Co-operative Societies in SS1 Commerce: Meaning, Types & Benefits
Subject: Commerce
Class: SS1
Term: Third Term
Week: 2
Topic: Co-operative Societies
Behavioral Objectives
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
Define co-operative societies.
Explain the history and formation of co-operative societies.
State the characteristics of co-operative societies.
List and describe various types of co-operative societies.
Highlight the functions of each type of co-operative.
Discuss the importance of co-operative movements in Nigeria.
Keywords:
Co-operative, Society, Thrift, Producer, Consumer, Wholesaler, Credit, Retailer, Multipurpose
Instructional Materials:
Pictures of various co-operative activities
Sample co-operative registration form
Video/documentary on co-operative societies in Nigeria
Chart showing different types of co-operatives
Content Breakdown
1. Definition of Co-operative Society
A co-operative society is a voluntary association of individuals who come together to meet their common economic, social, or cultural needs through a jointly owned and democratically controlled enterprise.
2. History of the Co-operative Movement
Originated in Rochdale, England in 1844 by a group of 28 weavers and artisans (Rochdale Pioneers).
The movement spread worldwide, including Nigeria in the 1930s.
The first Nigerian co-operative law was passed in 1935.
The movement promoted mutual assistance and economic empowerment.
3. Formation of a Co-operative Society
To form a co-operative:
Minimum of 10 members (varies by type).
Members share a common goal (e.g., saving, buying goods, production).
Registration with the State Ministry of Commerce or Co-operatives Department.
Draft a constitution and elect officials.
4. Characteristics of Co-operative Societies
Voluntary membership
Democratic control (one member, one vote)
Equal contribution and benefit-sharing
Promotion of mutual help and economic interest
Limited liability of members
Surplus shared according to patronage
Operates on ethical and fair-trade principles
5. Types of Co-operative Societies
i. Consumer Co-operative Society
Members pool funds to buy goods in bulk directly from producers
Goods are sold to members at lower prices
Helps to avoid middlemen
Example: Community bulk-buying society
ii. Producer Co-operative Society
Made up of people engaged in production (e.g., farmers, artisans)
Share tools, equipment, and market together
Helps reduce production costs
Example: Farmers’ collective farming group
iii. Wholesaler Co-operative Society
Wholesalers unite to buy goods directly from producers
Aim to stabilize prices and improve supply chain
Example: Wholesalers’ distribution union
iv. Retailer Co-operative Society
Retailers pool resources to buy goods in bulk
Aim to enjoy economies of scale
Compete with large chains
Example: Local shop owners forming an alliance
v. Thrift and Credit Co-operative Society
Members save money regularly
Loans are given at low interest
Promotes savings culture and financial inclusion
Example: Teachers’ or civil servants’ savings group
vi. Multi-purpose Co-operative Society
Combines the features of other types (saving, buying, selling, farming, etc.)
Operates multiple business activities under one body
Example: University staff multi-purpose co-op society
Class Activities
Group students to design and role-play a co-operative society based on a chosen type.
Invite a local co-op leader to discuss real challenges and successes.
Display charts showing different types and functions of co-operatives.
Students research local co-operatives and present findings.
Embedded Core Skills
Teamwork and Leadership
Research and Presentation
Decision Making
Financial Literacy
Reference Materials
Lagos State Scheme of Work
Senior Secondary Commerce Textbooks
Evaluation Questions
Fill in the blanks (Choose the correct option a–d):
A co-operative society is based on ______ control.
a) capitalist
b) democratic
c) monopolistic
d) aristocraticThe Rochdale Pioneers started the movement in ______.
a) Nigeria
b) America
c) England
d) CanadaA co-operative where members save and borrow is called ______.
a) producer co-op
b) retailer co-op
c) thrift and credit
d) wholesaler co-opThe first Nigerian co-operative law was passed in ______.
a) 1844
b) 1935
c) 1954
d) 1999The principle of one member, one vote shows that co-operatives are ______.
a) exclusive
b) democratic
c) elitist
d) free marketRetailer co-operatives are formed by ______.
a) wholesalers
b) producers
c) consumers
d) small shop ownersIn a producer co-op, members are mainly involved in ______.
a) selling
b) saving
c) production
d) politicsSurplus in co-operatives is shared based on ______.
a) wealth
b) family size
c) patronage
d) nationalityMulti-purpose societies combine ______.
a) only savings and loans
b) multiple co-operative activities
c) only production
d) only retailingA major aim of co-operative society is ______.
a) individual wealth
b) economic empowerment of members
c) increasing tax
d) government control
Class Activity Discussion – FAQs
What makes co-operative societies different from companies?
They are owned and managed by the members for mutual benefit, not profit.Do you need a lot of money to start a co-op?
No, members contribute small amounts collectively.Is co-operative membership open to everyone?
Yes, as long as you share the common goal of the group.Can a co-operative society make profit?
Yes, but profit is shared among members or reinvested.What happens if a co-op makes losses?
Losses may be shared or managed by adjusting activities or support.Are co-operatives taxed?
Yes, but they may receive tax relief depending on laws.What is the role of the government in co-operatives?
They regulate, register, and may support co-ops with training or funding.Can co-operatives get bank loans?
Yes, with proper records and collateral.Do co-ops have managers?
Yes, but decisions are made collectively or by elected officials.Are school-based co-ops allowed?
Yes, especially thrift co-ops among staff or students.
Conclusion
Teacher revises all key points using board summaries.
Students explain in their own words what a co-operative is.
Written evaluation is marked, feedback is given.
Assessment (Short Answer Questions)
Define co-operative society.
When did the co-operative movement start in Nigeria?
List three characteristics of a co-operative society.
Mention four types of co-operative societies.
What is the main aim of a thrift and credit co-operative?
Who were the Rochdale Pioneers?
State one difference between a company and a co-operative.
What type of co-op would market women form?
Describe a multi-purpose co-operative.
How does a consumer co-op benefit its members?
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