Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3, JSS 3)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 9
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: National Values Education
Curriculum Theme: Civic Education
Previous Lesson: Features of Post-1960 Nigerian Constitution
Topic: The 1989 Presidential Constitution, The 1999 Presidential Constitution
Subject Matter: The 1989 and 1999 Presidential Constitution

Specific Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Identify key features of the 1989 Presidential Constitution.
(b) Describe the major provisions of the 1999 Presidential Constitution.
(c) Compare the differences between the 1989 and 1999 Constitutions.
Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the importance of constitutional development in Nigeria’s democratic system.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Use charts or tables to highlight differences between the 1989 and 1999 Constitutions.
Social Domain:
(a) Work cooperatively in groups to discuss the importance of having a constitution in governance.

Reference Materials

The following resources was used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
Lagos State Unified Scheme of work for Junior Secondary Schools
Wikipedia – Second Nigerian Republic
Britannica – “Nigeria: Constitutional Development” (https://www.britannica.com/place/Nigeria/Government-and-society)
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Chart showing features of the 1989 and 1999 Constitutions
Nigerian flag and symbols of government
Copies or excerpts of the Constitution
Flash cards showing constitutional terms
Whiteboard and marker

Rationale for the Lesson

The lesson helps students understand Nigeria’s constitutional development and how the 1989 and 1999 Presidential Constitutions shaped governance and democracy in Nigeria.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have previously learned about the meaning of a constitution and the various types of constitutions used in Nigeria’s political history.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

The 1989 and 1999 Presidential Constitution

The 1989 Presidential Constitution was introduced by General Ibrahim Babangida’s military government to prepare Nigeria for a return to democratic rule. It was modeled after the American presidential system of government.

The following are the features of the 1989 Presidential Constitution:

It provided for a presidential system of government.
The President was both the Head of State and Head of Government.
It provided for a clear separation of powers among the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
The President was to be elected for a four-year term.
It provided for a bicameral legislature—the Senate and the House of Representatives.
It recognized the existence of two political parties.
It emphasized fundamental human rights.
It was never fully implemented before the military takeover.

The 1999 Presidential Constitution

The 1999 Presidential Constitution came into effect on May 29, 1999, during the transition from military rule to democracy. It currently serves as the supreme law of Nigeria.

The following are the features of the 1999 Presidential Constitution:

It established Nigeria as a democratic federal republic.
It provided for the separation of powers among the three arms of government.
It guarantees fundamental human rights for all citizens.
It established 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
It provides for a multi-party system.
It allows for an elected President, Governors, and members of the legislature.
It recognizes the independence of the judiciary.
It can be amended through the National Assembly following due process.

Differences Between the 1989 and 1999 Constitutions

Both constitutions shared similar frameworks but differed in their implementation and provisions.

The following are the major differences between the two constitutions:

The 1989 Constitution was not fully implemented, while the 1999 Constitution is currently in use.
The 1989 Constitution allowed only two political parties, while the 1999 Constitution allows multiple political parties.
The 1989 Constitution was created under military rule, while the 1999 Constitution was introduced during a democratic transition.
The 1999 Constitution provides for more inclusive democratic processes and participation.
The 1999 Constitution includes updated human rights and gender equality provisions not detailed in the 1989 version.

Importance of the 1999 Constitution

The 1999 Constitution serves as the foundation for Nigeria’s democratic system and guides the functions of government and citizens’ rights.

The following are the importance of the 1999 Constitution:

It defines the structure and powers of government.
It guarantees the rights and freedoms of citizens.
It promotes democracy, justice, and equality.
It serves as a legal framework for governance.
It ensures accountability and separation of powers.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques:

Lecture, Discussion, Explanation, Question and Answer, Group Work, Use of Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher asks pupils to recall some previous constitutions in Nigeria and what they know about them.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond and share their ideas.
Learning Point: Pupils recall Nigeria’s constitutional history and become ready for the new lesson.

Step 2: The 1989 Presidential Constitution

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the features of the 1989 and 1999 Presidential Constitution using charts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the structure and nature of the 1989 Constitution.

Step 3: The 1999 Presidential Constitution

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the features and significance of the 1989 and 1999 Presidential Constitution.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion and note the key points.
Learning Point: Pupils identify the importance and relevance of the 1989 and 1999 Presidential Constitution to Nigeria’s democracy.

Step 4: Differences Between the 1989 and 1999 Constitutions

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Comparison and Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher draws a comparison chart on the board showing major differences.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils help list and record differences.
Learning Point: Pupils can distinguish between the two constitutions.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher writes the board summary for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the lesson notes neatly.
Learning Point: Pupils have a complete written summary of the lesson.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Mention three features of the 1989 Constitution.
List three features of the 1999 Constitution.
State two differences between the 1989 and 1999 Constitutions.
Mention two importance of the 1999 Constitution.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer questions orally.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson objectives.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: Teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages pupils to read more about Nigeria’s constitutional history.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and ask questions.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the role of constitutions in promoting democracy.

Lesson Keywords

Constitution – the basic law governing a country.
Democracy – a system of government where power belongs to the people.
Separation of Powers – division of government responsibilities among branches.
Federalism – a system where power is shared between central and state governments.
Human Rights – freedoms and entitlements every person should enjoy.

Differentiation

Provide simpler explanations and visual aids for slower learners, while faster learners can create comparative charts or summaries of both constitutions.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Use real-life examples and current government structures to make the topic relatable. Emphasize civic responsibility and understanding of constitutional rights.