- Class: Primary 6
- Term: 2nd Term
- Week: 7
- Age: 11 years
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Subject: History
- Curriculum Theme: History
- Previous Lesson: Military Heads of State in Nigeria – General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida
- Topic: Military Heads of State in Nigeria – General Sani Abacha
- Content: 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: Explain the meaning of a military Head of State and outline the key events of General Sani Abacha’s rule.
- Affective domain: Discuss the impact of General Sani Abacha’s leadership on Nigeria.
- Psychomotor domain: Identify and arrange the Nigerian military Heads of State in chronological order.
- Social domain: Work in groups to analyze different perspectives on General Sani Abacha’s rule.
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 – Sani Abacha
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- A timeline chart of Nigerian military leaders
- Pictures of General Sani Abacha
- A map of Nigeria showing key locations during his regime
- Video clips or recorded speeches of General Sani Abacha
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding Nigeria’s past leaders helps pupils appreciate the country’s political history and governance. General Sani Abacha’s leadership was significant because of his economic reforms, human rights controversies, and political decisions, which still influence Nigeria today.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have learned about previous Nigerian military Heads of State, including General Ibrahim Babangida, and are familiar with military rule in Nigeria.
Lesson Content
Military Heads of State in Nigeria – General Sani Abacha
A Military Head of State is a leader who comes to power through a military coup rather than an election. They rule with military support, often suspending democratic institutions.
General Sani Abacha
- Early Life:
- Born on September 20, 1943, in Kano, Nigeria.
- Trained as a military officer and participated in several coups.
- Rise to Power:
- Became Nigeria’s Head of State on November 17, 1993, after overthrowing Chief Ernest Shonekan’s interim government.
- Key Events During His Rule (1993 – 1998):
- Established economic reforms that improved Nigeria’s foreign reserves.
- Faced criticism for human rights violations and suppression of opposition.
- Was involved in various corruption allegations.
- End of His Rule:
- Died suddenly on June 8, 1998, while still in power.
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 | Discussion | Asks pupils to name military leaders they remember. Explains what a military Head of State is. | Pupils mention names of past leaders and listen to the teacher. | Understanding military leadership. |
| Step 2: Early Life of Sani Abacha | 5 mins | Storytelling | Narration | Tells pupils about Abacha’s early life and military training. | Pupils listen attentively and ask questions. | Background of General Sani Abacha. |
| Step 3: Rise to Power | 10 mins | Explanation | Questioning | Explains how Abacha took over from Chief Ernest Shonekan. | Pupils take notes and answer questions. | How Abacha became Head of State. |
| Step 4: Key Events in His Rule | 10 mins | Lecture | Demonstration | Uses pictures and charts to show Abacha’s achievements and controversies. | Pupils observe and discuss the impact of his rule. | Achievements and controversies of his rule. |
| Step 5: End of His Rule | 5 mins | Explanation | Inquiry-based learning | Explains Abacha’s sudden death and its effects on Nigeria. | Pupils contribute their thoughts. | Understanding leadership transitions. |
| Step 6: Note Taking | 3 mins | Writing | Individual work | Guides pupils to copy important points from the board. | Pupils write notes. | Reinforcing learning through writing. |
| Step 7: Conclusion & Evaluation | 2 mins | Recap | Questioning | Summarizes the lesson and asks pupils questions. | Pupils answer questions. | Checking understanding. |
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Who is a military Head of State?
- How did General Sani Abacha become Nigeria’s Head of State?
- Mention two achievements of General Sani Abacha’s government.
- What were some controversies during his rule?
- When did General Sani Abacha’s rule end?
Differentiation
- For slower learners: The teacher will use pictures and charts to aid understanding.
- For advanced learners: The teacher will encourage them to research and present on Abacha’s economic reforms.
Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan
While teaching this lesson, ensure pupils understand both the positive and negative aspects of General Sani Abacha’s rule. Encourage critical thinking by asking open-ended questions. Relate the lesson to Nigeria’s current leadership. Happy teaching!
