- Class: Primary 6
- Term: 2nd Term
- Week: 1
- Age: 11 years
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Subject: History
- Curriculum Theme: History
- Previous Lesson: —
- Topic: Military Rule in Nigeria
- Content: Periods of military rule in Nigeria, meaning of military rule, and key features of military governance.
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain the meaning of military rule and list the periods of military rule in Nigeria.
- Affective Domain: Show appreciation for the impact of military rule on Nigeria’s history.
- Psychomotor Domain: Identify key military leaders and their periods of rule using a timeline.
- Social Domain: Discuss in groups how military rule affected governance and democracy in 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: Britannica – Nigeria – Military Regimes, 1983-99
- Relevant textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- A timeline chart showing periods of military rule in Nigeria
- Pictures of key military rulers
- A short video on military governance in Nigeria
- Flashcards with names of military rulers
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding military rule is essential because it helps pupils learn about Nigeria’s political history, governance structure, and how military rule shaped the nation. This knowledge enables them to appreciate democracy and understand the importance of good leadership.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are aware that Nigeria is a democratic country today, but they may not know that the country was once ruled by the military.
Lesson Content
Military Rule in Nigeria
Military rule is a form of government where the military, instead of elected civilians, controls the affairs of a country. This usually happens through a coup d’état, where the military forcefully takes over power.
Periods of Military Rule in Nigeria
Nigeria has experienced different military governments at various times. These periods include:
- 1966 – 1979: First military rule (led by Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, General Yakubu Gowon, General Murtala Mohammed, and General Olusegun Obasanjo).
- 1983 – 1999: Second military rule (led by Major-General Muhammadu Buhari, General Ibrahim Babangida, Chief Ernest Shonekan’s short interim government, General Sani Abacha, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar).
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 who currently governs Nigeria and introduces the idea of different forms of government. | Pupils respond and share what they know about Nigeria’s leadership. | Understanding governance types. |
| Step 2: Explanation of Military Rule | 7 mins | Discussion | Storytelling | Explains the meaning of military rule with examples of military takeovers in Nigeria. | Listen and ask questions. | Meaning of military rule. |
| Step 3: Listing Military Rule Periods | 8 mins | Demonstration | Visual aids | Displays timeline of military rule and explains key events. | Observe timeline and identify periods of military rule. | Historical sequence of military rule. |
| Step 4: Effects of Military Rule | 7 mins | Group work | Brainstorming | Guides pupils to discuss how military rule changed Nigeria’s governance. | Discuss in groups and share opinions. | Effects of military rule. |
| Step 5: Note-taking | 5 mins | Writing | Guided learning | Instructs pupils to copy key points in their notebooks. | Write notes. | Reinforcement of learning. |
| Step 6: Evaluation | 5 mins | Assessment | Oral questioning | Asks pupils questions to test their understanding of the lesson. | Answer questions and participate in discussions. | Checking understanding. |
| Step 7: Conclusion | 3 mins | Summary | Recap | Summarizes the key points and encourages pupils to read more on military rule. | Listen attentively. | Lesson reinforcement. |
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Define military rule in their own words.
- Mention the periods when Nigeria was under military rule.
- List at least two military leaders in Nigeria.
- Describe one effect of military rule on the country.
- Compare military rule and democracy.
Differentiation
The teacher will:
- Use visual aids and videos for pupils who learn better through observation.
- Allow group discussions to help slower learners understand better through peer interaction.
- Provide additional explanations and examples for pupils who need extra support.
Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan
Encourage pupils to relate military rule to leadership changes in Nigeria’s history. Use engaging storytelling to make the lesson interesting, and ensure pupils understand why military rule ended and democracy was restored. Happy teaching!
