Good Governance – JSS3 Social & Citizenship Studies Lesson Note (First Term)

Good governance is the honest and fair management of a country’s resources by its leaders to improve the lives of every citizen.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define governance and good governance.
2. Explain the five principles of good governance.
3. Describe the features and effects of bad governance.
4. List ways citizens can promote good governance.
5. State the benefits of good governance to a country.

What is governance?

Governance is the way a country, state or local government is managed by the people in power.

• Link to earlier lessons: the Constitution sets the rules and elections choose the leaders. Governance is what leaders do after they take office.
• School example: a Principal makes sure there are desks, teachers are in class and students are safe. We then say the school is well-managed.

What is good governance?

Good governance is when people in power use the country’s resources, such as oil money and taxes, to improve the lives of all citizens.

• Honesty: projects are carried out without stealing or wasting public money.
• Fair benefit: everyone gains from a project, and building roads is only one part of it.
• Resources: money from oil, taxes and other sources is spent on the needs of the people.

What is bad governance?

Bad governance is when leaders take public money for themselves, ignore the laws or treat people unfairly.

Features of bad governance

• Stealing public money: leaders use government funds for personal gain.
• Ignoring the law: powerful people break rules and are not punished.
• Unfair treatment: some people or groups are favoured over others.

Effects of bad governance

• Poverty: money meant for the people does not reach them.
• Strikes: workers protest when their needs are ignored.
• Lack of basic needs: electricity and water supply are poor.

What is the difference between good and bad governance?

Good governance serves the people honestly and fairly. Bad governance serves the leaders and a few friends.

What are the principles of good governance?

There are five principles of good governance: transparency, accountability, rule of law, responsiveness, and equity and inclusiveness.

• Transparency: the government does not hide its actions. It shows how much money it received and how it spent it. A class captain who shows the whole class the party money account is being transparent.
• Accountability: leaders must be ready to explain their actions. If a project fails, they take responsibility and fix it instead of blaming others.
• Rule of Law: the law is above everyone. A Governor or Minister must obey the same laws as ordinary citizens.
• Responsiveness: the government listens to citizens. If people complain about bad roads or poor security, it acts quickly to solve the problem.
• Equity and Inclusiveness: every Nigerian is treated fairly, whether from the North, South, East or West. Nobody is left behind because of tribe or religion.

Principles at a glance

What is the role of citizens in good governance?

Citizens help good governance by obeying laws, paying taxes, watching leaders and voting wisely.

• Shared duty: governance is not only for the President and Governors.
• Bicycle example: leaders are the front wheel and citizens are the back wheel. Both must move for the bicycle to go forward.

How can you promote good governance?

• Obey the law: you cannot ask the government to be good if you break rules. Start by being a law-abiding student.
• Pay your taxes: when you start working, taxes give you the right to ask, “What did you do with my money?”
• Be vigilant: pay attention to your local government and state. Ask questions.
• Vote wisely: at 18, choose leaders by their character and plans, and refuse food or money for your vote.
• Protect public property: a library or hospital built by the government belongs to you. Do not let people destroy or steal from it.
• Take part: join community meetings and speak up on local issues.

Why does good governance matter?

Good governance matters because the quality of governance shapes the kind of life you will have as an adult.

• Economic growth: businesses grow when there is constant power and good roads. This means more jobs after graduation.
• Peace and security: people who feel fairly treated are less likely to fight or start riots.
• Better health and education: money is used to equip hospitals and provide free or cheap books for schools.
• National pride: we feel proud to show the green passport anywhere in the world and say, “I am a Nigerian.”

Evaluation

1. In your own words, state the difference between governance and good governance.
2. Explain the meaning of transparency.
3. Mention two things a student can do to help the country have good governance.
4. Why is the rule of law important for a peaceful country?
5. List three effects of bad governance.

Assignment

Write a short account of a school or community problem, such as a broken facility. Use two principles of good governance to explain how its leaders should handle it.