Class: Primary 6
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 4
Average Age: 11 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson: First lesson
Topic: Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – General Murtala Mohammed
Content/Learning Area: General Murtala Mohammed
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Describe the life of General Murtala Mohammed, mention his achievements, and state the dates and period of his rule.
- 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.
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials: a map of Nigeria, photographs of General Murtala Mohammed, a short documentary video highlighting his leadership, and flashcards with important facts about his 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
Studying General Murtala Mohammed helps pupils appreciate impactful leadership and understand key milestones in Nigeria’s military history.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have previously studied military Heads of State like General Yakubu Gowon and are familiar with Nigeria’s history of military governance.
Lesson Content
Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – General Murtala Mohammed
General Murtala Mohammed was one of Nigeria’s most influential military leaders. Known for his bold reforms and brief but impactful rule, his leadership period remains significant in Nigeria’s military and political history.
Early Life and Military Career
Murtala Ramat Mohammed was born on November 8, 1938, in Kano, Northern Nigeria. He received his early education in Kano and later joined the Nigerian Army in 1958. He trained in Ghana and later at the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK. Rising through the ranks, he gained recognition for his leadership and discipline.
Becoming Head of State
Murtala Mohammed became Nigeria’s Head of State on July 29, 1975, after a bloodless coup that removed General Yakubu Gowon from power. His administration was characterized by decisiveness, integrity, and a no-nonsense approach to governance. He was 37 years old when he assumed power, making him one of Nigeria’s youngest leaders at the time.
Major Achievements in Office
General Murtala implemented significant reforms during his short time in office. Key achievements include:
- Creation of seven new states: Bauchi, Benue, Borno, Imo, Niger, Ogun, and Ondo in 1976, bringing the total to 19 states at the time.
- Initiation of the movement of Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja for better centrality and administrative ease.
- Reformation of the Nigerian Civil Service to eliminate corruption and inefficiency.
- Mass retirement of corrupt or inactive public servants to restore discipline and accountability.
Assassination and Legacy
On February 13, 1976, General Murtala Mohammed was assassinated in Lagos during an attempted coup led by Lieutenant Colonel Buka Suka Dimka. Despite ruling for only 200 days, his legacy endures. He is remembered for his fearlessness, patriotic drive, and commitment to national unity. The Murtala Muhammed International Airport in Lagos is named in his honor.
Leadership Style and Influence
Murtala’s leadership style was assertive and reform-focused. He believed in discipline, transparency, and swift action. His ability to command respect and drive national reforms in a short time inspired future generations of Nigerian leaders.
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 to recall previous military rulers and introduces Murtala Mohammed using visuals. | Respond and observe pictures. | Activating prior knowledge and curiosity. |
| Step 2: Early Life and Career | 7 mins | Storytelling | Explains Murtala’s early life using a map of Nigeria and photos. | Listen and identify Kano on the map. | Understanding Murtala’s background and origins. |
| Step 3: Rise to Power | 6 mins | Explanation | Discusses the coup of 1975 and how Murtala became Head of State. | Ask questions and take notes. | Understanding leadership transition in Nigeria. |
| Step 4: Achievements | 6 mins | Discussion | Explains major reforms and asks pupils their views on state creation and civil service reforms. | Contribute to group discussion. | Recognize key contributions to national development. |
| Step 5: Assassination and Legacy | 5 mins | Visual Aids | Plays a video clip about his assassination and legacy. | Watch and discuss his impact. | Appreciate his historical significance. |
| Step 6: Note Taking | 3 mins | Writing | Writes summary points on the board. | Copy the notes. | Documenting key facts. |
| Step 7: Evaluation | 3 mins | Questioning | Asks review questions based on lesson content. | Answer questions. | Reinforcement and assessment. |
| Step 8: Conclusion | 5 mins | Instructional Closure | Summarizes lesson and links it to leadership qualities. | Reflect and relate to real life. | Consolidating learning. |
Lesson Keywords
- Murtala Mohammed – Nigerian military leader who ruled from 1975 to 1976
- Coup – A sudden and illegal change of government, often by the military
- Reforms – Changes made to improve systems or institutions
- Legacy – What a person is remembered for after they leave office or die
Lesson Evaluation
- 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?
Assignment/Homework
Write five sentences explaining why Murtala Mohammed is considered one of Nigeria’s most remembered military leaders.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Use more visuals and storytelling to simplify information.
- For advanced learners: Assign a research task comparing Murtala with another military leader.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use videos, map activities, and flashcards to reinforce learning.
Note for Teachers
Emphasize Murtala Mohammed’s contributions and values. Encourage class discussion and relate leadership qualities to contemporary issues.