinion polls upon politicians is that… (a) it makes them
win another election (b) it makes them to measure their popularity among the people (c) it
leads to the formation of more political parties (d) it qualifies them for primaries.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Government for Senior Secondary Schools Book 2 by R.E. Aiyede et al (2012); Melrose
Nigeria Limited. Pages 19–23.
PRE – READING ASSIGNMENT
Read about mass media: Types and roles.

EVALUATION
1. Explain the word watchdog by mass media.
2. Mention five specific areas through which the media can perform the watchdog roles.
3. Explain any two of the points mentioned above.

GENERAL EVALUATION
1) What do you understand by the term mass media?
2) Mention five media outfits in Nigeria.
3) Explain the watchdog role of the mass media.

13
4) What are the functions of the mass media?
5) What are the challenges facing the media houses in Nigeria?
6) Mention five specific areas through which the media can perform the watchdog roles.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. Mass media refers to __________ a) all gadget used in political gathering b) Means of mass
communication c) audio without printed media d) Electronic media only
2. Watch of what is likely to happen in the society is known as ____________ a) public
discussion b) socialization c) education d) surveillance
3. Printed media include __________ a) television and radio b) cell phone and land phone c)
newspaper, magazine and journals d) microphones and speakers
4. One of the negative effect of mass media is that___________________ a) it exposes youths
to pornography b) it disseminate information too fast c) too many people are enjoying it d)
the government is making money from it
5. The most common electronic media today is _____________ a) internet b) radio c) satellite
d) computer.

ESSAY QUESTIONS
1. What do you understand by the term mass media?
2. Mention five specific areas through which the media can perform the watchdog roles.
READING ASSIGNMENT
Read Government for Senior Secondary Schools Book 2 by R.E. Aiyede et al (2012); Melrose
Nigeria Limited. Pages 24-29.
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT
Read about meaning and characteristics of civil service.

WEEK 3

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT

CLASS: SS 2

DATE: ………………….

TOPIC: CIVIL SERVICE

CONTENT: (a) Meaning of civil service.

(b) Characteristics of the civil service.
(c) Functions of the civil service.

14
 (d) Structure of the civil service–(i) Administrative/professional (ii) Executive
(iii) Clerical etc.
(e) Honesty Integrity.
Sub-Topic 1: MEANING OF CIVIL SERVICE:

The civil service is the administrative area of the executive organ of government responsible for
formulation and execution of government policies.
The civil service and its workers known as civil servants perform purely administrative and
executive functions which entail formulating and implementing government policies. The
departments in civil service are ministries headed by ministers or commissioners who serve as
both the political and executive heads. The armed forces, the police public corporations and
governmental owned companies are not included in the service but are collectively called public
service and their workers including the civil servants are called the public servants. In Nigeria,
there are federal and state civil services, with each state in Nigeria having its own.
CHARACTERISTICS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
1) Permanence: The civil service is essentially a permanent government institution that does
not change with the government that creates it. Its workers also enjoy secure appointments.
2) Neutrality: The civil service and its workers (the civil servants) are politically neutral. They
are not expected to participate in partisan politics unless they resign their appointment.
3) Anonymity: The civil servants are anonymous. They are therefore seen but do not speak to
the press or disclose official secrets unless the minister authorized them to do so. They are

15
 not held responsible for any of their actions as it affects the government. Only the ministers
and commissioners are answerable for the actions of the civil service.
4) Impartiality: The civil service and the civil servants are expected to serve any government
or political party in power without fear or favour, without allowing their political interest
beclouds their faithfulness.
5) Expertise: The civil servants are expected to be experts in the functions they perform. They
therefore suppose to have a good measure of knowledge and intelligence.
6) Merit/Achievement: Recruitment into the civil service should be based on merit not on
quota or favouritism for them to perform their functions very well and ensure the success of
the government. The promotion in civil service is based on achievement.
7) Bureaucracy/Red-Tapism: In the civil service, there are rules and regulations which are
followed strictly. The rules and regulations are contained in the “General Order” (G.O.) and
financial regulation of the civil service.
FUNCTIONS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE
1) Formulations of policies: The senior administrative and technical civil servants help to
formulate the policies and programmes of the government. These are presented to the
ministers and commissioners for consideration and final decisions.
2) Drafting of bills: Experts in the civil service especially the lawyers; assist the government
in the drafting of bills which eventually becomes law.
3) Advice to the Minister/Commissioners: The top civil servants act as advisers to the
ministers and commissioners in charge of their ministries. Their relevant expertise and
experience afford them the opportunities of providing dependable guide and information on
complex government policies and programmes. They also help the political appointees to
furnish the legislature with relevant information requested on their ministries.
4) Implementation of Government Policies: The top civil servants coordinate and supervise
their subordinates to ensure the smooth execution of the policies and the programmes of the
government; this ensures the provision of amenities to improve the health, educational,
social, economical and general life of their people.
5) Preparation of Annual Estimates and Budgets: The civil servants draft and prepare the
annual budget estimate of government ministries, department and corporations.
6) Keeping of Government Records and Properties: Civil servants gather and supplies
useful information on which government policies and programmes are based. They keep
such information or other records for day-to-day and future use. They also keep and preserve
government properties.
7) Collection of Revenue: The civil service assists the government to generate funds through
the collection of taxes paid by the citizens and corporate organizations, fines from the courts
and duties paid by exporters and importers. This revenue enables the government achieve its
goals and objectives.
8) Law Making: The civil service makes byelaws, regulations and orders under power granted
it by the parliament.

16
9) Quasi-Judicial Functions: The civil service performs some quasi-judicial functions such as
the arrest and prosecution of smugglers (by custom officials). Public health and rent control
officers often inspect residential and commercial houses to ascertain their level of
cleanliness and curb any exorbitant rent demand by landlords.
10) Public Enlightenments: The civil service helps to explain government policies to the
public. They can carry out public enlightenment programme especially through the mass
media to enable the people to appreciate the government policies and programmes, and the
problems facing the government.

EVALUATION
1. What is Civil Service?
2. Write any four characteristics of Civil Service.
3. What are the functions of Civil Service?

Sub-Topic 2: STRUCTURE OF THE CIVIL SERVICE

Civil servants could be grouped into the following:
1. Administrative class: This comprises of the most senior civil servants who organize and
coordinate the activities of the ministries. They execute high level of administrative work,
advise ministers in the formation and implementation of policies, and serve as communication
link between the ministers and the other civil servants. Recruitment to this class is based on
university education and very competitive written examinations and interviews conducted by
the civil service commission. In this class are directors-general, other directors, deputy
directors, assistant directors, etc.
2. Executive class: The executive class implements the general policies and programmes of the
government on a daily basis. They supervise and control the activities of their subordinates
and help to collect facts that aid in making policy and decisions. The class comprises
executive officers, senior executive officers and senior technical officers who are recruited
after possessing professional diploma and certificate as well as G.C.E, A’ level or its
equivalent.
3. The Professional Class: These classes of officers are recruited as a result of their specialized
training, skills, scientific and technical knowledge. The professional classes include lawyers,
medical doctors, engineers, architects, accountants and teachers. They offer professional
advice on the technical policies of the government and supervise sensitive projects undertaken
by the government. Recruitment into this class is based on professional or university
qualifications.
4. The Clerical Class: The class of workers in this class include typist, clerical officers, clerical
assistants and secretaries, who help staff in the other classes to carry out their functions. Their
job involves keeping of records, movement of files, preparation of data and vouchers and
payment of claims. They are holders of Secondary Schools Certificates and G.C.E, O level or
equivalent professional certificate, e.g. in typing.

17
5. The Auxiliary/Messengerial Class: The categories of workers in this class include cleaners,
drivers, painters, messengers, porters and gardeners. This work involves manual labour,
which the entry qualification is the First School Leaving Certificate.
HONESTY: Honesty refers to the human quality of saying the truth and acting truthfully in
fairness and sincerity. Honesty does not involve cheating, deceit or telling lies, stealing or
dealing in craftiness. It is a disposition of always communicating the truth with all sincerity,
openness, equity, fairness in every situation whether in verbal and non-verbal communication.
Attributes or qualities of honesty include the following:
(i) Sincerity (ii) Trust-worthiness (iii) Truthfulness (iv) Responsibility (v) Good Character (vi)
Integrity (vi) Fairness

The benefits of honesty include the following:

i. Helps to form bonds in human relationship.
ii. Helps to build a just and egalitarian society; where stealing, cheating, lying and all forms of
corruption are frowned at and condemned without fear or favour.
iii. Guarantees rapid development because honesty or righteousness exalts a nation.
iv. Prevents fraudulent practices such as inflating costs of contract, public funds embezzlement,
money laundering, falsification of records and figures in order to steal or mis-appropriate
public funds.
v. Makes students to study well to pass examinations with flying colours and prevents them
from engaging in examinations malpractice.
vi. Enables things to work out well and fast. It helps to identify and solve problems in a
straightforward way to avoid wastefulness.
vii. Makes a man or a woman to be an honourable person in the society.
viii.Attracts good people to a person. It makes people to want to do business with an individual
and relate well with him.
ix. Attracts respect and accord dignity to an individual.
x. Leads to promotion and awards.
xi. Bestows peace and harmony to the society and country.

INTEGRITY
Meaning of Integrity: Integrity is the quality of being honest and morally upright. It is the
ability to do what is right in spite of all odds.

ATTRIBUTES OF INTEGRITY
1. Probity and honesty: A man of integrity must be honest and accountable for whatever task
that is given to him
2. Non-compromise of principle: A man of integrity would never compromise whatever stand
he is taking no matter the situation or the people involved
3. Truthfulness: A man of integrity will always stand by the truth at all times.
4. Contentment: He must be contented with whatever he has or in any situation he finds himself

18
5. Fair play: He or she is always fair when dealing with other people.
6. A role model: Finally, a man of integrity should also be a role model which other people in
the society can emulate.

EVALUATION
1. Discuss briefly the structure and organization of the civil service.
2. What is honesty?
3. What is the importance of honesty and integrity in a civil servant?

GENERAL EVALUATION
1) What is civil service?
2) Discuss briefly the structure and organization of the civil service.
3) What are the main functions of the civil service commission?
4) Explain the following basic concepts underlying the civil service system:
a) Permanence
b) Neutrality
c) Impartiality
5) Who is a civil servant?
6) (a) What is civil service? (b) Explain the structure of the civil service (2012 WASSCE).

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. All the following are features of the civil services except_____________ a) anonymity b)
political neutrality and impartiality c) security of tenure and permanence d) political maturity
and participation.
2. Who among the following is a civil servant in Nigeria? a) The managing director of a bank b)
A director in the ministry of defense c) A major in the army d) A pilot with the Nigerian
airways.
3. Neutrality of civil servant implies that they should ____________ a) belong to political
parties of their choice. b) recruitment on the basis of merit. c) serve any government loyally.
d) be appointed on permanent basis.
4. Red tapism in the civil service refers to_________ a) the use of red tapes on legal documents
b) slowness of action. c) the cooperation between civil servant and politicians. d)
politicization of the civil service
5. The anonymity of a civil servant means that he___________ a) receives neither praise nor
blame publicly. b) is above the law of the land. c) should not take part in union activities d)
should not be disciplined because of his expertise.

19
WEEK 4

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT

CLASS: SS 2

DATE: ………………….

TOPIC: PERSONNEL ADMINISTRATION IN THE CIVIL SERVICE

CONTENT: (a) Meaning of Civil Service Commission.

(b) Functions of the Civil Service Commission.
(c) Relationship between the Civil Service and Political Executives.
Sub-Topic 1: MEANING OF CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

20
The Civil Service Commission is a body independent of the civil service itself, established by the
government to administer the civil service. The commission is insulated from partisan politics
and is made up of a full time chairman, some full-time and some part-time commissioners. The
chairman of the federal civil service commission is appointed by the president, while that of the
state is appointed by the governor. Members should be people of proven integrity and good
education.

FUNCTIONS OF THE CIVIL SERVICE COMMISSION

i. Recruitment of highly qualified personnel into the civil service, bases upon good educational
qualifications and performance in competitive written examination and interviews.
ii. The civil service commission promotes competent and productive senior civil servants from
one grade to another.
iii. It can transfer civil servants from one department to another.
iv. The commission has disciplinary power, like supervision or dismissal of erring civil
servants.
v. It is rested with the power of retiring civil servant and advising in the payment of their
pension entitlements and allowances.
vi. It offers advice to the government on the appointment of suitable individuals to fill some
sensitive position in public corporations or parastatals

21
EVALUATION
1. What is Civil Service Commission?
2. Identify any four major functions of Civil/Public Service Commission.

Sub-Topic 2: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE CIVIL SERVICE AND THE

POLITICAL EXECUTIVES
1. Constitutionally, civil servants are employee of the ministry under the general supervisor of
a political head or minister. They are required by law to carry out the directives of the
supervising minister, irrespective of their opinions about policy.
2. Senior civil servants wield enormous influence on the minister during the process of policy
planning and execution. The minister depends on the experience and expertise of these top
civil servants during the process of formulating policies for the government. This is because
the minister or commissioner, being political appointee may not be expert in matters
concerning their ministry, whereas the senior civil servants, apart from being specialists,
have acquired years of experience in the ministry.
3. Civil servant makes a greater contribution to the public policy where the minister is prepared
to be guided by their advice. Where however, the minister has a definite programme of his to
implement, the contribution of civil servants are reduced.

EVALUATION
1. Mention two forms of relationship that exist between the civil servants and political
executives.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. What are the major differences between the Civil Service and Public Service?
2. Discuss the main criticisms against Nigerian Civil Service.
3. Identify the characteristics of the Civil Service.
4. Why is it important for the Civil Service to be politically neutral?
5. In what five ways is the Civil Service different from the public corporations?
6. State five functions of a modern Civil Service.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
1. The main duties of the Civil Service Commission under Nigeria republic constitution
was______________ a) the retirement and settlement of pension for federal civil servants b)
the recruitment discipline and promotion of civil servant. c) the appointment and promotion
of judges. d) advising the government on the establishment of new ministries.
2. Civil servants are recruited, controlled, promoted and disciplined by the ______________.
a) teaching service commission b) public complaint commission c) public service
commission c) code of conduct bureau.

22
3. The levels where we have civil service commission in Nigeria are …. (a) state and local
government levels (b) federal and state levels (c) Federal and local government (d) federal
level only
4. The chairman of the Federal Civil Service Commission is appointed by the (a) police (b)
president (c) state governor (d) FCT minister
5. Civil service commission is insulated from partisan politics to (a) avoid being promoted (b)
favour the government of the day (c) protect its neutrality (d) be appointed as minister

ESSAY QUESTION
1. What is Civil Service Commission?
2. Identify any four major functions of Civil/Public Service Commission (2011)

READING ASSIGNMENT: Read Government for Senior Secondary Schools Book 2 by R.E.
Aiyede et al (2012); Melrose Nigeria Limited. Pages 31-36.
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT: Read your e-learning notes and text books that cover all you
have been taught in preparation for terminal examination.

23
WEEK 5

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT

CLASS: SS 2

DATE: ………………….

TOPIC: PUBLIC CORPORATIONS

CONTENTS: (1) Meaning – (a) Definition.

(b) Reasons for setting public corporations.
(c) Functions of public corporations.
(d) Examples of public corporations.

Sub-Topic 1: DEFINITION AND TYPES OF PUBLIC CORPORATIONS

Definition of public corporations

24
Public corporations are government owned establishments and enterprises established through
the acts of parliament or statutes, decrees or edicts to provide essential social and welfare
services to the people. Public corporations are owned by the government but managed by board
of directors appointed by the government.

Types of public corporations

There are two main types of public corporations:

1. Those providing essential services like water corporations, Power Holding Company of
Nigeria, Federal Housing Authority and Nigeria Ports Plc.
2. Those of commercial nature like state owned banks, hotels, textile mills, insurance companies
and transport services.

EVALUATION
1. What are public corporations?
2. Highlight the two types of public corporations.

Sub-Topic 2: REASONS FOR SETTING PUBLIC CORPORATIONS

1. The Nature of their Services: Government prefers to handle the rendering of these essential
services in order to reduce their costs.

25
2. Capital Involvement: the huge amount of capital involved may never be afforded by
individuals, hence, government involvement.
3. Prevention of Exploitation: if private enterprises are allowed to render the essential services,
there will be exploitation.
4. To raise the standard of living of the people: regular provision of these essential services
will help to raise the standard of living of the people.
5. To ensure constant supply: if these services are left in the hands of private enterprises, there
will be irregular supply.
6. To avoid private monopoly: private monopoly in the provision of essential services is
detrimental to members of the public
7. Employment opportunities: government establishes and owns public corporations in order
to provide employment opportunities to the citizens of the country.
8. For rapid economic development: their presence attracts both local and foreign investors
and speeds up the economic development of the country.
9. For security reasons: government of a country establishes and owns public corporations like
airports, seaports, etc. in order to keep eagle eye on them to know who and what comes in and
out of a country.

EVALUATION

1. Mention eight reasons for setting public corporations.

2. Explain two out of the reasons mentioned.

Sub-Topic 3: FUNCTIONS OF PUBLIC CORPORATIONS AND EXAMPLES OF

PUBLIC CORPORATIONS.

Functions of public corporations

The functions of public corporations include the following:

1. They provide services at prices which are affordable by the general public.
2. They protect the security of the nation by preventing private participation in certain sensitive
areas.
3. Public corporations provide employment opportunities and prerequisite skills for the people.
4. Public corporation provides revenue for the government.
5. They also serve as media for national integration and for the promotion of national interest.
6. They provide some essential public utilities, social amenities and welfare services that private
individual may not be able to provide.
7. They sometimes prevent undesirable private business enterprises from exploiting the people.

Examples of public corporations

The following are some of the examples of public corporations:
1. Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN)

26
2. Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC)
3. State Water Corporations
4. State Transport Corporation
5. State Owned Banks
6. Nigerian Ports Plc
7. Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC)

EVALUATION
1. State six functions of public corporations
2. Give four examples of public corporations.
3. (a) Define public corporation.
(b) Give five reasons for setting up a public corporation in your country. (2010 WASSCE).
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Explain public corporation.
2. Highlight five reasons for setting up public corporation.
3. Outline five functions of public corporation.
4. Provide five examples of public corporation.
5. Explain the two types of public corporation.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Objective Test
1. Public corporations are set up by (a) a minister (b) a director (c) a permanent secretary (d) an
act of parliament.
2. Which of the following is true of a Public Corporation? It is (a) established by a bye-law (b)
owned by minister of finance (c) set up to make profit for share holders (d) set up to provide
essential services.
3. One of the objectives of public corporations is to (a) enhance public awareness (b) narrow the
gap between the rich and the poor (c) encourage individual participation (d) maximize profit.
4. Which of the following is not a public corporation? (a) The Nigeria Steel Development
Authority (b) The National Electric Power Authority (c) The Nigeria Ports Authority (d) The
Nigeria Teachers Institute.

ESSAY QUESTION
1. Define public corporation.
2. Give five reasons for setting up a public corporation in your country.
READ ASSIGNMENT:
Read from Melrose Government SS 2, by R.E Aiyede et al. Pages 42-44
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT:
Read the structure and organization of public corporation

27
REFERENCE TEXTS
1. Round–Up Government for Senior School Certificate, UME and PCE Examinations by
Ibiyemi Oyeneye, et al (2011); Longman Nigeria Limited.
2. Government for Senior Secondary Schools Book 2 by R.E. Aiyede et al (2012); Melrose
Nigeria Limited.
3. Exam Focus Government for WASSCE and SSCE (New Impression) by A. Gboyega et al
(2013); University Press Plc.
4. New Approach Government by Oyeleye Oyediran et al (2011)
5. Essential government for Senior Secondary Schools by Dibie C. Chris (2008). Tonad
Publishers Limited.
6. Comprehensive Government for Senior Secondary Schools by Johnson Ugorji Anyaele
(2003) A. Johnson Publishers Limited.

WEEK 6

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT

CLASS: SS 2

28
DATE: ………………….

TOPIC: PUBLIC CORPORATIONS

CONTENTS: (2) Structure and Organization

(a) Organizational Structure of public corporations: (i) Minister (ii) Board
(iii) Management.
(b) Comparison of organizational structure of public corporation with civil
service.
(3) Control and Problems of Public Corporations:
(a) Reasons for control.
(b) Types of control: (i) parliamentary, (ii) financial, (iii) judicial, (iv)
ministerial, etc.

Sub-Topic 1: ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF PUBLIC CORPORATION

29
The organizational structure of a public corporation is based on the law establishing it. Such law
also specifies the aims and duties of the enterprise. The following are the structure and
organization of public corporations:

1. Minister: the government takes charge of the policy making machinery of each public
corporation through the minister whose ministry supervises the corporation. The overall
broad policies of the government are handed over to the board of directors for

30
 implementation. The supervising minister does not participate in the day-to-day
administration of the corporation, but links the corporation with the government. He
presents issues concerning the corporation in the executive council and makes sure the
broad objectives of the government are catered for in the policies and programmes of the
corporation.
2. Board of directors: the board of directors is appointed by the government through the
supervising minister. This body is responsible for policy matters involving the operations
of the corporation and staff matters. Its members are usually chosen by the chief
executive, that is, the president (for federal corporations) and the governor (for State
Corporation). The board is headed by a chairman who reports to the minister or
commissioner. The board makes all appointment. The minister indirectly controls the
corporation through the board of directors.
3. The Managing Director: the managing director is the administrative and executive head
of the corporation and oversees the practical activities of the corporation’s area of
operation.
4. The Management: this is made up of various departmental heads, managers, supervisors
and director who oversee the general operation of the corporation. The management of a
public corporation is headed by a chief executive, who may be called managing director
or general manager.
5. The Non-Managerial Class: this class is made up of clerical cadre of the corporation
staff that carry out the day-to-day operations of the corporation. It is constituted of skilled
and unskilled workers who perform some specific tasks for the corporation.

EVALUATION

1. Mention the organizational structure of public corporation.

2. Explain the following: (i) Minister (ii) Board of Director (iii) Management.

Sub-Topic 2: COMPARISON OF ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE OF PUBLIC

CORPORATION WITH CI VIL SERVICE

1. Public corporations are expected to operate like commercial ventures while ministries are
created and organised to provide services, much of which attract little or no payment.
2. A public corporation is managed by members of board of directors while the civil service
or a ministry is managed by a minister advised by the Director General or Permanent
Secretary.
3. The Chairman of the board of directors is the political head of a public corporation while
the political head of a ministry is the minister.
4. The managing director or general manager is the corporation’s administrative head while
a director general is the ministry’s administrative head.
5. Employers of a public corporation are called public servants that of a civil service or a
ministry are known as civil servants.

31
 6. Workers of a public corporation are appointed or employed by the board of directors that
of a government department are employed by the public service commission.
7. Government ministries and departments are characterized by bureaucracy while public
corporations have flexible and quick decision making machinery.
8. A public corporation though profit making is not the main motive for its establishment, is
expected to make profit not to run at a loss while a ministry is a non-profit making
organization.

Sub-Topic 3: REASONS FOR CONTROL

The following are the reasons for controlling public corporation.
1. Efficiency in Administration: there is need to check the activities of public corporations in
order to make it more efficient and result oriented.
2. For Quality Services: public corporations must be controlled so that they can provide more
quality services to the members of the public.
3. To check abuse of power: control of public corporation is also necessary in order to check
misuse of power due to the autonomous status of public corporations.
4. Mismanagement of Funds: it is equally necessary to check public corporations in order to
check embezzlement.
5. To protect the interest of consumers: there is need to protect the interest of consumers who
may not enjoy services provided by public corporations
6. Promotion of Economic Growth: in order to promote economic growth and reduce wastage
of resources.
7. Accountability: control of public corporation will make officials of public corporations
accountable for their actions.
8. Goals attainment: each public corporation is established by the government with certain
objectives. To actualize the objectives there is need to control public corporation.

EVALUATION
1. Mention seven reasons for control of public corporation.
2. Explain three out of the points mentioned.

Sub-Topic 4: TYPES OF CONTROL

Public corporations are controlled through the following:

1. Ministerial Control: the minister sometimes has the power to appoint and dismiss members of
boards of directors and senior management staff of public corporation. Also, occasionally he
gives directive which affect the policies and objectives of the corporation. He also approves
all loans and major expenditures.
2. Parliamentary Control: public corporations are established through the act of parliament and
can be dissolved by the legislative assembly. They can modify the laws establishing them. It

32
 also examines their audited accounts and revises the corporations’ budgetary allocations over
a given period.
3. Judicial control: as a legal entity which can sue and be sued, a public corporation can be
dragged to court if it fails to act within the limits set by the law that established it and its
actions declared ultra vices.
4. Financial Control: public corporations are controlled by the legislature which scrutinizes their
audited accounts.
5. Public Control: members of the public who consume goods and services of the public
corporations exercise some form of control through criticisms they level against these
corporations.

EVALUATION
1. Enumerate five comparison of organizational structure of public corporation with civil
service.
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Mention the organizational structure of public corporation.
2. Explain the following: (i) Minister (ii) Board of Director (iii) Management.
3. Highlight five comparisons between public corporation and civil service.
4. Explain the non-managerial class in public corporation.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Objective Test
1. Which of the following manages a public corporation? (a) Chamber of Commerce (b) Boards
of Directors (c) An Accountant-General (d) An Auditor General.
2. Public corporations execute strategic projects for the government (a) to prevent exploitation
of the citizens by unscrupulous business (b) to provide social amenities for the people. (c) for
security, and in the interest of the country (d) for economic development of the country

ESSAY QUESTION
1. Explain the relationship between the ministry, board and management.
2. What makes public corporation more efficient?
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT
Read from Melrose Government SS 2, by R.E Aiyede et al. Pages 45-46.

EVALUATION
1. List five ways of controlling public corporation.
2. Explain the following (i) Ministerial control and (ii) Parliamentary control.
GENERAL EVALUATION

33
1. Outline five reasons for the control of public corporation.
2. Highlight five control of public corporation.
3. Explain Parliamentary control of public corporation.
4. Discuss financial control of public corporation.
5. What is ministerial control of public corporation?
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Objective Test
1. Public corporations are financed (a) by tax payers (b) with private funds (c) with
entrepreneurial funds (d) by political parties.
2. Public corporations are controlled by all the following except: (a) judges (b) minister (c)
legislator (d) convicts.
3. The main purpose of setting up public corporation is to (a) make profit for the government (b)
create employment for all the people in the state (c) improve production of national craft (d)
provide essential service to the people at minimum cost.
4. Government control of public corporations in Nigeria is mainly to (a) ensure public
accountability (b) allow freedom of action on the corporations (c) guarantee profit
maximization of the corporations (d) encourage ethnic domination in the corporations.
ESSAY QUESTION
1. How will the government of Nigeria control public corporation?
2. Explain parliamentary and ministerial control of public corporation.
3. What is a Public Corporation?
(b) Identify four ways in which Public corporations are controlled. (2020 WASSCE)
Read Assignment:
Read from Melrose Government SS 2, by R.E Aiyede et al. Pages 48-50.

PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT
Read the control and problems of public corporations from your e-learning note.

WEEK 7: MID-TERM BREAK

34
WEEK 8

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT

CLASS: SS 2

DATE: ………………….

TOPIC: PUBLIC CORPORATIONS

CONTENTS: Control and Problems of Public Corporations:
(c) Problems of public corporation: (i) lack of accountability (ii) mismanagement.
(d) Solution to the problems.

Sub-Topic 1: PROBLEMS OF PUBLIC CORPORATION

1. Lack of funds: public corporations lack adequate capital which is necessary for the purchase
of up-to-date equipment and employment of skilled personnel that are require for effective
provision of social amenities to the people.
35
2. Corruption and mismanagement: the available resources are often mismanaged while the
directors divert the corporation’s funds to personal use.
3. Inefficient and poor productivity: the level of efficiency and productivity in public
corporations is usually low. There is under-utilization of man power and waste of funds and
materials that are needed for efficient and effective productivity.
4. Absence of accountability to the people: the management of public corporations hardly
accounts for the resources which the government gives out to their corporations in the form of
subsidies and subventions.
5. Lack of skilled personnel: the existence of poor conditions of service in some corporations
has denied them the opportunity of getting qualified personnel to control key areas in the
corporation.
6. Political Interference: the supervising minister or the board of directors may be changed
frequently resulting in inconsistent policies and programmes.
7. Nepotism, Tribalism and Favouritism: appointment of staff to public corporations are usually
based on party affiliations or other subjective considerations and so the appointees maybe
incompetent and undedicated.
8. Monopoly: most public corporations enjoy a monopoly of services they offer because of the
lack of competition or rivalry, they are complacent and workers sometimes carryout their
duties with no sense of urgency and commitment.
9. Lack of Autonomy: public corporations require autonomy from the government to carry out
the objectives of their organizations.

EVALUATION
1. Give six problems of public corporation.
2. Explain four out of the six problems mentioned.

Sub-Topic 2: SOLUTIONS TO THE PROBLEMS

1. Adequate funds: Adequate funds should be provided to make public corporations to achieve
the goal and objectives of their organizations.
2. Appointment of competent people into the board: the board of directors of public corporations
should be composed of people with suitable educational qualifications, experience, ability and
integrity.
3. Autonomy: the autonomy of the board of directors and the management of public corporations
should be strengthened to enable them to develop better conditions of service and means of
implementing programmes.
4. Accountability: public corporations should be compelled to render proper audited reports and
accounts periodically to the government and the people.
5. Honesty and Discipline: corrupt, redundant and unproductive employees should be shown the
way out and good leadership by example should be encouraged and promoted.
6. Privatization and Commercialization should be vigorously and thoroughly pursued.

36
EVALUATION
1. Mention five solutions to the problems of public corporation.
2. Explain two of the solutions mentioned.

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Explain five problems of public corporation.
2. Provide five solutions to these problems.
3. Discuss how lack of fund can be a major challenge to public corporation.

WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Objective Test
1. The efficiency of public corporation can be enhanced through (a) increased in production of
goods (b) appointment of staff based on patronage (c) frequent redeployment of staff (d) less
government interference.
2. One of the objective of public corporation is to (a) should be seen and heard (b) should
engage in partisan politics (c) should work hard for their superior (d) do not take praise or
blame for their performance.
3. Public corporations are financed (a) by tax payers (b) with private funds (c) with entrepreneur
fund (d) by political parties.

ESSAY QUESTION
1. With the avalanche of human personnel in Nigeria, discuss the challenge of lack of skilled
personnel in public corporation.
2. problem of public corporations in Nigeria is
A. emphasis on subsidies
B. wastage of resources
C. choice of leadership
D. public control (2014 WASSCE)

3. How do you think Nigeria can overcome the challenges faced in public corporation?
READ ASSIGNMENT:
Read from Melrose Government SS 2, by R.E Aiyede et al. Pages 48-50
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT:
Read commercialization, privatization and deregulation of public corporations.

37
WEEK 9

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT

CLASS: SS 2

DATE: ………………….

TOPIC: PUBLIC CORPORATIONS

CONTENT: (4) Commercialization, Privatization and deregulation of Public

Corporations:

(a) Meanings of commercialization, privatization and deregulation.

(b) Reasons for commercialization, privatization and deregulation.

38
 (c) Merit and demerits

Sub-Topic 1: MEANING OF PRIVATIZATION, ETC

Commercialization

Commercialization is defined as the reorganization of enterprises, wholly and partially owned by

the government, in which such commercialized enterprises shall operate as profit-making
commercial ventures without subvention from the government.

The commercialized public enterprise is encouraged to operate to make profit and sustain their
operations: in every form of commercialization be it partial or full commercialization, the
enterprise involved will enjoy freedom of operation as a profit-making venture.

Privatization

39
Privatization is the process of transferring ownership and resources of business, enterprise,
agency or public service from the public sector (state or government) to the private sector
(business that operates for private profit) or to private non-profit organization. It can also be
defined as sales or contracting out of public utilities to private concerns.
Types of Privatization
There are basically four types of privatization. They are as follows:
1. Share Issue Privatization (SIP): This is the method of privatization where the shares of the
public corporation are sold in the stock market.
2. Voucher Privatization (VP): This is the method of distributing the shares of ownership to all
citizens, usually free or at a very low price.
3. Asset Sale Privatization (ASP): This is the method of privatization where the entire
organization or part of it is sold to a strategic investor usually by auction.
4. Privatization from Below: This is the process of starting up new businesses in formerly
socialist countries.

Deregulation

40
Deregulation is the removal of certain governmental control over a sector of the economy in
order to encourage free market. It is the elimination or reduction of government control over a
sector of the economy in order to allow as many as possible to participate in the running of the
sector involved.

Therefore, private organizations are encouraging the national government to limit their activities
to the provision of enabling environments while allowing the market forces of demand and
supply to determine the price of goods and services. When an economy is deregulated, Foreign
Direct Investment (FDI) will be attracted because of the business friendly environment.

EVALUATION

1. Define the following terms:

i. Privatization
ii. Commercialization
iii. Deregulation
2. Mention four types of privatization.
41
Sub-Topic 2: REASONS FOR COMMERCIALIZATION, PRIVATIZATION,
DEREGULATION.
Prior to the recent reforms, Nigerian public corporations was under performing and imposed a
significant financial drain on the treasury,: few concrete benefit, high cost of management, poor
management , hidden and overt corruption, repeated losses within the public corporation plagued
the corporation. Privatization of these state- owned businesses, commercialization and
deregulation of government activities was therefore required. Reasons for commercialization,
privatization and deregulation of public corporation.

i. To improve the efficiency, effectiveness and productivity of the government- owned

enterprises involved
ii. To get private entrepreneurs involved in the activities of a government- owned
business/enterprise in order to get more fund to run government business.
iii. Development will be faster because of competition among various companies.
iv. It will help to stabilize the Nigerian economy sector.
v. There will be innovation because the competition among various companies for the control
of the market will force them to improve on their product or quality of services.
vi. Wastage will be drastically reduced and this reduction will save cost. Since the corporation
will be in the hand of private owners and resources available are judiciously utilized.
vii. Once the companies are in the hands of private individuals, their productivity will increase
as a result of close monitoring and sound resource management.
viii.The policies help to curb corruption and reduce the financial cost of management on the
federal government.
ix. It evolve a more result-oriented and accountable management.
x. The policies help to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and political interference associated
with decision making and taking.
xi. Privatization may also be employed to remove monopoly of power on some public
enterprises in order to make it more competitive.

EVALUATION
Mention 5 reasons for commercialization, privatization and deregulation of public corporation.

Sub-Topic 3: ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF COMMERCIALIZATION,

PRIVATIZATION, DEREGULATION.
Advantages of Privatization
i. Reduces Government Expenditure: It reduces government expenditure and increases
government revenue through profits that could be reinvested into various productive areas of
the economy.
ii. It Encourages Private Participation: It encourages private participation in the economic
development of the country coupled with foreign investment.

42
iii. It brings improvement and innovation like goods and services being delivered to people due
to free market.
iv. Goods and services are delivered to people due to free market competition
v. Leads to efficiency and effectiveness, which in turn lead to increased output
vi. The issue of accountability is more guaranteed in private companies than public
corporations.
vii. It saves cost and reduces waste because employees are optimally utilized.
viii.Eagerness and positive attitude to work is enhanced in the workforce.
ix. Reducing the burden of decision- making imposed by the government.
Disadvantages of Privatization
i. Profit is over-emphasized above people. Since privatization is purely commercial in nature
and lacks human morals, at times sharp practices are usually used which negates people’s
welfare.
ii. Employees are over-laboured because of the company’s quest for profits.
iii. Results in lack of transparency.
iv. Wealth will be concentrated in the hands of few private individuals and will not be available
for public benefit.
v. Unemployment and poverty due to downsizing and forced retirement.
vi. There is the problem of regulating private monopolies.
vii. It could lead to cuts in essential service especially to the less privileged
viii.Exploitation of workers and consumers by the private firms involved. This is as a result of
emphasis on high profit making.
ix. Inflation: There may be rise in the prices of goods and services thereby leading to inflation
Advantages of Commercialization
i. Control of Monopoly: Government involvement helps to control private monopoly power.
ii. Remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and political interference through clear role definitions
between the board of directors and the management.
iii. Provide enhanced operational autonomy at enterprise level.
iv. It enhances efficiency through higher target setting.
v. Makes the workers more resourceful leading to better operation.
vi. It helps to upgrade MIS (Management Information System) of the affected sector of
economy.
vii. It reduces government expenditure
viii.Increases the level of profit
Disadvantages of Commercialization
i. Bureaucracy: The policy may lead to increase in the rate of bureaucracy because certain
conditions must be met for business to grow.
ii. Fraud: It can lead to high level of crime because the workers can be involved in fraud and
embezzlement of funds due to large volumes of business transactions.

43
iii. Consumer Exploitation: It may encourage consumer exploitation. Consumers may pay
higher for services with greater risk of job losses.
iv. It could lead to industrial strike/ unrest, as money earned from commercialization is not
often well utilized for public benefit.
v. Deprives the citizens from benefiting from those services which were originally welfare
services.
Advantages of Deregulation
i. Price Decrease: The prices of goods in the society may decrease because of the competitive
nature and customers can by things at cheaper rates.
ii. National Development: Due to availability of more money for the government, excess
money can be used for development purposes.
iii. Workload: It will reduce the workload of the government in controlling public corporation.
iv. Elimination of scarcity
v. It breaks monopoly and improves competition
vi. Creativity and innovation is enhanced
vii. Increases employment opportunities
viii.Increases the supply of the commodities.

Disadvantages of Deregulation
i. Losses to Companies: If prices decreases because of deregulation, it affects the company
negatively as the company negatively as the company loses its market if goods are too
expensive for consumers
ii. Laziness: On the part of government it will bring about laziness as government is seen
abandoning its responsibilities and on part of the producers they may just do what pleases
them.
iii. Inflation: If the cost of production is high it will lead to increase in goods and services and
this will bring untold hardship to the people.
iv. Increase in price and undue exploitation due to subsidy removal
v. It leads to income inequality as the rich become richer at the expense of the poor.

EVALUATION
1. Mention five advantages of privatization
2. Highlight five disadvantages of commercialization
GENERAL EVALUATION
1. Discuss the following; privatization, commercialization and deregulation.
2. State five reasons for commercialization, privatization and deregulation.
3. State five advantages of privatization.
4. Highlight five advantages of commercialization.
5. Provide five disadvantages of deregulation.

44
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Objective Test
1. The transfer of ownership of a business from the public sector to the private sector is known
as _________ (a) relinquishment (b) private business (c) privatization (d) commercialization.
2. Reasons for economic reform measures in Nigeria include all but one of these (a) To increase
productivity and availability of goods (b) to promote efficient management of the enterprises.
(c) to encourage corruption (d) to remove bureaucratic bottlenecks and political interference.
3. __________ involves operating government owned enterprises as a profit-making venture. (a)
commercialization (b) commensalism (c) cooperation (d) deregulation.
4. The two forms of commercialization are _____and ______ (a) privatization and deregulation
(b) partial and full commercialization (c) capital and current commercialization (d)
government owned commercialization.
5. Deregulation is ____________ (a) removal/ reduction of government control over a sector of
the economy (b) removal of tax and excise duties (c) elimination of the government from
national power (d) eradication of laws against fraud.

ESSAY QUESTION
1. Explain the meaning of the following, commercialization, privatization and deregulation.
2. Deregulation as an economic policy borders on
A. the removal of subsidies on public utilities
B. the removal of restrictions and extension of competition
C. privatization
D. commercialization (2007 WASSCE)
3. What are the merits and demerits of commercialization and privatization?

READ ASSIGNMENT
Read from Melrose Government SS 2, by R.E Aiyede et al. Pages 51-54
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT
Read and understand what local government is all about.

45
WEEK 10

SUBJECT: GOVERNMENT

CLASS: SS 2

DATE: ………………….

TOPIC: LOCAL GOVERNMENT

CONTENT: 1) Local Government Administration:

(a) The Meaning of local government.
(b) Reasons of the creation of local governments.
(c) Functions of local governments
(d) Systems of local government; (i) The French system, (ii) The British
System, (iii) The Nigerian System.

Sub-Topic 1: MEANING OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

46
Local government is government at a local level of established by an act of parliament or statue,
decree or edict, charged with administrative and executive duties on matters concerning the
inhabitants of a particular district, and given the power to make by-laws for their purpose.

It can also be defined as government at the local level established by law to perform specific
functions within defined areas.
Reasons of the creation of local government
1. Participatory Democracy: local government provides an opportunity for the citizens to
practice the democratic form of government in their community.
2. Bringing Government closer to the citizens: local governments are created to enable them to
fashion out good policies and programmes which the local communities require.
3. Equitable socio-economic development: they are created to serve as a means of distributing
the resources of the country equitably for the socio-economic development of the localities.
4. Choice of Leadership: local governments give people the opportunity to elect their own
people as their representatives in the local government council.
5. The link between the people and the government: local governments act as a link between
the rulers and ruled.
6. Experimentation of Government Policies: The local government are often used as
experimental grounds for testing the policies and programmes of the government.
7. To provide employment opportunity to the people.
8. To encourage the development of leadership potentials of the people at the grass root level.

EVALUATION
1. Explain the term “Local Government”
2. Outline eight reasons of the creation of local government.

Sub-Topic 2: FUNCTIONS OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

The functions of local government include the following:

1. Maintenance of law and order: local government maintains law and order through the
bylaws which they enact to ensure orderly conduct and safeguard laws and property within
their jurisdiction.
2. Provision of motor parks and markets: They provide and maintain motor parks and
markets for their people in their localities.
3. Collection of Rates, Fees and Rents: local government collects rates, fees and rents for the
development of their areas. These include tenement rates, fees on market stalls, motor parks,
bicycle, motor-cycle, licensing, radio and television fees.
4. Construction of feeder roads and drainages: they construct and maintain feeder roads,
drainages, culverts, urban streets, etc.

47
5. Provision of recreation facilities: they provide recreation facilities such as swimming pools,
amusement park, football pitches, and other recreation grounds where people can relax or
engage in sporting activities.
6. Provision of health facilities: they provide and maintain health facilities such as health
centres, maternity homes, as well as refuse dumps for waste disposal. They also provide
inspection services and maintain public conveniences like cemeteries, toilets, abattoirs, etc.
7. Registration of Birth, Death and Marriages: they provide centres for the registration of
births, deaths and marriages that occurred within their areas of authority.
8. Naming of streets: roads and streets names, number of houses in urban and rural areas are
given by local government.
9. Provision of educational facilities: the local government provides and maintains schools,
libraries and adult education facilities. They fund public primary schools by paying teachers’
salaries and maintaining school buildings.
10. Provision of social amenities: local governments provide social amenities such as water,
rural electrification and television viewing centres.

EVALUATION
1. Mention three types of rates, fees, and rents that are due to the local government.
2. Outline two recreation facilities that are to be provided by the local government.
3. Identify five functions of local government.

Sub-Topic 3: SYSTEM OF LOCAL GOVERNMENT

i. The French system
ii. The British system
iii. The Nigerian system

The French Local Government System

The French local government system is much linked to the central government. It is an extension
of the central government and there is no distinction between the functions performed by the
central and local government. The local government is headed by an elected mayor chosen by the
residents of the local government area. The mayor is subordinate to the prefect who is a
professional civil servant and representative of the central government. The prefect provides
local services to the people and has power to approve the policies, programmes and by-laws of
the councils before they could be implemented. He also exercises veto power to override the
policies and programmes he considers unfit for implementation. The French local government
system is called the commune.

The British Local Government System.

British local governments are powerful, democratic and independent of the central government.
The local government councils comprise elected councillors and some experienced citizens who

48
are elected into the councils by the councilors. The local government council in turn elects the
chairman, who is the chief executive of the local government.

The local government exercises local autonomy in the administration and implementation of
policies and programmes that could benefit the people. The council has the power to recruit
permanent staff that implements the programmes of the council.

The autonomy which the elected councils exercise is not absolute and unlimited. The central
government has some measure of control over the activities of the councils in order to limit their
functions and performance.

Great Britain operates the multi-tier local government system, which involves the existence of
different local authorities such as Borough, Country, Municipal Borough and Urban or Rural
District. Under this system, two or more of these authorities could be involved in the provision of
social amenities to the people at the same time.

The Nigerian Local Government System

In 1976, the Murtala/ Obasanjo administration introduced a new, uniform system of local
government administration throughout the country as a means of harmonizing and unifying their
structure and functions geographical area, and the chairman and other councillors were popularly
elected into the councils by the electorate in the area. The reforms also excluded the chiefs and
traditional rulers from the administrative machinery of the local government.

The 1988 local government amendment decree provided that aspirants for chairmanship seats
must contest elections with a vice-chairman. The local government areas were divided into wards
for the purpose of electing councilors (lawmakers). There was a mini-cabinet comprising the
council chairman, vice-chairman and supervisory councillors to control the various departments
e.g. health and education.

EVALUATION
1. Explain British Local Government system.
2. Discuss Nigerian local government system

GENERAL EVALUATION
1. What is local government?
2. Outline five reasons for the creation of local government.
3. Highlight five function of local government.
4. Discuss the French system of local government.
5. Explain the Nigerian system of local government.
WEEKEND ASSIGNMENT
Objective Test

49
1. Local authorities are established to (a) bring government nearer to the people (b) give more
powers to the traditional rulers (c) make people less loyal to the central government (d) make
central government interfere in local affairs.
2. Local governments are essential because they (a) encourage division in a country (b)
implement government policies at national levels (c) make laws for a nation (d) train local
people in the art of governing.
3. Which of the following is an advantage of local governments in West Africa? Acting as (a)
agents for money based politics (b) electoral commissions (c) training ground for political
leaders (d) agents of pressure group

ESSAY QUESTION
1. What is Local Government?
2. Explain the following; the French, the British and the Nigerian system of local government.
3. (a)What is Local Government? (b) Outline four reasons for the creation of Local
Government. (2019 WASSCE)
READ ASSIGNMENT
Read from Melrose Government SS 2, by R.E Aiyede et al. Pages 55-59
PRE-READING ASSIGNMENT
Read the structure of local government in Nigeria

WEEK 11:REVISION

WEEK 12: EXAMINATION

50