• Class: Primary 6
  • Term: 1st Term
  • Week: 2
  • Age: 11 years
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Subject: History
  • Previous Lesson: Meaning Of Civic Rule
  • Topic: Period Of Civil Rule In Nigeria 1960-1966
  • Content: Period Of Civil Rule In Nigeria 1960-1966

Performance Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive domain: Identify the major leaders and achievements during Nigeria’s civil rule from 1960–1966.
Affective domain: Appreciate the significance of leadership during Nigeria’s civil rule.
Psychomotor domain: Create a simple timeline showing key events from 1960–1966.
Social domain: Discuss the contributions of civil leadership to national unity.


Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

  1. 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
  2. Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
  3. NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
  4. Online Information from: OpenEdition Books – The Management of Transition to Civil Rule by the Military in Nigeria
  5. Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  1. Chart showing Nigeria’s leaders from 1960–1966
  2. Timeline of events during Nigeria’s civil rule
  3. Images of key leaders (e.g., Tafawa Balewa, Nnamdi Azikiwe)
  4. A map of Nigeria

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding the period of civil rule helps pupils appreciate the foundation of Nigeria’s democracy and the contributions of early leaders to nation-building.


Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are familiar with the concept of civil rule and its meaning as discussed in the previous lesson.


Instructional Procedures

Content DevelopmentTimeTeaching MethodTeaching StrategyTeacher’s ActivityPupils’ ActivityLearning Point
Step 1: Introduction5 minsSet inductionQuestion and answerAsks pupils questions about civil rule and introduces the focus topic.Answer questions and listen actively.Civil rule began after Nigeria gained independence in 1960.
Step 2: Explanation10 minsLectureStorytellingNarrates key events of the civil rule period, highlighting leaders and achievements.Listen attentively and ask questions.Leadership was pivotal to Nigeria’s growth during 1960–1966.
Step 3: Illustration7 minsDemonstrationUse of visual aidsDisplays a chart of Nigeria’s leaders and a timeline of events from 1960–1966.Observe charts and contribute to discussions.Nigeria’s civil rule was led by figures like Tafawa Balewa and Nnamdi Azikiwe.
Step 4: Note-taking5 minsGuided note-takingDirect instructionGuides pupils to copy a concise note on the period of civil rule.Copy the note into their books.Key points of civil rule are noted for future reference.
Step 5: Class Activity5 minsHands-on activityGroup discussionAssigns groups to discuss the impact of civil rule on national unity.Participate in group discussions and share insights.Civil rule leaders worked towards Nigeria’s unity and independence goals.
Step 6: Evaluation5 minsFormativeOral questioningAsks pupils questions to review what has been learned.Answer the questions and seek clarifications where needed.Knowledge of civil rule during 1960–1966 is reinforced.
Step 7: Conclusion3 minsRecapSummarizationRecaps the topic and provides a moral lesson on the importance of good leadership.Reflect on the recap and moral lesson.Good leadership fosters unity and growth.

Lesson Content

Period of Civil Rule in Nigeria 1960–1966

Civil rule began after Nigeria gained independence in 1960.

  1. 1960 – Independence: Nigeria became an independent nation on October 1, 1960, with Nnamdi Azikiwe as Governor-General and Tafawa Balewa as Prime Minister.
  2. 1963 – Republican Status: Nigeria became a republic, with Nnamdi Azikiwe as the first President.
  3. Economic Growth: Focus was placed on agricultural development and establishing industries.
  4. Regional Autonomy: The government operated a regional system with the North, West, East, and Mid-West regions.
  5. 1966 – End of Civic Rule: This period ended with a military coup in January 1966.

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

  1. Name two leaders during Nigeria’s civic rule from 1960–1966.
  2. Mention one major achievement during this period.
  3. State the year Nigeria became a republic.
  4. Explain the importance of unity during civic rule.
  5. Draw a simple timeline of events from 1960–1966.

Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan

Ensure pupils are actively engaged through visuals and group activities to foster participation. Relate the topic to current democratic practices for better understanding. Happy teaching!

Last Update: November 20, 2024