(a) State the aims and objectives of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). (b) Outline four achievements of the part

Answer Details

The Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) was formed in 1978 under the leadership of Chief Obafemi Awolowo during the Second Republic. It was largely a successor to the old Action Group and drew its strongest support from the South-West.

(a) Aims and objectives of the UPN

1. Free education at all levels: The party pledged free, qualitative education from primary to university level to eradicate ignorance and illiteracy.
2. Free health services: It aimed at providing free medical care for all citizens to eliminate disease and improve public health.
3. Full (gainful) employment: The party sought to guarantee jobs for all able and willing citizens and to reduce unemployment.
4. Integrated rural development: It planned to develop the rural areas by providing roads, water, electricity and agricultural support to check rural-urban migration.
5. Eradication of poverty, ignorance and disease: The overall philosophy was social welfare and the creation of an egalitarian society based on democratic socialism.
6. Promotion of national unity and democratic government: It aimed to sustain democracy, the rule of law and a united Nigeria.

(b) Four achievements of the party

1. Free education: In the states it controlled (such as the old Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos and Bendel states) it introduced free primary and secondary education, greatly increasing school enrolment.
2. Free health services: It established free health-care programmes and built hospitals and health centres in its states.
3. Rural and infrastructural development: It constructed roads, provided pipe-borne water and rural electrification and set up housing schemes.
4. Effective and accountable governance: The UPN-controlled states became models of prudent, welfare-oriented administration, demonstrating disciplined and people-centred government.