CIVIC EDUCATION

THEME – GOALS OF CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION 

CLASS – SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS (SS 1)

TOPIC – NATIONALISM AND NATIONALISTS 

LEARNING AREA

1. Introduction

2. Ways of Promoting National Interests

3. Roles of Top List Nationalists

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS

1. Picture demonstrating citizenship.

2. World map

3. Documentation and video clips

4. National symbols e.g national flag, coat of arms, national pledge, etc.

5. Textbooks

6. Internet

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. differentiate between nationalism and nationalists.

2. explain Nationalism and major local/world civic problems.

3. enumerate nationalistic roles of individuals and groups.

CONTENTS OF THE LESSON

INTRODUCTION

Nationalism is an ideology and political movement that places a strong emphasis on the interests, culture, and identity of a particular nation. It often involves a sense of pride and loyalty towards one’s own nation, as well as a belief in the importance of preserving and promoting its unique characteristics.

Nationalism can take different forms, ranging from cultural nationalism that focuses on preserving and promoting a nation’s language, traditions, and values, to political nationalism that seeks to establish or maintain political independence and sovereignty for a nation. Nationalist movements can also be based on ethno-nationalism, which emphasizes the importance of ethnic or racial identity in defining a nation.

NATIONALISTS

Nationalists are individuals or groups who adhere to the ideology of nationalism and actively promote the interests, identity, and unity of their nation. Nationalists typically believe in the importance of preserving and promoting their nation’s culture, language, traditions, and values, and may advocate for political independence, sovereignty, or autonomy for their nation.

Nationalists often view their nation as a distinct and cohesive entity with a common history, language, and heritage that sets it apart from other nations. They may express their nationalist beliefs through various means, such as participating in political movements, supporting nationalist parties, advocating for national policies, and engaging in cultural activities that celebrate their nation’s identity.

Nationalists play a significant role in shaping national identity, politics, and policies, and their beliefs and actions can have far-reaching implications for the social, cultural, and political landscape of a country.

WAYS OF PROMOTING NATIONAL INTEREST

National interest refers to the strategic objectives and priorities of a nation that are considered essential for its security, prosperity, and well-being. It typically includes the protection of a nation’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national security, as well as the promotion of its economic growth, political stability, and cultural identity.

National interest guides a country’s foreign policy decisions, defense strategies, economic policies, and diplomatic relations, as it aims to safeguard and advance the interests and welfare of its citizens on both domestic and international levels. There are several ways in which a government or society can promote national interest:

1. Diplomacy – Establishing and maintaining strong diplomatic relations with other countries can help promote national interests through negotiation, cooperation, and conflict resolution.

2. Economic policies –  Implementing economic policies that promote growth, stability, and prosperity can strengthen a nation’s economy and enhance its competitiveness on the global stage.

3. Defense and Security –  Investing in national defense and security measures can protect a nation’s interests from external threats and contribute to stability and peace.

4. Cultural Promotion – Supporting and showcasing a nation’s culture, heritage, and values can enhance its reputation on the global stage and promote a sense of national identity.

5. Education and Research – Investing in education, innovation, and research can help develop a skilled workforce, promote technological advancement, and enhance the nation’s competitiveness in various fields.

6. Environmental Protection – Implementing policies that promote environmental sustainability and conservation can help safeguard natural resources, protect the environment, and promote the well-being of citizens.

7. International Cooperation – Engaging in international organizations, agreements, and partnerships can help promote mutual interests, address global challenges, and enhance diplomatic relations with other countries.

8. Infrastructure Development – Investing in infrastructure projects such as transportation, energy, and communication networks can improve connectivity, boost economic development, and enhance the quality of life for citizens.

9. Public Diplomacy – Engaging in public diplomacy efforts, such as cultural exchanges, media outreach, and public relations campaigns, can help shape international perceptions of the nation and promote understanding and cooperation with other countries.

10. Strategic Alliances – Forming strategic alliances and partnerships with other countries or organizations can help advance shared interests, strengthen security cooperation, and increase influen ce on global issues.

11. Other include – Coercive Measures, Embargo, Blockade, Foreign Aid, Tariff, Restriction and Quotas, Sanctions, Alliances, Diplomatic Negotiations, Economic aid and Propaganda.

LIST OF TOP NATIONALISTS/PATRIOTISM IN NIGERIA/NATIONALISTIC ROLES OF INDIVIDUALS AND GROUPS

The Nigerian nationalists’ goal of achieving an independent sovereign state of Nigeria was achieved in 1960 when Nigeria declared its independence and British colonial rule ended. Here are the list of top nationalists in Nigeria –

1. Nnamdi Azikiwe was born in 1904. He is the first president of Nigeria and the founder of Nigerian nationalism. He is popularly called ‘Zik’ or ‘Zik of Africa’. Zik helped establish the University of Nigeria after independence in 1962.

2. Herbert Macaulay was pivotal in Nigeria’s fight to gain independence although he didn’t live to see this become a reality. He also created the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroon in the 1940s along with Nnamdi Azikiwe.

3. Ahmadu Bello was born in 1919, Ahmadu Bello was another key figure in the country’s fight for independence. He was a school teacher that later became the Premier of the Northern Nigeria.

4. Anthony Enahoro  is another famous Nigerian personality. He’s well known for his social activism. He’s popularly known as the “Father of the Nigerian State”

6. Obafemi Awolowo  is another undisputed national hero. He was born in 1909 and was the first Premier of Western Nigeria. Also, he was a one time minister of Finance.

CIVIC PROBLEMS

A civic problem is an issue or challenge that affects a community or society at large. These problems can range from social, economic, political, or environmental issues that impact the well-being and quality of life of individuals within a community. Civic problems often require collective action and involvement from members of the community, as well as government and other institutions, to address and find solutions.

MAJOR, WORLD/LOCAL CIVIC PROBLEMS

Addressing civic problems often involves civic engagement, advocacy, and collaboration among various stakeholders to create positive change and improve the overall welfare of the community. Here are some of key civic problems in the world, most especially developing and underdeveloped world –

1. Vandalization of government property

2. Drug abuse, child abuse/labour

3. Poverty

4. Diseases, e.g. HIV/AIDS, Ebola, COVID 19, etc.

5. Over population

6. Examination malpractices

7. Political apathy

8. Non-payment of taxes/rates

9. Corruption, religious extremism

10. Human trafficking

11. Illiteracy and ignorance

12. Riot, violence, conflict, war, cultism, etc.

13. Bad roads

14. Power failure

15. Pollution

16. Blocked drainage system

17. Electoral malpractices

18. Erosion

19. Terrorism

20. Ocean encroachment

21. Homelessness

22. education inequality

23. crime, and inadequate public services

LESSON PRESENTATION

TEACHER’S ACTIVITIES

The teacher,

1. leads students in defining and Explaining citizenship.

2. explains various types of laws and rights of individuals.

3. discusses functions and structures of government.

4. explains the meaning of Nationalism and local/world civic problems.

5. mention true nationalists and their roles, e.g Nnamdi Azikiwe, Kwame Nkrumah, Nelson Mandela etc.

STUDENT’S ACTIVITIES

The students,

1. define and explain citizenship.

2. name types of laws and rights of individuals.

3. state functions and structures of government

4. discuss nationalism and local/world civic problems.

5. enumerate nationalistic roles they will like to play.

LESSON EVALUATION

Teacher asks students to,

1. differentiate between nationalism and nationalists.

2. explain Nationalism and major local/world civic problems.

3. enumerate nationalistic roles of individuals and groups.