PAD 223 introduces students to the concepts, indicators, and drivers of socio-economic development, with emphasis on how public policies and institutions influence living standards and national progress. The course examines the meaning and measurement of development (growth vs development, poverty, inequality, employment, and basic social services), key development theories and strategies, and the roles of government and other stakeholders in planning and implementing development programmes. It also explores major development challenges in Nigeria—such as underdevelopment, unemployment, inflation, low productivity, corruption, inadequate infrastructure, and regional/rural-urban disparities—and reviews policy tools and institutional approaches for improving welfare, promoting inclusive growth, and achieving sustainable development outcomes.
PAD 221 examines how the different tiers and agencies of government relate, coordinate, and manage shared responsibilities within a federal system, with emphasis on Nigeria. The course covers the meaning and objectives of intergovernmental relations, the constitutional and institutional bases for cooperation among federal, state, and local governments, and the mechanisms used to coordinate policy, finance, and service delivery. It also explores fiscal federalism issues such as revenue allocation, grants, joint projects, and conflict resolution, as well as the role of intergovernmental bodies, committees, and administrative instruments in improving policy coherence, accountability, and development outcomes.
LGS 102 builds on Local Government Administration I by examining the operational and managerial processes through which local governments function as service-delivery and development institutions. The course focuses on local government finance and budgeting, revenue generation and financial control, personnel administration and staffing systems, planning and implementation of grassroots programmes, and the practical challenges of inter-governmental relations and supervision. It also considers local government reforms, accountability mechanisms, citizen participation, and strategies for improving efficiency, transparency, and performance in local councils, with emphasis on the Nigerian local government system.