Fundamental Objective and Directive Principle SS2 Citizenship & Heritage Studies Lesson Note

Subject: Citizenship and Heritage Studies  

Class: SS2 

Theme: What the Government “Owes” the People

In our last lesson, we looked at the Constitution as the “Rulebook.” Today, we are looking at Chapter 2 of that rulebook.

Think of Fundamental Objectives as the “Promises” or the “To-Do List” that the government has for Nigeria. These are the goals they are supposed to achieve to make life better for everyone. Directive Principles are simply the “Guidelines” on how to achieve those goals.

Basically, if Nigeria was a big company, these objectives would be the Vision and Mission of the company.

Political Objectives

Politics isn’t just about voting; it’s about how we live together as one country. The government’s main political goals are:

• Unity and Faith: The government must work to make sure Nigerians see themselves as one, rather than just “I am Igbo,” “I am Hausa,” or “I am Yoruba.”
• National Integration: They should encourage people to marry from different states, work in different parts of the country, and feel at home anywhere in Nigeria.
• No Discrimination: No Nigerian should be treated badly because of where they come from or what language they speak.
• Wiping out Corruption: The Constitution says the state must stop the abuse of power and corruption.

Economic Objectives

This is about the “pocket” of the nation. How should our money and resources be handled?

• Common Good: The government must manage the economy so that the wealth isn’t just in the hands of a few “big men,” but benefits everyone.
• Planned Development: They should plan the economy so that there are jobs for people and the country grows steadily.
• Right to Livelihood: Every Nigerian should have the opportunity to work and earn a decent living in a safe environment.
• Fair Wages: People should get equal pay for equal work. No “man know man” when it comes to salaries.

Social Objectives

Social objectives focus on how the government treats the “human beings” in the country. It’s about fairness and kindness.

• Social Justice: Every person should be equal before the law. Whether you are rich or poor, you deserve a fair trial.
• Health and Safety: The government is supposed to provide hospitals and make sure that the places where people work are safe and don’t make them sick.
• Protection of the Weak: Children, young people, and the elderly should be protected from being exploited or abandoned.
• Public Assistance: Helping those who cannot help themselves, like the disabled or those who have lost their jobs.

Educational Objectives

This is the one that affects you directly as a student. The government knows that an uneducated nation cannot grow.

• Fighting Illiteracy: The government should work towards making sure everyone can read and write.
• Science and Technology: Promoting the study of science and tech so we can build our own cars, phones, and machines.
• Free Education (The Ultimate Goal): The Constitution actually says the government should try to provide:
  1. Free Primary Education.
  2. Free Secondary Education.
  3. Free University Education.
  4. Free Adult Literacy programs. (Note: The government is meant to do this “as and when resources are available.”)

 Why are these Objectives “Non-Justiciable”?

Here is the tricky part. Even though these “Promises” are in the Constitution, you cannot usually sue the government in court if they fail to provide free university education or jobs.

In law, we call this Non-Justiciable. It means they are “Moral Obligations.” We use them to judge if a government has done a good job, but we can’t take them to court like we can when our Human Rights are violated.

Summary Table for Revision

Class Discussion Question

If you were the President of Nigeria for one day, which of these four objectives (Political, Economic, Social, or Educational) would you fix first? Why?