Measures Adopted by the Nigerian Government to Promote Unity Among Nigerians II – JSS1 Civic Education Lesson Note (Third Term)

National unity is the work of everybody in the country, both the government and individuals. The government promotes it through unity schools, a national language, the employment and transfer of workers, trading activities, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), and transport and communication links between rural and urban areas.

Behavioural objectives

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

• explain the means of promoting national unity;
• describe how unity schools, a national language, employment, trading, the NYSC, and transport and communication help to promote unity.

How is national unity promoted in Nigeria?

Promoting national unity is the work of everybody in the country. The government and individuals should both be involved in the means of promoting it.

Establishment of institutions, such as unity schools

Institutions like unity schools are established to promote unity in the country. They accept children from any part of the country and allow them to learn together.

National language

Nigeria has about 350 ethnic groups with different dialects. Efforts are being made to promote a national or official language. For instance, the English language has been recognised as the official or national language.

Employment and labour mobility

The federal government employs workers from different cultural groups and transfers them to work elsewhere in the country.

Trading activities

Markets have been opened in cities and local areas. People exchange goods and services there, which encourages integration.

National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) programme

The federal government established this programme in 1973 to bring about unity among Nigerians. It brings together graduates from different institutions and states to serve the nation for one year.

Transport and communication

The government, at various levels, builds roads, railway lines, telecommunication systems, bridges and airways. These link rural areas with urban areas and make it easier for people to move from one place to another. This promotes national integration.

Evaluation

1. Who is responsible for promoting national unity?
2. How do unity schools promote national unity?
3. Which language has been recognised as the official or national language in Nigeria?
4. When was the NYSC established, and for how long do corps members serve?
5. How do transport and communication promote national integration?

Assignment

List four measures the Nigerian government has adopted to promote national unity. Explain any two of them.