WAEC Civic Education 2026 past questions and answers

55 questions. Try each one, then open the answer to check yourself and read the explanation.

Question 1

National Values

By upholding values like honesty and respect, individuals contribute primarily to a more

  1. A.efficient and productive society
  2. B.competitive and innovative economy
  3. C.trustworthy and cooperative society
  4. D.secure and stable environment
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (trustworthy and cooperative society)

Explanation

Honesty makes people trust one another and respect makes them willing to work together. So upholding these values primarily builds a trustworthy and cooperative society.

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Question 2

Nationalism and National Symbols

National consciousness encompasses

  1. A.sharing of national cake
  2. B.feeling of love for one's country
  3. C.feeling of concern for one's parents
  4. D.thinking on how to survive in a nation.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (feeling of love for one's country)

Explanation

National consciousness is awareness of and love for one's country.

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Question 3

Human Rights

The adoption of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) paved way for

  1. A.abuse of human rights.
  2. B.authoritarian system of government
  3. C.the acceptance of more human rights treaties
  4. D.flagrant violations of human rights.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (the acceptance of more human rights treaties)

Explanation

The UDHR led to later treaties such as the 1966 International Covenants and the African Charter.

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Question 4

Rule of Law and Constituted Authority

How can a society balance individuals' freedom with the need for law and order? By

  1. A.establishing clear rules and regulations that must be obeyed
  2. B.creating laws that protect rights while ensuring public safety
  3. C.providing opportunities for citizens to participate in law-making processes
  4. D.prioritizing national security and public safety over freedom of individuals.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (creating laws that protect rights while ensuring public safety)

Explanation

Laws that protect rights and keep the public safe balance both needs.

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Question 5

Responsible Parenthood

Responsible parents raise children who are

  1. A.hostile and aggressive
  2. B.struggling with self-esteem issue
  3. C.rigid in their perspective
  4. D.equipped to face real-world challenge
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (equipped to face real-world challenge)

Explanation

Good parenting prepares children to cope with life.

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Question 6

Traffic Regulations

The road sign shown implies

Diagram for this question
  1. A.no left turn
  2. B.right turn not allowed
  3. C.right turn allowed
  4. D.U-turn prohibited
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (no left turn)

Explanation

A left-turning arrow crossed by a red bar means no left turn.

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Question 7

Interpersonal and Inter-communal Relationships

What is the primary skill needed for effective interpersonal relationships?

  1. A.Financial management skills to ensure economic stability
  2. B.Communication skills to express thoughts and feelings
  3. C.Physical skills to maintain a healthy lifestyle
  4. D.Technological skills to facilitate communication
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Communication skills to express thoughts and feelings)

Explanation

Good relationships depend on communicating thoughts and feelings well.

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Question 8

Cultism

What does cultism commonly lead to in educational institutions?

  1. A.Increased fear and anxiety among cultists
  2. B.Increased fear and violence on campus
  3. C.Decreased academic performance of all students
  4. D.Heightened sense of community and social bonding
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Increased fear and violence on campus)

Explanation

Cult clashes spread fear and violence on campuses.

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Question 9

Drug Abuse

Which of these is an effective community response to rising drug abuse?

  1. A.Formulation of stricter laws and penalties
  2. B.Provision of medical and rehabilitation services
  3. C.Awareness campaign and community education
  4. D.Limiting social programmes and activities
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Awareness campaign and community education)

Explanation

Communities can best prevent drug abuse through awareness and education; making laws is government's job.

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Question 10

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking awareness day takes place globally on

  1. A.January 11.
  2. B.April 13.
  3. C.August 19.
  4. D.October 12.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (January 11.)

Explanation

11 January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day (started in the USA and widely marked).

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Question 11

HIV/AIDS

A traditional method of protection against Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) is through

  1. A.the practice of abstinence
  2. B.the use of condom
  3. C.Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP).
  4. D.Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP).
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (the practice of abstinence)

Explanation

Abstinence is the age-old method; condoms, PrEP and PEP are modern.

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Question 12

Youth Empowerment

Ensuring the success of youth empowerment progammes is the responsibility of

  1. A.government, schools and individuals
  2. B.individuals, corporate bodies and government
  3. C.corporate organizations and government
  4. D.non-profit organizations and individuals
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (individuals, corporate bodies and government)

Explanation

Government, business and the youths themselves must all play their part.

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Question 13

Structure and Organs of Government

The senate is headed by the

  1. A.Deputy Speaker
  2. B.Speaker
  3. C.Senate President
  4. D.Deputy Senate President
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Senate President)

Explanation

The Senate President heads the Senate; the Speaker heads the House of Representatives.

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Question 14

Democracy and Elections

How would freedom of the press support democratic values? By

  1. A.lobbying government office holders
  2. B.supporting biased public opinion
  3. C.focusing on propaganda reportage.
  4. D.allowing unbiased reporting
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (allowing unbiased reporting)

Explanation

A free press reports facts fairly so citizens can judge leaders.

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Question 15

Democracy and Elections

Which practice helps leaders remain accountable to their followers?

  1. A.Practicing power sharing
  2. B.Ensuring proper delegation of power
  3. C.Maintaining good intra-communal relations
  4. D.Establishing open communication channels
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Establishing open communication channels)

Explanation

Open communication lets followers question leaders and get answers.

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Question 16

Citizenship and Citizenship Education

What is the primary objective of community service?

  1. A.Enhancement of personal wealth
  2. B.Contribution to societal well-being
  3. C.Promotion of cultural engagement
  4. D.To foster economic growth
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Contribution to societal well-being)

Explanation

Community service aims at the well-being of society.

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Question 17

Public Service

To promote efficient service delivery in public institutions, public servants must

  1. A.take bribe
  2. B.engage in partisan politics
  3. C.be late to work
  4. D.be prompt to work
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (be prompt to work)

Explanation

Punctuality improves service delivery.

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Question 18

National Values

Positive values are important in fostering social harmony because they

  1. A.guide people to act with respect and empathy
  2. B.encourage individuals to pursue their personal goals
  3. C.discourage cooperation within the community
  4. D.help individuals to develop a sense of personal responsibility
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (guide people to act with respect and empathy)

Explanation

Social harmony comes from treating others with respect and empathy.

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Question 19

Citizenship and Citizenship Education

One of the civic responsibilities of citizens is

  1. A.voting during elections
  2. B.joining cultural groups
  3. C.joining town unions
  4. D.participating in social gatherings
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (voting during elections)

Explanation

Voting is a civic responsibility.

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Question 20

Human Rights

The Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) was accepted by the General Assembly as a resolution in

  1. A.Paris, France
  2. B.Berlin, Germany
  3. C.New York, The United States of America
  4. D.Beijing, China
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (Paris, France)

Explanation

It was adopted at the Palais de Chaillot, Paris, on 10 December 1948.

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Question 21

Rule of Law and Constituted Authority

Constituted authority generally refers to

  1. A.legally established leadership
  2. B.informal leadership structures
  3. C.cultural institutions
  4. D.visionary leaders
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (legally established leadership)

Explanation

Constituted authority is leadership established by law.

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Question 22

Responsible Parenthood

Which of the following is the most developmentally healthy and effective parenting style?

  1. A.Consideration of children's feelings and needs
  2. B.Encouraging children to have many friends
  3. C.Going on vacation with children
  4. D.Having limited knowledge of what the children are doing
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (Consideration of children's feelings and needs)

Explanation

Caring about children's feelings and needs while guiding them is the healthiest style.

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Question 23

Traffic Regulations

How does obeying traffic rules primarily help the society? By

  1. A.Improving traffic flow and reducing congestion
  2. B.Promoting safety and reducing the risk of accidents
  3. C.Enhancing air quality and reducing emissions
  4. D.Supporting economic growth and development
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Promoting safety and reducing the risk of accidents)

Explanation

Traffic rules exist mainly for safety.

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Question 25

Cultism

The most effective action of government to tackle cultism in the society is

  1. A.formulation of policies against engaging in cultism
  2. B.establishment of community outreach programmes to engage with cult members
  3. C.implementation of policies that address socioeconomic factors contributing to cultism
  4. D.collaboration with international organizations to share best practices
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (implementation of policies that address socioeconomic factors contributing to cultism)

Explanation

A policy on paper changes nothing until it is carried out. Implementing policies that tackle the causes of cultism, such as poverty, unemployment and the search for protection, removes the reasons young people join cults.

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Question 26

Drug Abuse

What causes financial difficulty for drug addicts?

  1. A.Spending excessively to fuel their addiction
  2. B.Engaging in legal activities to fund the addiction
  3. C.Saving too little for the future
  4. D.Spending lavishly on non-essential items
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (Spending excessively to fuel their addiction)

Explanation

Addicts spend so much on drugs that they run short of money.

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Question 27

Human Trafficking

Human trafficking can be explained as the

  1. A.possession of individuals by consent and genuinely for their interest
  2. B.movement of individuals of a specific age, gender or nationality
  3. C.unlawful act of transporting people in order to benefit from their work
  4. D.legal movement of a person into or within a country
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (unlawful act of transporting people in order to benefit from their work)

Explanation

Trafficking is the unlawful movement of people to exploit them.

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Question 28

HIV/AIDS

Which HIV intervention method should be recommended for patients to ensure regular monitoring of their status?

  1. A.Consistent use of condoms
  2. B.Regular use of PrEP
  3. C.Participation in HIV vaccines trials
  4. D.Regular checking of HIV status
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Regular checking of HIV status)

Explanation

Regular testing (e.g. viral load checks) monitors a person's status.

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Question 29

Youth Empowerment

What should a community do to empower its youth?

  1. A.Provide free medical assistance and scholarships
  2. B.Establish training programmes and mentoring opportunities
  3. C.Organize recreational activities and events
  4. D.Offer counselling and therapy sessions
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Establish training programmes and mentoring opportunities)

Explanation

Training and mentoring give youths skills for self-reliance.

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Question 30

Structure and Organs of Government

A city wants to build an ultra-modern motor park. Which level (s) of government should it approach for funding?

  1. A.Federal
  2. B.Federal and State
  3. C.State and Local
  4. D.Sub-Regional
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (State and Local)

Explanation

Motor parks are a local government function (Fourth Schedule), usually funded with the state.

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Question 32

Democracy and Elections

The most damaging consequence of leaders' failure to protect the interest of their followers in a democracy is

  1. A.loss of personal reputation and credibility
  2. B.decreased productivity and efficiency
  3. C.financial instability and reduced investment
  4. D.erosion of trust and legitimacy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (erosion of trust and legitimacy)

Explanation

When leaders fail their people, the people stop trusting them and the government loses legitimacy.

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Question 33

Democracy and Elections

A way of supporting a candidate into an elective office is through

  1. A.propaganda
  2. B.campaign
  3. C.gerrymandering
  4. D.declaration
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (campaign)

Explanation

Supporters campaign for their candidate.

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Question 34

Public Service

The public service exists to

  1. A.manufacture goods.
  2. B.bring services to people
  3. C.maintain the government
  4. D.serve as a source of income
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (bring services to people)

Explanation

The public service delivers government services to the people.

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Question 35

National Values

Value disorientation, high crime rate, economic sabotage and disregard for life of people are the

  1. A.effects of negative behaviour
  2. B.acts of negative behaviour
  3. C.rates of negative behaviour
  4. D.advantages of negative behaviour
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (effects of negative behaviour)

Explanation

These are the results of negative behaviour in society.

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Question 36

Human Rights

One of the seven core freedoms of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) is the freedom of

  1. A.conscience
  2. B.ownership of property
  3. C.expression
  4. D.political participation
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (expression)

Explanation

Freedom of opinion and expression (Article 19) is one of the core freedoms.

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Question 37

Rule of Law and Constituted Authority

Constituted authority plays a role in conflict resolution by

  1. A.providing a framework for negotiation and mediation
  2. B.acting as a third-party in dispute resolution
  3. C.establishing issues for conflict resolution
  4. D.imposing penalties and sanctions on parties in conflict
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (providing a framework for negotiation and mediation)

Explanation

Lawful authority sets up structures (courts, panels) for negotiation and mediation.

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Question 39

Cultism

Which of the following is a common consequence of cultism?

  1. A.Decreased educational opportunities and social mobility
  2. B.Increased violence and crime rate
  3. C.Disrupted social harmony and community cohesion
  4. D.Increased substance abuse
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (Increased violence and crime rate)

Explanation

Cultism commonly leads to violence and crime.

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Question 40

Drug Abuse

What effective support system can help in maintaining a drug-free society?

  1. A.Professional counselling and job placement
  2. B.Peer support groups and online forums
  3. C.Family support and encouragement
  4. D.Professional counselling and peer support groups
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (Professional counselling and peer support groups)

Explanation

Professional counselling with peer support helps users stop and stay off drugs.

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Question 41

Human Trafficking

Cross-border collaboration is crucial in the fight against human trafficking because it

  1. A.enhances national security and border control
  2. B.promotes resource sharing and coordination
  3. C.supports the exchange of cultural and educational practices
  4. D.increases economic cooperation and trade
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: A (enhances national security and border control)

Explanation

Trafficking crosses borders, so joint border control and security are vital.

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Question 42

HIV/AIDS

What is essential to keeping the amount of HIV in a patient's blood (viral load) at a level that cannot be detected?

  1. A.Blood tonic
  2. B.Herbal remedies
  3. C.Antiretroviral therapy
  4. D.Antibiotics
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Antiretroviral therapy)

Explanation

Antiretroviral drugs suppress HIV to undetectable levels.

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Question 43

Rule of Law and Constituted Authority

Rule of law promotes social order in a democracy so as to

  1. A.maintain social hierarchy and promote respect for lawmakers
  2. B.support economic growth and development
  3. C.provide a framework for conflict resolution and dispute settlement
  4. D.ensure accountability to the executive
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (provide a framework for conflict resolution and dispute settlement)

Explanation

The rule of law gives a fair, lawful way to settle disputes, which keeps order.

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Question 44

Democracy and Elections

Leaders promoting inclusivity in decision-making are likely to

  1. A.surround themselves with diverse advisors and stakeholders
  2. B.take decisions without consulting others
  3. C.prioritize majority's opinion and interest
  4. D.engage in active listening and consideration of diverse perspectives
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: D (engage in active listening and consideration of diverse perspectives)

Explanation

Inclusive leaders listen to and consider many views.

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Question 45

Democracy and Elections

What is the effect of inclusive citizens' engagement on governance?

  1. A.Decreased diversity and representation
  2. B.Reduced transparency and accountability
  3. C.Enhanced legitimacy and trust in government
  4. D.Increased inequality and social unrest
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (Enhanced legitimacy and trust in government)

Explanation

Involving citizens makes government more trusted and legitimate.

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Question 46

Public Service

The perpetual nature of the civil service reflects in its characteristics of

  1. A.neutrality
  2. B.anonymity
  3. C.permanence
  4. D.meritocracy
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (permanence)

Explanation

The civil service continues when governments change: permanence.

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Question 48

Youth Empowerment

Government should invest in youth empowerment to

  1. A.address the needs of adolescents
  2. B.secure the future of the country
  3. C.promote political stability
  4. D.increase government revenue
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: B (secure the future of the country)

Explanation

Youths are the future; empowering them secures the nation's future.

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Question 49

Civil Society

Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) promote good governance by

  1. A.advocating for peaceful co-existence
  2. B.acting as agents of change
  3. C.serving as watchdogs to the electorate
  4. D.serving as the voice of the government
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (serving as watchdogs to the electorate)

Explanation

NGOs watch over government on behalf of the people, promoting accountability.

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Question 50

Democracy and Elections

Which is true about the dividends of democracy? It

  1. A.should be for the benefit of political offices
  2. B.is enjoyed by politicians and hardly gets to the masses
  3. C.should be directed to the masses from the tiers of government
  4. D.will only be enjoyed when the citizens are patient.
Show the answer and explanation

Answer: C (should be directed to the masses from the tiers of government)

Explanation

Dividends of democracy (roads, schools, jobs) should reach the people from all tiers of government.

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Theory question 101

National Values

Section A: National Ethics, Discipline, Rights and Obligations
(a) Explain honesty.
(b) State six consequences of dishonesty on individuals.

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Model answer

(a) Honesty is the quality of being truthful, sincere and fair in words and actions, without deceit, cheating or stealing.
(b) Any six: loss of trust and credibility; bad reputation; loss of job or opportunities; punishment (fines, imprisonment, expulsion); broken relationships; guilt and stress; tendency to crime and corruption; loss of moral authority; impeachment or removal from office.

Explanation

Explain, then six consequences for the individual.

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Theory question 102

Nationalism and National Symbols

Section A: National Ethics, Discipline, Rights and Obligations
(a) Mention five national symbols.
(b) State five reasons the promotion of unity and integration is an imperative condition for national development.

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Model answer

(a) Any five: national flag; coat of arms; national anthem; national pledge; national currency (naira); national passport; constitution; national seal; national monuments.
(b) Any five: promotes peace and stability needed for development; encourages co-operation among ethnic groups; attracts investment; promotes fair distribution of resources; prevents conflicts and secession; strengthens patriotism; allows full use of human and natural resources; improves national image.

Explanation

Five symbols, five reasons.

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Theory question 103

Human Rights

Section A: National Ethics, Discipline, Rights and Obligations
(a) What is universality of human rights?
(b) With specific examples, explain the four categories of human rights.

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Model answer

(a) Universality of human rights means human rights belong equally to every human being everywhere, regardless of race, sex, religion, nationality or status.
(b) Civil rights: protect personal freedom and dignity, e.g. right to life, personal liberty, fair hearing, freedom of movement.
Political rights: allow participation in government, e.g. right to vote and be voted for, freedom of association, freedom of expression.
Economic rights: concern livelihood and property, e.g. right to own property, right to work, fair wages.
Social (and cultural) rights: concern welfare and culture, e.g. right to education, health care, social security, practise one's culture and religion.

Explanation

Each category with at least one example.

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Theory question 104

Youth Empowerment

Section B: Emerging Issues in the Society
(a) Explain youth empowerment.
(b) Explain six factors that constitute hindrance to achieving the objectives of youth empowerment programmes.

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Model answer

(a) Youth empowerment is giving young people skills, knowledge, resources and opportunities to become self-reliant and contribute to national development.
(b) Any six, explained: corruption and diversion of funds; politicisation and selection by connections; inadequate funding and start-up capital; poor planning and monitoring; lack of continuity when governments change; poor infrastructure (power, roads); youths' preference for white-collar jobs; insecurity; inadequate training facilities.

Explanation

Explain each hindrance.

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Theory question 105

Human Trafficking

Section B: Emerging Issues in the Society
Explain five reasons victims of human trafficking do not seek help.

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Model answer

Any five, explained:
Fear of traffickers' threats and violence against them or their families.
Oaths and fear of spiritual consequences (juju).
Seizure of passports; fear of arrest or deportation.
Language barriers and ignorance of where to get help.
Debt bondage.
Shame and fear of stigma at home.
Distrust of police and officials (corruption).
Isolation and confinement.

Explanation

Five reasons explained.

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Theory question 106

Cultism

Section B: Emerging Issues in the Society
(a) Enumerate five effects of cult-related activities within school environment.
(b) Explain five efforts of government in taming cultism in the Nigerian educational system.

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Model answer

(a) Any five: loss of lives; fear and insecurity; disruption and closure of schools; poor academic performance; destruction of property; rape, robbery and other crimes; expulsion of students; bad image for schools.
(b) Any five, explained: laws banning secret cults (e.g. 1999 Constitution provisions, state anti-cult laws); expulsion and prosecution of cultists; students sign anti-cult undertakings at admission; enlightenment campaigns; improved campus security and police deployment; support for counselling and lawful student activities; amnesty for those who renounce cultism.

Explanation

Effects in (a); government efforts in (b).

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Theory question 107

Structure and Organs of Government

Section C: Governmental System and Processes
(a) Explain judicial independence.
(b) Highlight six ways of ensuring judicial independence in a democratic state.

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Model answer

(a) Judicial independence means judges decide cases freely according to law, without interference or pressure from the executive, legislature, parties or other interests.
(b) Any six: appointment through an independent body (NJC); security of tenure; good salaries charged on the Consolidated Revenue Fund; financial autonomy of the judiciary; immunity of judges from suits for judicial acts; removal only by due process; judges barred from partisan politics; separation of powers; respect for court judgments by government.

Explanation

Explain, then six ways.

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Theory question 108

Democracy and Elections

Section C: Governmental System and Processes
(a) Identify five reasons for the adoption of representative democracy in Nigeria.
(b) Explain five factors that retard the growth of democracy in Nigeria.

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Model answer

(a) Any five: large population; large size; complexity of modern government; ensures representation of all groups and constituencies; accountability through periodic elections; legitimacy; protection of rights.
(b) Any five, explained: corruption; electoral malpractice and violence; political apathy; poverty and illiteracy; ethnic and religious divisions; godfatherism; weak institutions; insecurity; lack of internal party democracy.

Explanation

Reasons in (a); explained factors in (b).

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Theory question 109

Democracy and Elections

Section C: Governmental System and Processes
(a) Mention three reasons leaders failed to protect the interests of their followers.
(b) Explain six ways leaders can take care of the interests of their followers.

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Model answer

(a) Any three: selfishness and greed; corruption; godfatherism (serving sponsors); lack of accountability; poor vision or incompetence; ethnic or religious bias.
(b) Any six, explained: keeping campaign promises; consulting followers and listening to them; transparency and accountability; fair distribution of projects and amenities; protecting rights and the rule of law; providing security; creating jobs and empowerment; leading by example.

Explanation

Three reasons; six ways explained.

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