Citizenship Education Recap – JSS3 Social & Citizenship Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Citizenship is the legal relationship between an individual and the country to which that person belongs.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define citizenship and state the three ways of becoming a Nigerian citizen.
2. Identify the national symbols and state what the colours of the flag stand for.
3. List the rights and duties of a Nigerian citizen.
4. Explain how national unity is promoted and name common social vices.
5. State the three arms of government and the role of the Constitution.

What is citizenship?

A citizen is a legal member of a country who enjoys its rights and performs its duties.

• Citizenship: the relationship between an individual and the country to which he or she belongs.
• Citizen: a person recognised by law as a member of a country.
• Alien: a person living in a country who is a citizen of another country.

How can a person become a Nigerian citizen?

There are three ways to become a Nigerian citizen: by birth, by registration and by naturalisation.

Citizenship by birth

• Meaning: a person is a citizen because of the family into which he or she is born.
• Example: a child whose parent is a Nigerian citizen is a Nigerian by birth.

Citizenship by registration

• Meaning: a person applies and is registered as a citizen after meeting set conditions.
• Example: a foreign woman who marries a Nigerian man.

Citizenship by naturalisation

• Meaning: a foreigner is granted citizenship after meeting the conditions set by law.
• Example: a foreigner who has lived in Nigeria for a long time and obeys our laws.

What is national identity?

National identity is the set of things that make people feel Nigerian, proud and united.

• The National Flag: green and white vertical stripes, with a white stripe between two green stripes (Green-White-Green).
• The Coat of Arms: the official emblem of the country.
• The National Anthem: the song sung at national events.
• The National Pledge: the promise Nigerians make to be faithful, loyal and honest to the country.

What do the colours of the flag stand for?

• Green: agriculture and the natural wealth of the land.
• White: peace.

What are the rights of a citizen?

Rights are the basic freedoms and privileges that every citizen is entitled to enjoy.

• Right to life: no one should take another person’s life.
• Right to education: every child deserves to learn.
• Right to vote: a citizen aged 18 and above can vote for who will lead.
• Freedom of religion: every person may follow the religion of his or her choice.
• Freedom of expression: every person may state his or her views, within the law.
• Freedom of movement: every citizen may live and travel in any part of Nigeria.

What are the duties of a citizen?

Duties are the responsibilities that every citizen must perform for the good of the country.

• Obeying laws: following the rules made by the government.
• Paying taxes: this money helps to build roads, schools and hospitals.
• Defending the nation: standing up for Nigeria and protecting its interests.
• Voting: taking part in elections to choose leaders.
• Respecting national symbols: showing respect to the flag, anthem and pledge.
• Protecting public property: taking care of things that belong to everyone.

Quick tip: rights and duties go together. A citizen cannot enjoy rights without performing duties.

What is national unity and how is it promoted?

National unity is the state of people from different backgrounds living together as one country. Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups, so cooperation is needed.

• Tolerance: accepting others even when their religion or language is different.
• Inter-marriage: people from different tribes marrying each other.
• NYSC: the National Youth Service Corps sends graduates to serve in states other than their own.

What are social vices?

Social vices are wrong behaviours that harm individuals and society.

• Cultism: joining secret groups that use violence.
• Drug abuse: using drugs or chemicals in ways that harm the body and mind.
• Examination malpractice: cheating in examinations, which harms your future and the country’s reputation.
• Corruption: dishonest use of position or money for personal gain.

What is government?

Government is the group of people and institutions that make and enforce rules and run the affairs of a country.

What are the three arms of government?

The three arms of government are the legislature, the executive and the judiciary. Power is divided among them so that no one person has too much power.

• The Legislature: makes laws. In Nigeria it is the National Assembly (Senate and House of Representatives).
• The Executive: carries out the laws. It includes the President and the Governors.
• The Judiciary: interprets the laws and settles disputes. It is made up of the courts.

What is the Constitution?

The Constitution is the supreme document that sets out the laws, the powers of leaders and the rights of citizens.

• Laws: it states the basic laws of the country.
• Powers: it states what each leader and arm of government can do.
• Rights: it protects the rights of the people.
• Supremacy: no one, not even the President, is above the Constitution.

What are the key terms in citizenship education?

Evaluation

1. Mention three ways a person can become a Nigerian citizen.
2. What do the colours of the Nigerian flag represent?
3. Why is it important for a citizen to pay taxes?
4. Name the three arms of government and state their functions.

Assignment

Draw a table with two columns, “Rights” and “Duties”. List three rights and three duties of a Nigerian citizen. Write one sentence on why they go together.