- Class: Primary 6
- Term: 2nd Term
- Week: 3
- Age: 11 years
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Subject: History
- Curriculum Theme: History
- Previous Lesson: Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – Major General Aguiyi Ironsi
- Topic: Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – General Yakubu Gowon
- Content: General Yakubu Gowon was Nigeria’s military Head of State from 1966 to 1975. This lesson explores his rise to power, leadership, achievements, and challenges.
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain the meaning of military Heads of State and describe the leadership of General Yakubu Gowon.
- Affective Domain: Appreciate the role of leadership in maintaining national unity.
- Psychomotor Domain: Identify General Yakubu Gowon in historical pictures or charts.
- Social Domain: Discuss the impact of General Yakubu Gowon’s leadership on Nigeria.
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 – Yakubu Gowon
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- Pictures of General Yakubu Gowon
- A timeline of military leaders in Nigeria
- A map of Nigeria during his leadership
- A short documentary or video clip
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding General Yakubu Gowon’s leadership is essential for learning about Nigeria’s political history. His role during the Civil War and his efforts in national unity help pupils understand how leadership decisions shape a country’s future.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have learned about Major General Aguiyi Ironsi, the first military Head of State. They have an idea of military governance and leadership transitions in Nigeria.
Lesson Content
Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – General Yakubu Gowon
A Military Head of State is a military officer who governs a country after taking power, often through a coup. Nigeria had several military rulers after gaining independence.
General Yakubu Gowon (1966 – 1975)
- Yakubu Gowon became Nigeria’s Head of State after the coup of 1966.
- He was in power during the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
- He introduced the “No Victor, No Vanquished” policy to promote national unity.
- His government established the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1973.
- He ruled until 1975, when he was overthrown in another coup.
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, Discussion | Asks pupils if they know about military rule and what they remember about Aguiyi Ironsi. | Respond to the teacher’s questions. | Introduction to military rule. |
| Step 2: Explanation of Military Heads of State | 5 mins | Explanation | Storytelling, Discussion | Explains what a military Head of State is and how they come into power. | Listen and take part in the discussion. | Understanding the concept of military rule. |
| Step 3: Life and Leadership of General Yakubu Gowon | 10 mins | Narrative | Lecture, Illustration | Describes Gowon’s background, his rise to power, and key events during his rule. | Listen attentively and observe illustrations. | Gowon’s role in Nigeria’s history. |
| Step 4: Achievements of General Yakubu Gowon | 7 mins | Explanation | Use of visual aids | Highlights key achievements such as the NYSC and post-war unity efforts. | Observe pictures and answer questions. | Understanding Gowon’s impact. |
| Step 5: Challenges and End of His Rule | 5 mins | Discussion | Questioning, Analysis | Explains the end of his rule and the 1975 coup. | Participate in the discussion. | Leadership challenges in history. |
| Step 6: Note Taking | 5 mins | Writing | Guided Learning | Guides pupils to copy key points into their notes. | Write down key points. | Reinforcement of learning. |
| Step 7: Lesson Conclusion & Evaluation | 3 mins | Summary | Recap, Questions | Asks questions to assess understanding and summarizes key points. | Answer questions and discuss. | Lesson review and retention. |
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Define a military Head of State.
- Mention the year General Yakubu Gowon became Head of State.
- Explain one achievement of General Yakubu Gowon.
- What was the “No Victor, No Vanquished” policy about?
- Why was General Yakubu Gowon removed from power?
Differentiation
- For struggling pupils: The teacher will use pictures and simple language to explain key events.
- For advanced pupils: The teacher will ask higher-order questions about the consequences of Gowon’s leadership.
- For visual learners: The teacher will use charts and images of historical events.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
This lesson provides pupils with a strong understanding of military rule in Nigeria. Encourage discussions and allow pupils to share their thoughts on leadership. Happy teaching!
