- Class: Primary 6
- Term: 1st Term
- Week: 1
- Age: 11 years
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Subject: History
- Previous Lesson: N/A
- Topic: Meaning of Civil Rule
- Content: Meaning of Civil Rule, Period of Civil Rule in Nigeria
Performance Objectives:
- By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Define civil rule and list the periods of civil rule in Nigeria.
- Affective Domain: Appreciate the importance of civil rule in promoting peace and stability in a country.
- Psychomotor Domain: Draw a timeline showing the periods of civil rule in Nigeria.
- Social Domain: Discuss how civil rule promotes cooperation and peaceful coexistence among citizens.
Reference Materials:
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Information from Council on Foreign Relations – Abacha, Abiola, and Nigeria’s 1999 Transition to Civilian Rule
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials:
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- A chart showing periods of civil rule in Nigeria
- A timeline chart
- A whiteboard and markers
- Pictures of leaders during civil rule in Nigeria
Rationale for the Lesson:
Understanding civil rule is essential as it helps pupils comprehend the role of democracy in ensuring peace and stability within a country. It also introduces them to Nigeria’s political history and how governance has shifted over time.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge:
Pupils have prior knowledge of leadership and governance based on their experience with class rules and discussions about Nigeria’s independence.
Instructional Procedures:
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
| Content Development | Time | Teaching Method | Teaching Strategy | Teacher’s Activity | Pupils’ Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Introduction | 5 mins | Set Induction | Question and Answer | Introduce the topic by asking pupils what they know about government and leadership. | Answer questions and share thoughts. | Introduction to civil rule |
| Step 2: Explanation of Civil Rule | 10 mins | Explanation | Direct instruction | Define civil rule and explain its characteristics using simple terms. | Listen attentively and ask questions. | Meaning of Civil rule. |
| Step 3: Periods of Civil Rule in Nigeria | 10 mins | Illustration | Use of visual aids | Show a chart of periods of civil rule and explain each period briefly. | Observe the chart and note important periods. | Timeline of civil rule in Nigeria. |
| Step 4: Classroom Note Taking | 5 mins | Interactive | Written activity | Instruct pupils to copy the note provided below. | Copy the classroom note. | summary of key points of the lesson in notebooks. |
| Step 5: Evaluation | 5 mins | Questioning | Recap and feedback | Ask pupils questions based on the lesson. | Respond to questions verbally. | Evaluate pupils’ understanding of civil rule and its significance in Nigerian history. |
| Step 6: Conclusion | 5 mins | Recap | Summary and reinforcement | Summarize the lesson by highlighting the importance of civil rule and how it affects governance. | Participate in the summary. | Recap of the entire lesson to ensures reinforcement. |
Lesson Content
Meaning Of Civil Rule
Civil rule means that the government is elected by the people and operates according to democratic principles. Civic rule ensures that citizens have the right to vote, express their opinions, and participate in decisions that affect their lives. Under civil rule, the government is accountable to the people, and laws are made to protect the rights and freedoms of individuals. Nigeria has experienced both civil rule and military rule throughout its history.
Civil Rule Periods in Nigeria
Civil rule in Nigeria existed during these periods:
- 1960–1966: After gaining independence from Britain in 1960, Nigeria experienced its first period of civil rule. This was marked by the election of civilian leaders, including Prime Minister Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
- 1979–1983: Nigeria returned to civil rule after years of military rule, with Alhaji Shehu Shagari elected as the president in 1979.
- 1999–Present: Nigeria transitioned back to civil rule in 1999, following years of military rule. The current democratic era began with the election of President Olusegun Obasanjo, and civil rule has continued since then, with regular elections held every four years.
Why is Civil Rule Important?
There are many benefits of civil rules, and they include:
- Global Recognition: Civil rule strengthens international relations and attracts foreign investment.
- Democracy: Civil rule allows citizens to elect leaders, ensuring the government represents the people’s interests.
- Human Rights: Civil rule protects individual freedoms like speech, assembly, and fair treatment.
- Peace and Stability: Civil rule resolves conflicts through dialogue, elections, and legal processes.
- Accountability: Civil rule holds leaders responsible to the people and allows removal if they fail to meet their duties.
- Economic Growth: Civil rule promotes openness and stability, encouraging business and development.
Lesson Evaluation:
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Define civil rule.
- Mention three periods of civil rule in Nigeria.
- Explain why civil rule is important for a peaceful country.
- Draw a simple timeline showing the periods of civil rule in Nigeria.
- Discuss how civil rule can promote unity among citizens.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan:
Ensure that the pupils grasp the meaning of civil rule by using examples they can relate to, such as school elections. Encouraging discussions around how civil rule brings about peace will help in the affective domain. Visual aids like charts or timelines make the periods of civil rule more memorable for the pupils. Happy teaching!
