Citizenship of a state is based on the following requirements except

1. Analyze the question The question asks which option is NOT a way of acquiring citizenship. This is an "except" question, so three options are valid means of citizenship and one is not.

2. Explain the concept Citizenship is full membership of a state, with rights and duties. In Nigeria, the 1999 Constitution (Chapter III) provides for citizenship in three main ways:

• Birth: A person born in Nigeria to at least one parent or grandparent who belongs to an indigenous community is a citizen. A person born outside Nigeria to a Nigerian parent is also a citizen.
• Registration: This covers women married to Nigerian men and people of Nigerian descent. Marriage is therefore a recognised route, though it works through registration.
• Naturalization: A foreigner who meets conditions such as residency, good character, and a commitment to settle can be granted citizenship.

Other recognised ways in Government textbooks include honorary citizenship and citizenship by decent (descent).

3. Work through the options

• A. Birth: A valid basis for citizenship.
• B. Marriage: A valid basis, since it is recognised in the constitution through registration.
• C. Education: Going to school or earning a degree in a country does not make a person a citizen. A foreign student who studies in Nigeria for years remains a foreigner.
• D. Naturalization: A valid, legal process of becoming a citizen.

4. Answer The option that is not a requirement or basis for citizenship is C. Education.

5. Exam tip Remember the citizenship routes with B-R-N-H: Birth, Registration (including marriage), Naturalization, Honorary. If an option such as education, wealth, or religion appears, it is almost certainly the "except" answer.