Class: Primary 6
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 7
Average Age: 11 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson: First lesson
Topic: Military Heads of State in Nigeria – General Sani Abacha
Content/Learning Area: General Sani Abacha, one of Nigeria’s most notable military leaders
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Outline key facts about General Sani Abacha’s life and leadership, and identify major events during his rule.
- Affective Domain: Discuss the implications of General Abacha’s rule on Nigeria’s socio-political development.
- Psychomotor Domain: Create a timeline showing major events during Abacha’s tenure.
- Social Domain: Work collaboratively to debate various perspectives on General Abacha’s leadership.
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
- A timeline chart of Nigerian military leaders
- Pictorial display of General Sani Abacha
- A map of Nigeria highlighting significant locations during his regime
- Short video clips or audio recordings of his speeches
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 Nigeria’s past leaders helps pupils appreciate the country’s political evolution and current governance structures.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils are already familiar with military rule in Nigeria and have studied General Ibrahim Babangida’s regime.
Lesson Content
Military Heads of State in Nigeria – General Sani Abacha
Early Life and Background
General Sani Abacha was born on September 20, 1943, in Kano, Northern Nigeria. He was of Kanuri descent and joined the Nigerian Army in 1963 after completing his education at the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna. He also trained at the Mons Officer Cadet School in the UK. Known for his strategic and calculating military acumen, he rose through the ranks, playing significant roles in multiple coups.
Rise to Power
Abacha became the de facto ruler of Nigeria on November 17, 1993, following a bloodless coup that ousted the interim government led by Chief Ernest Shonekan. Prior to this, he had held various positions such as Chief of Army Staff and Minister of Defence. His emergence as Head of State marked the continuation of military dominance in Nigerian politics during the 1990s.
Major Events During His Rule (1993–1998)
General Abacha’s tenure was marked by several notable actions:
- He initiated economic reforms that led to an increase in Nigeria’s foreign reserves, despite international sanctions.
- He established the Petroleum (Special) Trust Fund (PTF) to manage funds from petroleum subsidies for developmental projects.
- His administration was known for its authoritarian control, including the suppression of the press and civil rights activists.
- He ordered the arrest and execution of political opponents, most notably Ken Saro-Wiwa and eight other Ogoni activists in 1995, which led to global condemnation.
- His government was marred by widespread allegations of corruption, with billions of dollars allegedly looted from the national treasury.
End of His Rule and Death
General Sani Abacha died suddenly on June 8, 1998, at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. His death, officially attributed to natural causes, ended one of the most controversial military regimes in Nigeria’s history. He was succeeded by General Abdulsalami Abubakar, who initiated Nigeria’s return to democratic rule.
Legacy and Public Perception
General Abacha’s legacy remains deeply polarizing. While some recognize his infrastructural projects and economic stabilization efforts, many remember his regime for its authoritarianism, human rights abuses, and unprecedented corruption. In subsequent years, efforts have been made to recover stolen funds stashed in foreign accounts, known as the “Abacha Loot.”
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; introduces Abacha with a short story or picture. | Pupils mention names and listen with interest. | Activating prior knowledge on military leadership. |
| Step 2: Early Life of Abacha | 5 mins | Storytelling | Describes Abacha’s childhood, education, and military career. | Pupils listen and ask questions. | Understanding Abacha’s background and career foundation. |
| Step 3: Rise to Power | 8 mins | Explanation | Explains how Abacha came to power after removing Chief Ernest Shonekan. | Pupils take notes and participate in discussions. | Understanding political transition through coups. |
| Step 4: Key Events During His Rule | 10 mins | Lecture | Displays timeline and images while discussing events during Abacha’s rule. | Pupils observe, ask questions, and share opinions. | Identifying key features and controversies of Abacha’s government. |
| Step 5: End of Rule | 4 mins | Inquiry-based Learning | Discusses the circumstances of Abacha’s death and impact on Nigeria’s governance. | Pupils reflect on leadership transitions. | Understanding the sudden end of a regime and its consequences. |
| Step 6: Note Taking | 3 mins | Writing | Guides pupils to write key points on the topic. | Pupils copy notes into their books. | Reinforces knowledge through writing. |
| Step 7: Evaluation | 3 mins | Questioning | Asks recap questions to assess understanding. | Pupils respond to questions. | Checks knowledge retention. |
| Step 8: Conclusion | 2 mins | Instructional Closure | Summarizes the lesson and links to next topic. | Pupils reflect on what they’ve learned. | Consolidates learning and prepares for future topics. |
Lesson Keywords
- Military Rule – A government controlled by the armed forces
- Coups – Sudden and illegal takeovers of a government
- Human Rights – Fundamental rights and freedoms entitled to every person
- Corruption – Dishonest conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery
- PTF – Petroleum Trust Fund, created for infrastructural development
Lesson Evaluation
- Who was General Sani Abacha?
- How did he become Nigeria’s Head of State?
- Mention two major events or policies from his time in power.
- What controversies surrounded his leadership?
- When and how did his rule end?
Assignment/Homework
Research and write five sentences on the contributions and criticisms of General Sani Abacha’s government.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Use of charts and verbal repetition to reinforce key points.
- For advanced learners: Assign independent research tasks on Abacha’s international relations.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use of videos, dramatization, and interactive timelines.
Note for Teachers
Encourage balanced discussions. Avoid bias when discussing controversial figures. Emphasize both contributions and failings to develop critical historical thinking.