Understanding Pressure Groups: Types and Examples in Nigeria

Primary 5, Second Term: Civic Education Lesson Plan

Week 8: Pressure Groups – Meaning and Types in Nigeria


Subject: Civic Education

Class: Basic 5 / Primary 5
Term: Second Term
Week: 8
Age: 9–11 years
Topic: Pressure Groups: Meaning of Pressure Groups and Types of Pressure Groups in Nigeria
Sub-Topic: Understanding Pressure Groups and Their Roles in Nigerian Society
Duration: 40 minutes


Behavioural Objectives

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

  1. Define what pressure groups are.
  2. Provide examples of pressure groups in Nigeria.
  3. Identify different types of pressure groups in Nigeria.

Keywords

  • Pressure Groups
  • Advocacy
  • Influence
  • Types
  • Interest Groups
  • Political Pressure

Set Induction

The teacher introduces the lesson by asking the pupils:

  • “Have you ever heard of a group of people that try to influence government decisions?”
  • “Can you think of any group that fights for the rights of the people?”
    These questions will prompt the pupils to think about groups that seek to influence decisions and policies in the country.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils should have prior knowledge of governance and the roles of different groups in a society. They should understand that various groups and organizations can work together to push for change.


Learning Resources and Materials

  • Flashcards with examples of pressure groups in Nigeria.
  • Chart displaying types of pressure groups.
  • Pictures or short videos of public demonstrations or rallies.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Pupils will be reminded of previous lessons on governance, laws, and how groups of people can push for change through petitions, protests, and other actions. This lesson connects to how people organize to influence government decisions and policies.


Embedded Core Skills

  • Critical Thinking: Pupils will analyze the roles and functions of pressure groups.
  • Collaboration: Pupils will discuss in groups to identify types of pressure groups.
  • Communication: Pupils will share ideas and contribute to class discussions.
  • Citizenship: Understanding how citizens can work together to create change in society.

Reference Books

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work
  • Civic Education Textbooks for Basic 5
  • A simplified version of the Nigerian Constitution

Instructional Techniques

  • Explanation with examples
  • Group discussion and class participation
  • Use of visual aids to illustrate pressure groups and their activities

Instructional Materials

  • Flashcards of pressure groups
  • Visual diagrams showing types of pressure groups
  • Videos or images of demonstrations and advocacy actions

Content

Meaning of Pressure Groups

  • Definition: A pressure group is an organized group of people that seeks to influence government policy or decision-making without seeking to hold political power.
  • Explanation: These groups aim to advocate for specific causes, such as environmental protection, workers’ rights, or human rights. They use various methods, such as protests, petitions, and lobbying, to make their voices heard.

Examples of Pressure Groups in Nigeria

  1. Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC): A trade union that fights for workers’ rights.
  2. Environmental Rights Action (ERA): Advocates for environmental protection and sustainable development.
  3. Campaign for Democracy (CD): A group that advocates for democracy and good governance in Nigeria.
  4. National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS): A student body that represents and fights for the rights of students.
  5. Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA): A group focused on advancing women’s rights and combating gender-based violence.

Types of Pressure Groups in Nigeria

  1. Political Pressure Groups: These groups are directly involved in political issues and aim to influence government decisions. They often lobby government officials and hold protests to push for changes in policy.
    • Example: Campaign for Democracy (CD)
  2. Economic Pressure Groups: These groups advocate for the economic interests of their members or specific sectors. They can include trade unions, business groups, and employer associations.
    • Example: Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC)
  3. Professional Pressure Groups: These groups represent professionals in specific fields such as medicine, law, and engineering. They advocate for their members’ interests, such as better working conditions or policies that benefit their profession.
    • Example: Nigerian Bar Association (NBA)
  4. Public Interest Groups: These groups are concerned with issues that affect the general public, such as environmental protection or human rights. They aim to influence government policies for the benefit of society at large.
    • Example: Environmental Rights Action (ERA)
  5. Religious Pressure Groups: These groups advocate for policies that reflect religious beliefs and values. They may influence government decisions on issues related to morality, education, and human rights.
    • Example: Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN)

Examples

  1. The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) is a political pressure group that fights for workers’ rights, especially in the labor sector.
  2. Campaign for Democracy (CD) advocates for good governance and the promotion of democracy in Nigeria.
  3. Environmental Rights Action (ERA) works to protect the environment and fight against environmental degradation in Nigeria.
  4. National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) works to represent Nigerian students and fight for their rights.
  5. Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative (WRAPA) focuses on promoting the rights of women and fighting gender-based violence.

Evaluation

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions

  1. A group that seeks to influence government policies without seeking political power is called a ________.
    a. Political party
    b. Pressure group
    c. Political campaign
  2. The _______ is a pressure group that represents Nigerian workers.
    a. ERA
    b. NLC
    c. CAN
  3. A pressure group that fights for environmental protection is called _______.
    a. WRAPA
    b. ERA
    c. NANS
  4. The Nigerian students’ body that fights for the rights of students is called ________.
    a. NLC
    b. NANS
    c. NBA
  5. ________ is a professional pressure group for lawyers in Nigeria.
    a. NLC
    b. NBA
    c. ERA

(Continue with more questions in this format.)


15 FAQs with Answers

  1. Question: What is the main aim of pressure groups?
    Answer: The main aim of pressure groups is to influence government policies and decisions without seeking political power.
  2. Question: Can pressure groups participate in elections?
    Answer: No, pressure groups do not seek to hold political power or participate directly in elections.
  3. Question: What is the difference between a pressure group and a political party?
    Answer: A pressure group seeks to influence government decisions, while a political party aims to gain political power and govern.
  4. Question: What methods do pressure groups use to influence government decisions?
    Answer: Pressure groups use protests, petitions, lobbying, and public awareness campaigns to influence government decisions.

(Continue with more questions in this format.)


Presentation Steps

  1. Introduction:
    • The teacher revises the previous lesson on the differences among the three arms of government.
    • The new topic is introduced by explaining that, just like the arms of government, there are groups that influence government decisions without seeking power.
  2. Development:
    • The teacher explains what pressure groups are and gives examples from Nigeria.
    • The teacher discusses the different types of pressure groups and how they operate.
  3. Student Contribution:
    • Pupils are encouraged to share any knowledge they have about pressure groups, either locally or globally.

Teacher’s Activities

  • Explains the meaning of pressure groups and their types.
  • Provides examples and illustrates how pressure groups operate.
  • Leads a discussion about the importance of pressure groups in a democratic society.

Learners’ Activities

  • Listen to the teacher’s explanation and participate in class discussions.
  • Work in groups to identify more examples of pressure groups in Nigeria.
  • Ask questions and contribute their thoughts on the role of pressure groups.

Assessment (Evaluation Questions)

  1. What is a pressure group?
  2. Name a pressure group that advocates for workers’ rights.
  3. How do pressure groups influence government decisions?
  4. What is the main difference between a political party and a pressure group?
  5. Name a pressure group that advocates for environmental protection.

(Continue with 5 more short-answer questions.)


Conclusion

  • The teacher summarizes the meaning of pressure groups and their types.
  • Pupils reflect on how pressure groups help create change in Nigeria.
  • The teacher provides feedback on students’ participation and understanding of the topic.

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