Class: Primary 6
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 8
Age: 11 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson: First lesson
Topic: Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – General Abdulsalami Abubakar
Content/Learning Area: General Abdulsalami Abubakar, Nigeria’s last military Head of State.
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain the meaning of military Heads of State in Nigeria and describe the life and leadership of General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
- Affective Domain: Appreciate the role of General Abdulsalami Abubakar in Nigeria’s transition to democracy.
- Psychomotor Domain: Identify and locate General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s period of rule on a timeline.
- Social Domain: Discuss the importance of peaceful transitions in leadership.
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
- A timeline of Nigeria’s military rulers
- A map of Nigeria
- Pictures of General Abdulsalami Abubakar
- A short documentary or video clip on his leadership
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- Nigerian 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Relevant Textbooks
- Online Information from: Wikipedia – Abdulsalami Abubakar
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding military leadership in Nigeria helps pupils appreciate the country’s political history. General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s leadership is important because he played a crucial role in Nigeria’s return to democracy in 1999.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have already learned about General Sani Abacha and his military rule. They also understand the role of the military in governance and the characteristics of military regimes.
Lesson Content
General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s Early Life and Military Career
General Abdulsalami Abubakar was born on June 13, 1942, in Minna, Niger State. He received his early education in Minna before joining the Nigerian military. His military career saw him rise through the ranks, holding various command positions. His experience and strategic acumen positioned him for leadership roles within the military hierarchy.
General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s Ascension to Power
Following the sudden death of General Sani Abacha on June 8, 1998, General Abdulsalami Abubakar became Nigeria’s Head of State. The circumstances surrounding Abacha’s death created a power vacuum, and Abubakar, as the Chief of Defence Staff, was appointed to fill this critical role.
Key Achievements During His Leadership
- Transition to Democracy: His most significant achievement was his commitment to returning Nigeria to civilian rule. He initiated a transition program that culminated in the 1999 general elections, marking the end of military rule.
- Creation of the 1999 Constitution: His administration oversaw the drafting and promulgation of the 1999 Constitution, which laid the foundation for Nigeria’s current democratic framework.
- Release of Political Prisoners: He released numerous political prisoners, including Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, fostering an environment of reconciliation and national unity.
- Establishment of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC): He established INEC to ensure free and fair elections, a crucial step in the democratic transition.
- Peace Efforts in Africa: After retiring from office, he engaged in various peace missions across Africa, contributing to regional stability.
The Significance of His Peaceful Transition
The peaceful transition of power from General Abubakar to a democratically elected civilian government was pivotal in Nigeria’s history. It demonstrated a commitment to democratic principles and helped restore Nigeria’s international standing. This transition is seen as a crucial turning point, moving Nigeria away from prolonged military rule towards a more stable democratic future.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, lecture, Visual Aids, Brainstorming.
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
| Content Development | Time | Teaching Skills | Teacher’s Activity | Pupils’ Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Introduction | 5 mins | Set Induction | Asks pupils what they know about Nigeria’s past leaders. | Pupils respond with what they remember. | Understanding prior knowledge. |
| Step 2: Explanation of Military Heads of State | 7 mins | Explanation | Explains what military Heads of State are and their role in governance. | Listen attentively and ask questions. | Military rule means governance by the military. |
| Step 3: Biography of Abdulsalami Abubakar | 10 mins | Lecture, Visual aids | Displays pictures and timeline of his rule, and his summarized biography. | Observe pictures, take notes, and listen attentively. | Abdulsalami Abubakar ruled from 1998 to 1999. |
| Step 4: His Achievements | 8 mins | Discussion, Brainstorming | Discusses his key achievements in governance, especially the transition to democracy. | Contribute to the discussion and brainstorm ideas. | He helped Nigeria return to democracy. |
| Step 5: Note Taking | 5 mins | Writing | Guides pupils to copy key points. | Copy key points in their notebooks. | Recording information. |
| Step 6: Evaluation | 3 mins | Questioning, Oral review | Asks pupils to mention key facts about his rule. | Answer questions based on the lesson. | Checking comprehension. |
| Step 7: Conclusion | 2 mins | Summary, Recap | Summarizes the lesson and encourages further reading. | Listen and ask final questions. | Understanding the lesson’s relevance. |
Lesson Keywords (Key terms used in the lesson)
- Military Head of State – A leader who takes control of a country’s government through the military.
- Transition to Democracy – The process of moving from military rule to civilian democratic governance.
- Constitution – The fundamental principles and established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed.
- INEC – Independent National Electoral Commission, Nigeria’s electoral body.
Lesson Evaluation
- What is a Military Head of State?
- When did General Abdulsalami Abubakar rule Nigeria?
- Mention two achievements of General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
- Why is he important in Nigeria’s history?
- What was the main change he brought to Nigeria?
Assignment/Homework
Pupils should research and write a short essay on the significance of the 1999 Constitution in Nigeria’s democratic journey.
Differentiation
For slower learners:
Use visual aids and repeat key points. Provide simplified explanations and summaries.
For advanced learners:
Encourage research on his contributions to regional peace efforts. Assign them to create a detailed timeline of his rule.
For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners:
Use a short documentary to reinforce the lesson. Incorporate interactive activities that involve movement and hands-on learning.
Note for Teachers
Ensure pupils understand the difference between military and civilian rule. Use real-life examples to explain leadership transitions. Keep the lesson engaging by allowing pupils to ask questions and participate actively. Happy teaching!