Class: Primary 6
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 5
Average Age: 11 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson: First lesson
Topic: Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – General Olusegun Obasanjo
Content/Learning Area: General Olusegun Obasanjo Head of State from 1976 to 1979.
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Describe General Olusegun Obasanjo’s rule and date/periods, identify General Olusegun Obasanjo’s key contributions, state key information about General Olusegun Obasanjo
- Affective Domain: Appreciate the role of General Olusegun Obasanjo in Nigeria’s transition to democracy.
- Psychomotor Domain: Create a timeline of General Olusegun Obasanjo’s military leadership period.
- Social Domain: Discuss the importance of good leadership in a country’s development.
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
- A chart showing pictures of Nigeria’s Military Heads of State
- A timeline of General Olusegun Obasanjo’s tenure
- Flashcards with key dates and events
- A Nigerian flag
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 the life and contributions of General Olusegun Obasanjo helps pupils recognize leadership qualities and Nigeria’s path to democracy.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have learned about General Murtala Mohammed in the previous lesson and already understand the concept of military rule in Nigeria.
Lesson Content
Military Heads of State in Nigeria – General Olusegun Obasanjo
General Olusegun Obasanjo is a former Nigerian military officer and statesman who played a significant role in the nation’s political history. He became Head of State in 1976 following the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed. His leadership lasted until 1979, during which he made history as the first Nigerian military leader to voluntarily hand over power to a civilian government, initiating the Second Republic.
Early Life and Military Career
Olusegun Obasanjo was born on March 5, 1937, in Abeokuta, Ogun State. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1958 and received military training in various countries including the United Kingdom and India. He rose through the ranks quickly and gained recognition during the Nigerian Civil War, where he commanded the Third Marine Commando Division.
Becoming Head of State
After the assassination of General Murtala Mohammed in 1976, Obasanjo, who was then the Chief of Staff, Supreme Headquarters, succeeded him as the Head of State. This made him the second in the line of military leaders post-civil war and one of the most pivotal figures in Nigeria’s transition era.
Key Achievements as Head of State
Obasanjo’s regime was notable for several significant achievements:
- Transition to Civilian Rule: He handed over power to the democratically elected President Shehu Shagari in 1979, marking a peaceful transition and the beginning of the Second Republic.
- Agricultural Development: He introduced the Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) programme to boost food production and reduce Nigeria’s dependency on food imports.
- Improvement in Foreign Relations: He promoted Nigeria’s image on the African continent and supported the fight against apartheid in South Africa.
- Expansion of Education: His government established more schools and higher institutions to improve access to education.
Legacy and Later Years
Even after his military rule, Obasanjo remained active in politics and returned as a civilian President in 1999, serving two terms until 2007. His military leadership is often praised for its discipline and foresight in national planning. His legacy includes promoting democracy, education, and regional peacekeeping.
Teaching 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 if they know any past Nigerian leader and what they did | Pupils respond with names and details of leaders | Recall past leaders and their contributions |
| Step 2: Meaning of Military Heads of State | 5 mins | Explanation | Explains the concept and origin of military rule | Listen and ask questions | Understand what military rule means |
| Step 3: Life of General Olusegun Obasanjo | 8 mins | Storytelling | Describes Obasanjo’s background, military rise, and leadership | Listen and take notes | Learn about Obasanjo’s background |
| Step 4: Achievements of General Obasanjo | 7 mins | Explanation | Uses visual aids to explain his reforms and legacy | Observe and respond | Recognize key achievements |
| Step 5: Note Taking | 5 mins | Writing | Guides pupils to copy notes | Copy key points | Organize knowledge gained |
| Step 6: Lesson Evaluation | 5 mins | Oral Questioning | Asks review questions based on the lesson | Answer questions | Assess understanding |
| Step 7: Conclusion | 5 mins | Instructional Closure | Summarizes key points and links to future lessons | Listen and ask questions | Reinforce knowledge |
Lesson Keywords
- Military Head of State – A leader who rules a country through the military
- Transition – The process of changing from one form to another, especially from military to civilian government
- Democracy – A system of government where the people elect their leaders
- Operation Feed the Nation – A programme aimed at improving agriculture in Nigeria
- Abeokuta – The birthplace of General Olusegun Obasanjo, located in Ogun State
Lesson Evaluation
- Who is a Military Head of State?
- When did General Olusegun Obasanjo become Nigeria’s Head of State?
- Mention two key achievements of General Olusegun Obasanjo.
- Why was General Olusegun Obasanjo’s leadership important to Nigeria?
- What was significant about his transition to democracy?
Assignment/Homework
Write a short biography of General Olusegun Obasanjo including his early life, military career, and his contributions as Head of State.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Use flashcards and simple visuals to aid understanding of events and achievements.
- For advanced learners: Assign additional reading on Nigeria’s Second Republic and Obasanjo’s civilian presidency.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use charts, read-aloud timelines, and role-play activities about Obasanjo’s rule.
Note for Teachers
Ensure pupils grasp the significance of peaceful transitions in leadership. Emphasize how General Obasanjo’s decision influenced Nigeria’s political development.