Class: Primary 6
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 6
Average Age: 11 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson: First lesson
Topic: Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida
Content/Learning Area: General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida military Head of State from 1985 to 1993.
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain the meaning of military Heads of State and describe General Ibrahim Babangida’s leadership.
- Affective Domain: Appreciate the impact of General Babangida’s rule on Nigeria.
- Psychomotor Domain: Identify and locate the years of his rule on a historical timeline.
- Social Domain: Discuss the significance of leadership in national development.
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials to enhance understanding and engagement:
- A chart displaying Nigeria’s military Heads of State
- A visual timeline of Nigerian leadership transitions
- A short video documentary on General Babangida’s policies and reforms
- Flashcards highlighting key events and policies from Babangida’s rule
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
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding General Babangida’s military rule helps pupils grasp how leadership decisions shape national history and democracy.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have previously studied General Olusegun Obasanjo’s leadership and understand the role of military Heads of State in Nigeria’s history.
Lesson Content
Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida
A Military Head of State is a national leader who comes into power through the military, often by seizing control in a coup d’état. Nigeria has experienced several military governments, especially during the 1960s to 1990s.
Early Life and Background of General Babangida
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida was born on August 17, 1941, in Minna, Niger State, Nigeria. He attended Government College Bida and later the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna. He further trained in India and the United Kingdom. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1962 and rose through the ranks.
Becoming Head of State
Babangida became Nigeria’s Head of State on August 27, 1985, after overthrowing Major General Muhammadu Buhari in a bloodless coup. His leadership lasted until August 26, 1993, when he stepped aside amid political crisis.
Major Reforms and Policies
During his rule, Babangida introduced significant economic reforms. One of the most notable was the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) in 1986, developed with advice from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. SAP aimed to reduce Nigeria’s dependence on oil revenue and increase private sector involvement but resulted in inflation and hardship for ordinary citizens.
Relocation of Nigeria’s Capital
In 1991, Babangida officially moved Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja to provide a more central and neutral federal capital territory. This was a significant administrative move in the country’s history.
June 12, 1993 Presidential Election and Annulment
One of the most controversial decisions during Babangida’s rule was the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola. The annulment triggered nationwide protests, political tension, and deepened public distrust in military leadership.
Legacy and Impact on National Development
Despite the controversies, Babangida’s administration contributed to infrastructural development, such as roads and public institutions. However, his legacy remains mixed due to the political instability his decisions triggered. His rule shaped Nigeria’s journey toward democratic governance.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Lecture, Storytelling, Explanation, Visual Aids, Group Work
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 to mention past military rulers and shows pictures. | Respond and observe visuals. | Introduction to military leadership in Nigeria. |
| Step 2: Meaning of Military Heads of State | 5 mins | Explanation | Explains what military rule means and why it occurs. | Listen and take notes. | Understanding military governance. |
| Step 3: Rise of General Babangida | 6 mins | Storytelling | Tells the story of how Babangida became Head of State. | Listen actively and answer questions. | Knowledge of political transitions. |
| Step 4: Policies and Major Events | 8 mins | Use of Visual Aids | Displays timeline and flashcards to explain SAP, Abuja relocation, and June 12. | Observe, ask questions, and participate in discussion. | Understanding leadership decisions and effects. |
| Step 5: Class Discussion on Legacy | 5 mins | Guided Discussion | Engages pupils in a discussion about the legacy of General Babangida. | Express views and give examples. | Critical thinking about national leadership. |
| Note Taking | 3 mins | Writing Exercise | Guides pupils to write key points from the lesson. | Write summaries in notebooks. | Reinforcement of key facts. |
| Evaluation | 5 mins | Oral Assessment | Asks questions based on the content taught. | Answer and reflect. | Assessment of learning. |
| Conclusion | 3 mins | Instructional & Cognitive Closure | Summarizes key points and links to upcoming topic. | Listen and ask final questions. | Lesson summary and transition. |
Lesson Keywords
- Military Head of State – A leader who rules a country through military power.
- Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) – Economic reform plan to reduce government spending and boost private sector.
- Annulment – Legal cancellation of an election or decision.
- Coup d’état – Sudden takeover of government by force.
- Legacy – Long-term impact of a person’s actions or leadership.
Lesson Evaluation
- Who is a Military Head of State?
- In what year did General Babangida become Nigeria’s Head of State?
- What was the Structural Adjustment Programme?
- Why was Nigeria’s capital moved to Abuja?
- What happened during the June 12, 1993 election?
Assignment/Homework
Write a short biography of General Ibrahim Babangida in your notebook. Include his birth, career, achievements, and role in Nigeria’s history.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Use repetition and simple language. Provide extra time for note-taking.
- For advanced learners: Assign independent research on military regimes in Nigeria.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use videos, images, timelines, and group discussions for better engagement.
Note for Teachers
Encourage learners to think critically about leadership and its impact. Use storytelling to make historical events relatable. Reinforce learning with charts and visual timelines. Engage learners in discussions to foster expression and confidence.