- Class: Primary 6
- Term: 2nd Term
- Week: 9
- Age: 11 years
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Subject: History
- Curriculum Theme: History
- Previous Lesson: Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – General Abdulsalami Abubakar
- Topic: How Military Leaders Came To Power
- Content: Through military coups.
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain the meaning of a military coup and how military leaders came to power in Nigeria.
- Affective Domain: Appreciate the role of democracy and express an opinion about military rule.
- Psychomotor Domain: Identify and name key military leaders who came to power through coups.
- Social Domain: Discuss the effects of military takeovers on society and governance.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Information from: Britannica – Military Rule
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- A chart showing Nigerian military rulers and the years they ruled
- A short video clip on military coups (if available)
- A timeline of military takeovers in Nigeria
- Flashcards with key terms like “military coup,” “head of state,” and “democracy”
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding how military leaders came to power helps pupils grasp Nigeria’s political history. This knowledge enables them to appreciate the importance of democracy and stable governance.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have learned about General Abdulsalami Abubakar as a military leader. They also know that Nigeria has had both civilian and military governments.
Lesson Content
How Military Leaders Came to Power
A military leader is a ruler who takes control of a country through the military instead of being elected by the people. In Nigeria, military leaders came to power mainly through coups d’état (a sudden overthrow of the government by the armed forces).
Methods Through Which Military Leaders Took Power
- First Military Coup (1966): Led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, this coup ended the First Republic.
- Counter Coup (1966): Another coup brought General Yakubu Gowon to power.
- 1975 Coup: General Murtala Mohammed overthrew Gowon.
- 1976 Coup: After Murtala Mohammed’s assassination, General Olusegun Obasanjo took over.
- 1983 Coup: The military, led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari, took over from the civilian government.
- 1985 Coup: General Ibrahim Babangida overthrew Buhari.
- 1993 Military Takeover: General Sani Abacha seized power.
- 1998 Transition: After Abacha’s death, General Abdulsalami Abubakar led the transition to democracy.
Each coup happened due to dissatisfaction with the existing government, corruption, or political instability. However, military rule often limited people’s rights and delayed democratic progress.
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
| Content Development | Time | Teaching Method | Teaching Strategy | Teacher’s Activity | Pupils’ Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Introduction | 5 mins | Set induction | Questioning | Asks pupils if they know how military leaders ruled Nigeria. | Pupils respond with prior knowledge. | Introduction to military rule. |
| Step 2: Explanation of Military Rule | 10 mins | Discussion | Storytelling | Explains the meaning of military leadership and coups. | Listen and ask questions. | Understanding military coups. |
| Step 3: Listing of Military Coups | 10 mins | Lecture | Use of timeline/chart | Lists and explains key military coups in Nigeria. | Pupils follow along with the timeline. | Recognizing key military takeovers. |
| Step 4: Effects of Military Takeovers | 5 mins | Discussion | Group interaction | Discusses the effects of military rule on Nigeria. | Pupils give their opinions. | Effects of military leadership. |
| Step 5: Note-taking | 5 mins | Writing | Guided note-taking | Asks pupils to copy the key points. | Pupils write notes. | Reinforcement of learning. |
| Step 6: Evaluation | 3 mins | Oral questioning | Review | Asks pupils questions based on the lesson. | Pupils answer. | Checking comprehension. |
| Step 7: Conclusion | 2 mins | Summary | Recap | Summarizes the lesson and emphasizes democracy’s importance. | Pupils reflect and respond. | Democracy vs. military rule. |
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- What is a military coup?
- Name two military leaders who came to power through a coup.
- Why did military leaders take over the government?
- Mention one effect of military rule on Nigeria.
- How was democracy restored after military rule?
Differentiation
- For slower learners: The teacher will use visual aids like charts to simplify the timeline.
- For fast learners: They will be asked to research an additional military leader and present their findings.
Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan
This lesson helps pupils understand Nigeria’s history and the impact of military rule. Encourage class participation through storytelling and discussions. Relate military takeovers to the importance of stable governance. Happy teaching!
