Crime by Government Officials – JSS2 Social Studies Lesson Note (Third Term)

Corruption is the use of one’s position for unofficial or personal benefit or advantage. It is a major problem in Nigeria and exists in both private and government establishments. Its main forms are extortion, embezzlement, bribery and preferential treatment. This note covers the causes, consequences and prevention of corruption.

Behavioural objectives

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

• explain the meaning of corruption;
• describe four forms of corruption;
• state causes of corruption;
• list the consequences of corruption on the nation, the individual and the society;
• suggest ways of preventing corruption.

What is corruption?

Corruption simply refers to the act of using one’s position for unofficial or personal benefits or advantages.

Corruption is a major problem in Nigeria as a nation. It exists in every facet of Nigerian society, in both private and government establishments. Corruption includes malpractice, electoral malpractice, extortion and many others.

What are the forms or types of corruption?

1. Extortion: This is the act of forcing someone to pay for a service that should be free. For example, a police officer asks for money at a checkpoint even when a driver’s vehicle papers are complete.
2. Embezzlement of funds: This is the act of diverting money meant for official use to private or personal use. For example, money meant for road repair is shared by the officials in charge of the contract.
3. Bribery: This is the act of inducing someone by monetary or non-monetary means to secure a favour. Giving and taking bribes are both punishable offences.
4. Preferential treatment: All forms of “man-know-man” arrangements are acts of corruption. This is a situation where someone gets favours, contracts or jobs based on friendship, tribe, immoral relationship, etc., and not on qualification or merit.

What are the causes of corruption?

1. Poverty: Anyone from a poor family may engage in corrupt practices to bail himself or herself and the family out of poverty.
2. Greed: A greedy person is not satisfied with what he or she has and, as a result, gets involved in corruption of different types.
3. Misplacement of social values
4. Impatience
5. Lack of commitment on the part of government
6. Poor upbringing

What are the consequences of corruption?

1. It dents the nation’s image.
2. It brings hardship on average citizens.
3. It retards economic growth.
4. It leads to poverty.
5. It discourages honesty, integrity and hard work.
6. It leads to unemployment.

Consequences of corruption on the nation

1. Dents the nation’s image: Nigeria has been known to be a corrupt nation all over the world. An international organisation known as Transparency International has ranked Nigeria among the ten most corrupt countries in the world. This has many negative implications for all Nigerians.
2. Retards economic growth: The economy cannot grow in a nation where corruption thrives.

Consequences of corruption on the individual

1. Leads to poverty: The higher the rate of corruption, the higher the level of poverty.
2. Causes hardship: Many people go through unnecessary hardship due to corrupt practices.

Consequences of corruption on the society

1. Increases social vices.
2. Leads to unemployment.

How can corruption be prevented?

1. Stiff punishment for corrupt leaders and officials.
2. Confiscation of properties of corrupt people.
3. Introduction of civic and moral instruction.
4. Honesty, integrity and hard work should be rewarded.
5. The government should give the ICPC and EFCC a free hand to administer justice to corrupt citizens.
6. Display of wealth should be discouraged.

Evaluation

1. What is corruption?
2. Explain extortion and give one example.
3. What is the difference between bribery and embezzlement?
4. State four causes of corruption.
5. List four ways of preventing corruption.

Assignment

1. List four consequences of corruption and explain any two of them.
2. Explain preferential treatment and say why it is an act of corruption.