Civil Society – SS3 Civic Education Lesson Note (First Term)

Civil society is the group of voluntary, non-governmental and not-for-profit organisations that citizens form to serve shared interests in public life.

Behavioural objectives

1. Explain the meaning of civil society.
2. State the main features of civil society.
3. Give examples of civil society groups in Nigeria.
4. Classify civil society groups by the interest they serve.
5. State the functions of civil society in a democracy.

Instructional techniques

• Identification
• Explanation
• Questions and answers
• Demonstration
• Videos

Instructional materials

• Videos
• Loudspeaker
• Textbook
• Pictures

What is civil society?

Civil society is the space between the family and the government, filled by groups that citizens form freely.

• Purpose: the groups express the interests and values of their members or of others.
• Basis: ethical, cultural, political, scientific, religious or philanthropic reasons.
• Examples: the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Red Cross Society.

Key terms

• Non-governmental: the group is not owned or run by the government.
• Not-for-profit: the group exists to serve its aims, not to share profit among owners.
• Public life: the group takes part in matters that affect the community or the nation.
• Philanthropic: aimed at helping people in need, as the Red Cross Society does.

How is civil society different from government?

Government is the body that makes and enforces laws for the whole country, while civil society is made up of private groups that speak for citizens and check that body.

What are the features of civil society?

The main features of civil society are voluntary membership, independence, common interest, organised structure, non-profit aim and peaceful methods.

• Voluntary membership: people join by choice and may leave freely.
• Independence: the group makes its own decisions apart from the government.
• Common interest: members share a goal, such as better pay, culture or welfare.
• Organised structure: there are leaders, rules and a constitution.
• Non-profit aim: money raised is used for the group’s work.
• Peaceful methods: a good civil society group uses dialogue, petitions and lawful protest.

What are examples of civil society groups in Nigeria?

Examples of civil society groups in Nigeria include ethnic bodies, labour unions, humanitarian groups and youth movements.

1. Oodua People’s Congress (OPC): a Yoruba cultural and regional group.
2. Arewa People’s Congress: a group that speaks for northern interests.
3. Ohanaeze Ndigbo: the leading Igbo socio-cultural body.
4. Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC): the central body of Nigerian workers’ unions.
5. Red Cross Society: a humanitarian group that helps the sick and disaster victims.
6. Boy Scouts: a youth group that trains discipline and service.
7. Girl Scouts: a youth group that trains girls in character and service.
8. Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU): the union of university teachers.

What are the types of civil society groups?

There are six types of civil society groups: ethnic and regional groups, labour unions, professional associations, humanitarian groups, youth and character groups, and religious bodies.

Labour unions

• Aim: to protect workers from unfair treatment.
• Method: negotiation with employers, and strike action when talks fail.

Professional associations

• Aim: to keep high standards among members.
• Method: setting a code of conduct and speaking on issues in their field.

Ethnic and cultural groups

• Aim: to protect the culture and interests of one people.
• Method: meetings, statements and appeals to government.

Humanitarian groups

• Aim: to relieve suffering among the sick, poor and displaced.
• Method: first aid, relief materials and volunteer service.

Youth and character groups

• Aim: to build discipline, honesty and a spirit of service in young people.
• Method: camps, uniforms, badges, community work and training.

Religious bodies

• Aim: to teach faith and good moral conduct.
• Method: worship, teaching, charity and statements on national issues.

What are the functions of civil society?

The functions of civil society are to represent citizens, check government, educate the public and give social service.

• Voice for citizens: carries the needs and complaints of people to the government.
• Watchdog role: checks the actions of government and reports abuse of power.
• Civic education: teaches citizens their rights and duties.
• Election support: encourages voting and helps to observe elections.
• Social service: gives relief, health care and training where government help is lacking.
• Protection of rights: defends workers, women, children and other groups.
• Peace building: brings groups together to settle disputes.
• Training in leadership: members learn to lead, debate and work as a team.

How does civil society influence government?

Civil society influences government through lawful and peaceful means that draw attention to citizens’ demands.

1. Members meet and agree on the issue and the demand.
2. The group writes a petition or memorandum to the officials concerned.
3. Leaders hold talks with the government and speak through the press.
4. If talks fail, the group may organise a lawful protest, rally or strike.
5. The group follows up, and may go to court where a right has been broken.

What problems face civil society in Nigeria?

The problems facing civil society in Nigeria are poor funding, government interference, internal quarrels, bias and violence.

• Poor funding: many groups depend on members’ dues and donations.
• Government interference: some officials try to control or silence critics.
• Internal quarrels: leadership disputes weaken some groups.
• Ethnic and political bias: some groups serve narrow interests and lose public trust.
• Use of violence: a group that takes up arms goes against the peaceful aim of civil society.

Evaluation

1. Define civil society.
2. Give five examples of civil society groups in Nigeria.
3. State four features of civil society.
4. List four functions of civil society in a democracy.
5. State two differences between civil society and government.

Assignment

Write the meaning of civil society in your own words, then list five civil society groups in Nigeria and state the interest each one serves.