Performance Objectives:

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

  • Cognitive domain: Explain the contributions of Dr. Goodluck Jonathan and Mohammadu Buhari to Nigeria’s development.
  • Affective domain: Appreciate the role of civilian leaders in national progress.
  • Psychomotor domain: Create a timeline or poster showing the key achievements of both leaders.
  • Social domain: Discuss in groups how leadership affects a country’s growth.

Reference Materials:

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:


Instructional Materials:

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Chart paper for poster creation
  • Projector (optional for displaying images of the leaders)
  • Timeline template

Rationale for the Lesson:

Understanding the contributions of civilian leaders like Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan and Mohammadu Buhari helps pupils appreciate the significance of good governance and leadership in national development. It also fosters an understanding of historical events and their impacts on current and future generations.


Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge:

Pupils should have knowledge of past Nigerian leaders, basic understanding of government systems, and prior exposure to historical events involving leadership in Nigeria.


Instructional Procedures:

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

Content DevelopmentTimeTeaching MethodTeaching StrategyTeacher’s ActivityPupil’s ActivityLearning Point
Step 1: Introduction5 minutesSet InductionQuestioning & DiscussionThe teacher will begin by asking pupils if they know any recent leaders of Nigeria and their achievements.Pupils will answer and discuss in small groups about what they know about Nigerian leaders.Introduce pupils to the concept of civilian leaders in Nigeria.
Step 2: Teaching Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s History10 minutesDirect InstructionLecture & StorytellingThe teacher will provide a brief history of Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, his time as President, and his key contributions.Pupils listen and take notes on key points in Jonathan’s history and his contributions to Nigeria.Dr. Goodluck Jonathan’s leadership and contributions to Nigeria.
Step 3: Teaching Mohammadu Buhari’s History10 minutesDirect InstructionLecture & StorytellingThe teacher will provide a brief history of Mohammadu Buhari, his role as President, and his policies that impacted Nigeria.Pupils listen and take notes on Buhari’s leadership and achievements in office.Mohammadu Buhari’s leadership and contributions to Nigeria.
Step 4: Group Activity5 minutesGroup WorkCollaborative LearningThe teacher will ask pupils to work in groups to discuss and create a poster of the contributions of both leaders.Pupils will work in groups to design a poster or timeline of the leaders’ achievements.Collaborative understanding of both leaders’ impacts.
Step 5: Note-taking5 minutesGuided PracticeDirect WritingThe teacher will guide pupils to summarize the key points about both leaders.Pupils will write a short summary of the lesson and the contributions of the two leaders.Develop concise notes on the lesson content.
Step 6: Evaluation3 minutesQuestioningOral DiscussionThe teacher will ask comprehension questions based on the lesson’s content.Pupils will answer the teacher’s questions and discuss the main points.Evaluate pupil understanding of the key contributions.
Step 7: Conclusion2 minutesRecap and ReinforceSummary & ReinforcementThe teacher will briefly summarize the key points covered in the lesson, and link it to Nigeria’s future development.Pupils will listen and reflect on the importance of good leadership in the growth of a nation.Leadership’s role in national development.

Lesson Content:

Civilian Leaders: Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan & Mohammadu Buhari

Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

Dr. Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was the 14th President of Nigeria. He became president in 2010 after the death of President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, and he was elected for a full term in 2011, serving until 2015.

Contributions to the development of Nigeria

  • Power Sector Reform: One of his major contributions was working on improving Nigeria’s power supply. He initiated projects to increase electricity generation.
  • Education: He focused on improving the education system by building more schools and providing scholarships to Nigerian students.
  • Economic Growth: Under his leadership, Nigeria’s economy grew, and the country became one of the largest economies in Africa.
  • Democracy: Dr. Jonathan is remembered for his commitment to democracy. He allowed a peaceful transfer of power in 2015, which is a major achievement for Nigeria’s democracy.

Mohammadu Buhari

Mohammadu Buhari is a very important figure in Nigeria’s history. He was born on December 17, 1942, in Daura, a town in Katsina State, Nigeria. He became Nigeria’s president two times: once as a military ruler and then as a civilian president.

Contributions to the development of Nigeria

  • Anti-Corruption: Buhari has worked hard to reduce corruption by setting up anti-corruption programs.
  • Security: He has also fought against groups like Boko Haram and has worked to improve the safety of Nigerians.
  • Economic Improvements: Buhari has tried to improve Nigeria’s economy by investing in agriculture and infrastructure projects.

Lesson Evaluation:

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

  1. Who was Dr. Goodluck Jonathan, and what were his major contributions to Nigeria’s development?
  2. Explain the significance of Mohammadu Buhari’s leadership in modern Nigeria.
  3. Discuss how civilian leadership can affect the growth of a country.
  4. Create a simple timeline of the key events during the leadership of both Jonathan and Buhari.

Note for Teachers Using this Lesson Plan:

Encourage pupils to participate actively in the group activity by allowing them to be creative in their poster designs. Make sure to ask guiding questions to help pupils understand the broader impact of these leaders on the country’s future.
Happy teaching!