• Class: Primary 4
  • Term: 2nd Term
  • Week: 2
  • Age: 9 years
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Subject: Social Studies
  • Previous Lesson: Meaning of Citizenship
  • Topic: Rights of Citizens
  • Content: Meaning of rights, Examples of rights of citizens

Performance Objectives

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

  • Cognitive Domain: Explain the meaning of rights and identify seven rights of citizens in Nigeria.
  • Affective Domain: Appreciate the importance of respecting their own rights and those of others.
  • Psychomotor Domain: Write out the seven rights of Nigerian citizens in their notebooks.
  • Social Domain: Discuss how respecting the rights of others promotes peaceful coexistence.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:


Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • The Nigerian Constitution (simplified version).
  • Flashcards with rights of citizens written on them.
  • A chart listing examples of citizens’ rights.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding rights equips pupils to become informed and responsible citizens who respect others’ rights and advocate for justice in society.


Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have learned the meaning of citizenship and can identify who is considered a citizen of Nigeria.


Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Content DevelopmentTimeTeaching MethodTeaching StrategyTeacher’s ActivityPupils’ ActivityLearning Point
Step 1: Introduction5 minsSet inductionQuestion and answerAsks pupils to recall what a citizen means.Respond to teacher’s questions.Pupils recall the concept of citizenship.
Step 2: Meaning of Rights10 minsExplanationDirect instructionExplains the meaning of rights using examples.Listen attentively and ask questions.Pupils understand the definition of rights.
Step 3: Examples of Rights10 minsDiscussionUse of teaching aidsDisplays a chart showing seven rights of citizens, discusses them.Observe chart and discuss.Pupils identify examples of citizens’ rights.
Step 4: Importance of Rights5 minsInteractiveGroup discussionFacilitates a discussion on why rights are important.Share ideas in small groups.Pupils appreciate the importance of rights.
Step 5: Note Taking5 minsWriting activityGuided learningGuides pupils to copy notes from the board.Copy notes in their books.Pupils reinforce learning by note-taking.
Step 6: Evaluation3 minsAssessmentOral questioningAsks pupils to answer questions based on the lesson.Answer questions orally.Pupils demonstrate comprehension of the topic.
Step 7: Conclusion2 minsSummaryRecap key pointsSummarizes the lesson and reinforces key points.Listen to the teacher’s summary.Pupils review the core aspects of the lesson.

Lesson Content

Rights of Citizens


Rights are the privileges or freedoms that every citizen is entitled to enjoy by law. These rights are guaranteed by the Nigerian Constitution to ensure fairness and equality.

Rights of Citizens in Nigeria

  1. Right to Life: Every citizen has the right to live and be protected.
  2. Right to Freedom of Expression: Citizens can freely share their opinions.
  3. Right to Education: Every child has the right to basic education.
  4. Right to Freedom of Movement: Citizens can travel within the country without restriction.
  5. Right to Religion: Everyone can choose and practice any religion.
  6. Right to Fair Hearing: Everyone has the right to be heard in a court of law.
  7. Right to Privacy: Citizens are entitled to privacy in their personal lives.

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

  1. Define the term “rights.”
  2. List any four rights of citizens in Nigeria.
  3. Explain why it is important to respect the rights of others.
  4. Discuss how respecting others’ rights can promote peace in society.

Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan

Encourage active participation from pupils by asking thought-provoking questions and allowing them to relate the concept of rights to their everyday lives. Use real-life examples to make the lesson relatable. Happy teaching!