• Class: Primary 6
  • Term: 1st Term
  • Week: 5
  • Age: 11 years
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Subject: History
  • Previous Lesson: Period of Civil Rule in Nigeria 1999–date
  • Topic: Civilian Leaders
  • Content: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Alhaji Shehu Shagari

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

  • Cognitive Domain: Identify the contributions of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and Alhaji Shehu Shagari to Nigeria’s development.
  • Affective Domain: Appreciate the leadership qualities of these civilian leaders.
  • Psychomotor Domain: Role-play a speech on leadership inspired by these historical figures.
  • Social Domain: Discuss the importance of civilian leadership in fostering national unity.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:


Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Pictures of Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and Alhaji Shehu Shagari.
  • A timeline chart showing their leadership periods.
  • Audio recordings of their speeches.
  • Flashcards with key contributions.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the contributions of past civilian leaders to Nigeria’s development. It emphasizes the importance of good leadership in fostering unity and progress.


Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of the periods of civil rule in Nigeria from the previous lesson and are familiar with the concept of leadership in their community.


Instructional Procedures

Content DevelopmentTimeTeaching MethodTeaching StrategyTeacher’s ActivityPupils’ ActivityLearning Point
Step 1: Introduction 5 minsSet InductionQuestion-and-AnswerAsks pupils questions like “Who can mention a leader in Nigeria?”Pupils respond by naming leaders they know.Pupils recall prior knowledge of leaders.
Step 2: Explanation10 minsLecture and storytellingUse of visuals and timelinesExplains the history of each leader with pictures and stories.Pupils listen and observe materials.Pupils understand the historical context.
Step 3: Discussion8 minsGroup discussionGuided group taskGuides pupils in groups to identify leadership qualities.Pupils share ideas in groups and present.Pupils analyze and appreciate leadership qualities.
Step 4: Note-Taking5 minsGuided writingVisual aidsWrites key points on the board and explains them.Pupils copy notes into their books.Pupils record essential details.
Step 5: Role-Play7 minsDemonstrationRole-playing activityEncourages pupils to perform short leadership speeches inspired by the leaders discussed.Pupils act out leadership qualities.Pupils develop confidence in leadership expression.
Step 6: Evaluation3 minsOral questioningIndividual questioningAsks evaluative questions based on the lesson.Pupils answer questions individually.Pupils consolidate their understanding.
Step 7: Conclusion2 minsSummaryRecapSummarizes the lesson and connects it to pupils’ daily lives.Pupils listen actively.Pupils understand the importance of leadership.

Lesson Content

Civilian Leaders: Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Alhaji Shehu Shagari

Civilian Leaders are individuals who hold important positions in the government but are not part of the military.

  1. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1963–1966):
    Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe was Nigeria’s first President. He played a key role in the country’s independence and emphasized education and unity.
  2. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1957–1966):
    Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa served as Nigeria’s first Prime Minister. He promoted peace and the economic development of Nigeria.
  3. Alhaji Shehu Shagari (1979–1983):
    Alhaji Shehu Shagari was Nigeria’s first executive President. He focused on housing, agriculture, and industrialization.

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

  1. Who was Nigeria’s first President?
  2. Name the first Prime Minister of Nigeria.
  3. Mention one contribution of Alhaji Shehu Shagari to Nigeria’s development.
  4. Explain why unity was important to Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
  5. Role-play a short speech inspired by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.

Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan

Encourage active participation by using real-life examples of leadership qualities. Relate historical lessons to current leadership roles in the pupils’ community for better understanding. Happy teaching!

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Primary Six, History

Last Update: November 20, 2024