Class: Primary 6
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 3
Average Age: 11 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson: First lesson
Topic: Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – General Yakubu Gowon
Content/Learning Area: General Yakubu Gowon’s rise to power, leadership, achievements, and challenges
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain who General Yakubu Gowon was and describe his role in Nigeria’s political history.
- Affective Domain: Appreciate General Gowon’s efforts in promoting national unity after the Civil War.
- Psychomotor Domain: Identify General Gowon in images and position his tenure on a timeline of Nigerian leaders.
- Social Domain: Discuss the importance of national unity and how leadership influences a country’s development.
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
- Pictorial chart of Nigerian military rulers
- Map of Nigeria during 1967–1975
- Documentary clip on the Nigerian Civil War
- Photographs and timelines featuring General Yakubu Gowon
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
Learning about General Gowon helps pupils understand the challenges of leadership during conflict and the importance of national unity.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils already understand the concept of military governance and have learned about General Aguiyi Ironsi, Nigeria’s first military Head of State.
Lesson Content
Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – General Yakubu Gowon
General Yakubu Gowon was Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1966 to 1975. He assumed power after a counter-coup ousted General Aguiyi Ironsi. His time in office was marked by the Nigerian Civil War and significant post-war reconstruction efforts.
Background and Rise to Power
Yakubu Gowon was born on October 19, 1934, in Kanke, Plateau State, Nigeria. He was educated at Barewa College, Zaria, and later trained at military institutions in Ghana, the United Kingdom, and the United States. Gowon became Nigeria’s youngest Head of State at age 31 after the 1966 counter-coup that removed General Ironsi. At the time, he was a Lieutenant Colonel.
The Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970)
A major part of Gowon’s leadership was the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War. The war started in July 1967 after the Eastern Region, under Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, declared independence as the Republic of Biafra. Gowon’s government sought to preserve Nigeria’s unity. After three years of conflict, the war ended in 1970 with Biafra’s surrender.
The “No Victor, No Vanquished” Policy
After the war, General Gowon declared the “No Victor, No Vanquished” policy to promote peace and unity. He initiated the 3Rs program: Reconstruction, Reconciliation, and Rehabilitation. These efforts aimed to rebuild war-torn regions and reintegrate former Biafrans into the Nigerian society.
Major Achievements
Gowon’s regime achieved several milestones:
- Creation of 12 states in 1967 to reduce regional tensions and promote equity.
- Establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1973 to foster unity among young Nigerians.
- Expansion of educational infrastructure and national development planning through successive National Development Plans.
End of His Rule
Despite his achievements, Gowon’s administration was criticized for corruption, delayed return to civilian rule, and economic mismanagement. On July 29, 1975, while attending an OAU summit in Uganda, Gowon was overthrown in a bloodless coup led by Brigadier Murtala Mohammed. Gowon went into exile in the United Kingdom.
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 | Engages pupils by asking about the last military leader studied and introduces Gowon. | Respond to questions and share what they recall. | Connects previous knowledge to today’s topic. |
| Step 2: Rise to Power | 7 mins | Explanation | Explains how Gowon became Head of State after the 1966 coup. | Listen and ask questions. | Understands Gowon’s rise to power. |
| Step 3: The Civil War | 7 mins | Narrative | Describes the Nigerian Civil War and its impact on the nation. | Watch clips, listen attentively. | Learns about the causes and effects of the war. |
| Step 4: Achievements | 7 mins | Illustration | Uses charts to highlight major achievements like NYSC. | Observe visuals and take part in discussions. | Recognizes contributions to national unity. |
| Step 5: Challenges and Exit | 4 mins | Discussion | Explains challenges that led to his overthrow. | Participate in discussion. | Understands leadership transitions. |
| Step 6: Note Taking | 5 mins | Guided Learning | Guides pupils to write key points in their notebooks. | Copy notes correctly. | Reinforces retention. |
| Step 7: Evaluation | 3 mins | Assessment | Asks review questions to test understanding. | Answer and interact. | Checks knowledge gained. |
| Step 8: Conclusion | 2 mins | Instructional & Social Closure | Summarizes the lesson and encourages patriotism. | Listen and reflect. | Lesson is wrapped up meaningfully. |
Lesson Keywords
- Coup – Sudden and illegal change of government by force.
- Civil War – A war between groups within the same country.
- NYSC – National Youth Service Corps; program for Nigerian graduates to serve the nation.
- No Victor, No Vanquished – A policy of peace and unity after the Civil War.
- Reconciliation – The act of bringing people together after disagreement.
Lesson Evaluation
- Who was General Yakubu Gowon?
- What major event occurred during his time as Head of State?
- What was the purpose of the “No Victor, No Vanquished” policy?
- When was the NYSC established and why?
- Why was Gowon removed from power?
Assignment/Homework
Write a short paragraph explaining one major achievement of General Yakubu Gowon and how it affected Nigeria positively.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Use simplified language and repeat key concepts with visual aids.
- For advanced learners: Assign research tasks on military governments in Africa for deeper understanding.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use pictures, videos, maps, and class dramatization of historical events.
Note for Teachers
Encourage learners to relate the historical content to present-day leadership and unity. Use visual materials effectively and allow time for reflection and group interaction.