National Issues – JSS3 Social & Citizenship Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

National issues are problems that affect the whole country and the daily lives of its citizens.

Behavioural objectives

1. Define poverty, corruption and insecurity.
2. State the causes and effects of each national issue.
3. Identify the types of corruption and the types of insecurity in Nigeria.
4. Name the agencies that fight corruption in Nigeria.
5. Suggest ways of reducing each issue.
6. Explain the role of a student in solving national issues.

What are national issues?

National issues are challenges that slow down the growth and peace of a country.

• Nigeria’s strengths: plenty of land, minerals and talented people.
• The comparison: just as a person can get a fever, a country can face “sicknesses” that slow it down.
• Focus of this note: three big challenges that affect daily life.

The three national issues in this note are poverty, corruption and insecurity.

1. Poverty: lack of money and basic needs.
2. Corruption: dishonesty in high and low places.
3. Insecurity: lack of safety and peace.

How are the three national issues connected?

The three issues are linked, so one problem can lead to another.

• Corruption to poverty: money meant for jobs and projects disappears.
• Poverty to insecurity: very poor people with no hope may be tempted to join criminal groups.
• Insecurity to poverty: farmers and traders cannot work safely, so incomes fall.

What is poverty?

Poverty is the condition in which a person cannot afford the basic things needed to stay healthy and alive.

• Food: enough to eat every day.
• Clean water: safe water for drinking and cooking.
• Clothes: proper clothing.
• Shelter: a roof over one’s head.

What are the causes of poverty in Nigeria?

• Unemployment: many parents and graduates have no jobs.
• Lack of skills: people are not trained in modern jobs such as technology or advanced farming.
• High cost of living: the price of food and fuel rises faster than salaries.
• Corruption: money meant for development is stolen.

What are the effects of poverty?

• Hunger and ill health: families cannot afford enough food or medicine.
• School dropout: some parents cannot pay for school needs.
• Crime: hopeless people may turn to stealing or other crimes.

How can poverty be reduced?

• Education and vocational training: learning trades like tailoring, coding or carpentry.
• Government support: giving small loans so people can start businesses.
• Good infrastructure: with constant electricity, small businesses such as barbershops and cold rooms can survive.

What is corruption?

Corruption is the abuse of a position of trust for personal gain.

• Who can be corrupt: corruption is not only about “big men” stealing billions. Ordinary people can also be corrupt.

What are the types of corruption?

Three common types of corruption are bribery, nepotism and embezzlement.

• Bribery: giving or taking money to get a favour, such as a policeman taking money from a driver.
• Nepotism: giving a job to an unqualified relative instead of a qualified stranger.
• Embezzlement: stealing money meant for public projects like roads or schools.
• Extortion: forcing someone to pay money by using threats or the power of one’s office.

What are the effects of corruption?

• Bad roads and hospitals: the money meant to fix them is stolen.
• Lack of trust: citizens stop believing in their leaders.
• Poor education: funds for libraries and laboratories are diverted.
• Poverty: money meant for jobs and services does not reach the people.

How can corruption be reduced?

• EFCC: the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission investigates and prosecutes financial crimes.
• ICPC: the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission fights bribery and related offences.
• Integrity: being honest even when no one is watching. This is where the real solution starts.

What is insecurity?

Insecurity is a state of fear in which people do not feel safe in their homes, schools or on the road.

• Importance: it is one of the biggest problems facing Nigeria today.

What are the types of insecurity in Nigeria?

Four common types of insecurity in Nigeria are kidnapping, banditry and terrorism, oil theft and cybercrime.

1. Kidnapping: taking people by force to demand money (ransom).
2. Banditry and terrorism: armed groups attacking villages or schools.
3. Oil theft: criminals stealing crude oil from pipelines.
4. Cybercrime (Yahoo-Yahoo): stealing money from people online.

What are the effects of insecurity?

• Loss of lives and property: attacks destroy homes and businesses.
• Fear: people avoid travelling, farming or going to school.
• Displacement: families leave their homes to find safety.

How can security be promoted?

• Community policing: reporting suspicious strangers in your neighbourhood to the elders or the police.
• Providing jobs: young people with good jobs are not easily recruited by criminals.
• Equipping the military: making sure soldiers have the right tools to protect citizens.

What is the role of a student in solving national issues?

A student can help by living honestly, working hard and avoiding crime.

• Avoid bad company: stay away from friends who encourage crime.
• Avoid “get-rich-quick” schemes: they often lead to fraud and cybercrime.
• Focus on your studies: skills and knowledge help you earn an honest living.
• Be honest: a country of honest, hardworking people can defeat these issues.

How do poverty, corruption and insecurity compare?

Each issue has its own core problem and at least one solution.

Evaluation

1. Explain how corruption can lead to poverty.
2. Mention two things a person needs but cannot get if they are in poverty.
3. What is the full meaning of EFCC?
4. How can community policing help make your neighbourhood safer?
5. List three types of corruption and explain one of them.

Assignment

Choose one national issue from this note. Write its meaning, two causes or types, two effects and two ways a student can help to reduce it.