The SSS 2 Scheme of Work for Second Term is an essential guide for Government teachers. It ensures that students understand Nigeria’s political history, colonial influences, and constitutional development while preparing them for future civic responsibilities. Below is a detailed explanation of the weekly scheme of work for second term, structured to educate, inform, and inspire both teachers and students.
Scheme of Work for Second Term (SSS 2)
| Week(s) | Topic(s) | Content |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Resumption Test/Pre-Colonial Administration | Description of pre-colonial governments of the Hausa/Fulani, Igbo, and Yoruba; roles of the components of their structures; comparison of the three systems. |
| 2 | British Colonial Administration | Principles and structure of the British indirect rule; impact, advantages, and disadvantages of British colonial administration in Nigeria and West Africa. |
| 3 | French Colonial Administration | Principles and structure of the French colonial system (assimilation and association policies); impacts, advantages, and disadvantages; comparison of British and French systems. |
| 4 | Nationalism | Meaning of nationalism; factors that led to its rise and growth in Nigeria; effects of nationalism; key nationalist leaders and their contributions. |
| 5 | Pre-Independence Constitution (1) | Nigerian Council (1914), Clifford’s Constitution (1922): origin, features, merits, and demerits. |
| 6 | Pre-Independence Constitution (2) | Richards Constitution (1946), Macpherson Constitution (1951), London Constitutional Conference (1953): features, objectives, merits, and demerits. |
| 7 | Test/Open Day/Mid-Term Break | Review of topics covered; teacher-parent interactions. |
| 8 | Pre-Independence Constitution (3) | Lyttleton Constitution, London Constitutional Conferences (1957 & 1958): features, achievements, and weaknesses. |
| 9 | Independence/Post-Independence Constitution | Features of the 1960 and 1963 constitutions; differences and commonalities between the two constitutions. |
| 10 | Post-Independence Constitution (1979 & 1983) | Features, strengths, and weaknesses of the 1979 and 1983 constitutions; parts of the 1979 constitution requiring review; differences between the 1963 and 1979 constitutions. |
| 11 | Post-Independence Constitution (1999) | Features, processes, and procedures of the 1999 constitution; parts of the 1999 constitution; justification for its review; law-making processes in State and National Assemblies. |
| 12 | Revision | Comprehensive review of all topics covered during the term. |
| 13 | Exam | Term examination to assess students’ understanding of all topics. |
Detailed Explanation of Each Topic
Week 1: Pre-Colonial Administration
Students study the governmental systems of the three major Nigerian ethnic groups before colonial rule:
- Hausa/Fulani: Centralized monarchy under an emir; Sharia law; hierarchical structure with emirs, councils, and district heads.
- Igbo: Decentralized system; village assemblies (Ama-Ala); leadership through elders and age grades.
- Yoruba: Semi-centralized monarchy under an Oba; councils like the Oyo Mesi; checks and balances system.
Examples:
- Emirate councils in Kano and Zaria.
- Village meetings in Nsukka.
- Oyo Mesi council in pre-colonial Oyo.
Week 2: British Colonial Administration
Focuses on the British indirect rule system. Key principles:
- Governed through traditional rulers.
- Minimal interference with local customs.
- Implementation of British policies.
Impact:
- Development of infrastructure (e.g., railways).
- Introduction of Western education.
- Exploitation of local resources.
Examples:
- Lord Lugard’s policy in Northern Nigeria.
- Native courts established in Eastern Nigeria.
- Cocoa exportation in Western Nigeria.
Week 3: French Colonial Administration
The French introduced the policy of assimilation and, later, association.
- Assimilation sought to turn colonies into extensions of France.
- Association allowed some local customs but maintained French superiority.
Impact:
- Centralized administration.
- Introduction of French culture.
- Economic exploitation.
Examples:
- Senegal under Governor Faidherbe.
- French education policies in Dahomey (Benin).
- Assimilation in Algeria.
Week 4: Nationalism
Nationalism refers to the struggle for self-rule and independence. Factors:
- Western education.
- Racial discrimination.
- Influence of World War II.
Key leaders:
- Herbert Macaulay.
- Nnamdi Azikiwe.
- Obafemi Awolowo.
Weeks 5-6: Pre-Independence Constitutions
Clifford Constitution (1922): Introduced elective principles for Lagos and Calabar.
Macpherson Constitution (1951): Emphasized regional autonomy.
Examples:
- Elective representatives in 1923 elections.
- Regional assemblies in the North, East, and West.
Weeks 9-11: Independence and Post-Independence Constitutions
Key differences between 1960, 1963, 1979, 1983, and 1999 constitutions include:
- The 1963 constitution declared Nigeria a republic.
- The 1979 constitution introduced a presidential system.
- The 1999 constitution emphasized democratic governance