- Class: Primary 6
- Term: 2nd Term
- Week: 4
- Age: 11 years
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Subject: History
- Curriculum Theme: History
- Previous Lesson: Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – General Yakubu Gowon
- Topic: Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – General Murtala Mohammed
- Content: General Murtala Mohammed
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain the meaning of Military Heads of State and list Nigeria’s past military leaders.
- Affective Domain: Discuss the leadership qualities of General Murtala Mohammed.
- Psychomotor Domain: Identify General Murtala Mohammed’s image in a picture or video.
- Social Domain: Appreciate the contributions of General Murtala Mohammed to Nigeria’s development.
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: Wikipedia – Murtala Muhammed
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- A map of Nigeria
- Pictures of General Murtala Mohammed
- A short documentary on Murtala Mohammed’s leadership
- Flashcards with key facts about his tenure
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding Nigeria’s military leadership helps pupils appreciate the nation’s history and governance. General Murtala Mohammed played a crucial role in Nigeria’s development, and learning about his leadership fosters patriotism and awareness of good governance.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have learned about previous military Heads of State, including General Yakubu Gowon, and have a basic understanding of military rule in Nigeria.
Lesson Content
Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – General Murtala Mohammed
Military Heads of State are leaders who take control of a country’s government through the military. In Nigeria, military rulers governed at different times, especially during political crises.
General Murtala Mohammed’s Life and Leadership
- Early Life and Career:
- Born on November 8, 1938, in Kano.
- Joined the Nigerian Army in 1958 and became a skilled soldier.
- Becoming Head of State:
- Took over as Nigeria’s leader on July 29, 1975, after the removal of General Yakubu Gowon.
- His government focused on discipline, reducing corruption, and planning for democracy.
- Achievements in Office:
- Created seven new states in Nigeria.
- Started the movement of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja.
- Reformed the civil service to improve efficiency.
- Assassination and Legacy:
- On February 13, 1976, he was assassinated in a coup led by Lt. Col. Dimka.
- His leadership style inspired future leaders and is remembered for his bold reforms.
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 & Explanation | Asks pupils to recall military leaders they have learned about. Introduces General Murtala Mohammed. | Pupils recall previous lessons and share responses. | Understanding prior knowledge. |
| Step 2: Explanation of Military Heads of State | 7 mins | Discussion | Lecture & Interactive Talk | Explains the meaning of Military Heads of State with examples. | Listen and take notes. | Military rulers govern during political crises. |
| Step 3: Early Life & Leadership of Murtala Mohammed | 7 mins | Storytelling | Narrative & Visuals | Uses a map and images to describe his birthplace, career, and rise to power. | Observe pictures and ask questions. | Murtala Mohammed was born in Kano and became a military leader. |
| Step 4: Achievements and Contributions | 8 mins | Explanation | Group Discussion | Lists his achievements and asks pupils to discuss their importance. | Participate in the discussion. | Murtala made impactful changes in governance. |
| Step 5: Assassination & Legacy | 5 mins | Storytelling | Video & Discussion | Shows a short video on his assassination and legacy. | Watch and discuss. | He is remembered for his leadership and reforms. |
| Step 6: Note-Taking | 3 mins | Writing | Copying from the board | Writes key points on the board for pupils to copy. | Copy the notes. | Reinforcing understanding. |
| Step 7: Evaluation & Conclusion | 5 mins | Questioning | Recap & Assessment | Asks review questions and concludes on Murtala’s legacy. | Answer questions and share thoughts. | Recap of the lesson. |
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Who was General Murtala Mohammed?
- When did he become Nigeria’s Head of State?
- Mention two of his achievements.
- Why is he remembered as a great leader?
- What happened to him on February 13, 1976?
Differentiation
- For slow learners: Use pictures and storytelling for better understanding.
- For fast learners: Ask them to research more about Murtala Mohammed’s leadership style.
Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan
This lesson should be made engaging by using visuals and discussions. Encourage pupils to compare Murtala Mohammed’s leadership with other leaders they have studied. You can extend the lesson by discussing the importance of good governance. Happy teaching!
