Class: Primary 6
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 1
Average Age: 11 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson: First lesson
Topic: Military Rule in Nigeria
Content/Learning Area: 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.
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials: a timeline chart showing periods of military rule in Nigeria, pictures of key military rulers, a short video on military governance in Nigeria, and flashcards with names of military rulers.
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
Understanding military rule helps pupils appreciate Nigeria’s political history and the importance of democratic governance.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils know that Nigeria is currently governed by democratically elected leaders, but they may not be aware that military officers once ruled the country.
Lesson Content
Military Rule in Nigeria
Military is a system of governance where the military takes control of a country’s leadership by force, often through a coup d’état. In this system, military officials replace civilian leaders and enforce policies through command structures. This form of rule usually suspends the constitution and limits civil liberties.
Periods of Military Rule in Nigeria
Nigeria experienced military governance during two major periods in its post-independence history:
- First Military Rule (1966 – 1979): This began after the first military coup on January 15, 1966, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu. Key military rulers during this period were:
- Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (1966)
- General Yakubu Gowon (1966 – 1975)
- General Murtala Mohammed (1975 – 1976)
- General Olusegun Obasanjo (1976 – 1979)
- Second Military Rule (1983 – 1999): This period began after another coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu Shagari. Key military rulers in this era included:
- Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (1983 – 1985)
- General Ibrahim Babangida (1985 – 1993)
- Chief Ernest Shonekan (Interim Government – 1993)
- General Sani Abacha (1993 – 1998)
- General Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998 – 1999)
Key Features of Military Governance
Military regimes often suspend the constitution and replace democratic institutions with decrees and military councils. Governance is centralized, civil rights are restricted, and opposition is usually suppressed. The military often justifies its takeover by citing corruption, instability, or inefficiency in civilian governments.
Notable Achievements and Controversies
Military rulers undertook various infrastructural and administrative reforms. For instance:
- General Gowon established the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
- General Murtala Mohammed initiated a national purge of corruption in the civil service.
- General Babangida introduced the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), which had mixed impacts on the economy.
However, military rule was also marked by suppression of press freedom, human rights violations, and lack of democratic participation.
Transition to Civil Rule
Nigeria returned to democratic governance on May 29, 1999, when General Abdulsalami Abubakar handed over power to a civilian government led by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. Since then, Nigeria has remained under democratic rule.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following 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 who governs Nigeria and introduces the topic by mentioning military rule as a form of past governance. | Respond to questions and share prior knowledge. | Introduction to forms of governance. |
| Step 2: Meaning of Military Rule | 7 mins | Storytelling | Explains military rule and gives examples of coups in Nigeria. | Listen, ask questions, and note key ideas. | Understanding of military rule. |
| Step 3: Timeline of Military Rule | 8 mins | Visual Aid | Uses a timeline chart to explain the periods and leaders. | Observe, discuss, and take notes. | Identify military rule periods and leaders. |
| Step 4: Effects of Military Rule | 7 mins | Group Discussion | Guides discussion on how military rule affected governance. | Discuss in groups and present views. | Evaluate the impact of military rule. |
| Note Taking | 5 mins | Writing | Guides pupils to copy summarized key points. | Write key points in notebooks. | Reinforce learning through note-taking. |
| Evaluation | 5 mins | Assessment | Asks oral questions to assess understanding. | Answer and participate actively. | Demonstrate understanding of topic. |
| Conclusion | 3 mins | Recap | Summarizes the key points and emphasizes learning goals. | Listen and ask final questions. | Lesson wrap-up and reinforcement. |
Lesson Keywords
- Military Rule – Governance by armed forces through a coup.
- Coup d’état – A sudden, forceful overthrow of a government.
- Decree – A law or order made by military rulers.
- Democracy – Government by elected representatives of the people.
- Transition – The process of changing from military to civilian rule.
Lesson Evaluation
- Define military rule in your own words.
- Mention the two major periods of military rule in Nigeria.
- List three Nigerian military rulers.
- State two effects of military rule on Nigeria.
- Differentiate between military rule and democratic rule.
Assignment/Homework
- Draw a simple timeline showing the military rulers of Nigeria from 1966 to 1999.
- Write two differences between military and civilian rule.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Use simplified language and provide visual aids to help with understanding.
- For advanced learners: Assign research tasks on lesser-known military leaders.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Incorporate videos, timeline charts, and group discussions to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Encourage active participation by allowing pupils to share what they know about leadership in Nigeria. Use visual aids extensively to make abstract historical concepts easier to grasp.