Class: Primary Three
Term: Second term
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme:
Previous Lesson: Early Heroes and Heroines in Nigeria, Queen Amina and Chief Obafemi Awolowo
Topic: Early Heroes and Heroines in Nigeria
Content/Learning Area: Identifying and narrating key events in the lives of Ovonramwen Of Benin and Sir Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Appreciating the contributions of early Nigerian heroes and heroines, Engaging in group discussions about the lives of past figures
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
– Identify key events in the lives of Ovonramwen Of Benin and Sir Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
– Narrate the critically significant contributions of Ovonramwen Of Benin and Sir Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa to Nigeria.
- Affective Domain:
– show recognition for the contributions of early Nigerian heroes and heroines.
– Develop an interest in learning about Nigerian history.
- Psychomotor Domain:
– Participate actively in group discussions about historical figures.
– Take notes on the lives of early Nigerian heroes and heroines.
- social Domain:
– Engage respectfully in group discussions.
– Share data and ideas with classmates.
Reference Materials
- 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational resource Center scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Details
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
- whiteboard or chart paper
- Markers or crayons
- Pictures or illustrations of Ovonramwen Of Benin and Sir Alhaji abubakar Tafawa Balewa
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding the contributions of early Nigerian heroes and heroines fosters patriotism and inspires future generations to strive for excellence and national progress. Learning about their lives provides valuable historical context.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
The teacher will begin by asking pupils what they know about important people in Nigeria’s past. A brief discussion will follow, leading into the introduction of Ovonramwen Of Benin and Sir Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Lesson Content
Oba Ovonramwen of Benin
Ovonramwen Nogbaisi was Oba of Benin from 1888 until the British invasion of Benin City in 1897. His reign belongs to the history of the Benin Kingdom, its authority, trade disputes and resistance to colonial control. After the invasion he was removed and exiled to Calabar.
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was a teacher, legislator and national leader. He served as Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister from 1957 until 1966 and led the federal government at independence in 1960. He is remembered for public service, diplomacy and efforts to hold a diverse country together.
Comparison
Ovonramwen led a pre-colonial kingdom facing foreign invasion, while Balewa led a modern federal government during the transition to independence. Their stories should be studied in their correct periods.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Storytelling, Group work
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: Introduces the topic and engages pupils in a brief discussion about what they already know about important people in Nigeria’s history.
Pupils’ Activity: Participate in the discussion,sharing their prior knowledge.
Step 2: Clarification of Key Concepts
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Explains who Ovonramwen Of Benin and Sir Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa were and their roles in Nigerian history.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively and ask clarifying questions.
Step 3: Exhibition/Guided practice
time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Modeling
Teacher’s Activity: Shows pictures of Ovonramwen Of Benin and Sir Alhaji abubakar Tafawa Balewa and narrates key events in their lives. Guides pupils in a short group discussion.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe the pictures, listen to the narration, and participate in the group discussion.
Step 4: Autonomous Practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Independent Work
Teacher’s Activity: Asks pupils to write down three things they learned about each historical figure.
Pupils’ Activity: Write down three key facts about Ovonramwen Of Benin and Sir alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
step 5: note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Note-Taking
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils in taking notes on the main points of the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Take notes on the key events and contributions of Ovonramwen Of Benin and Sir Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: questioning, Feedback
Teacher’s Activity: Asks evaluation questions and provides feedback.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer the evaluation questions.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the key points about Ovonramwen Of Benin and Sir Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, emphasizing their importance in Nigerian history and encouraging further learning about other significant figures.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen to the summary and ask any remaining questions.
Lesson Keywords
- Oba – A conventional ruler or king in the Benin Kingdom.
- Prime Minister – The head of government in a parliamentary system.
- Colonial Rule – Control by a foreign power over a territory and its people.
- Diplomacy – The art and practice of conducting negotiations between representatives of states.
- Nationhood – The state of being a nation, typically with its own government and territory.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning,the teacher asks pupils to:
- What were Ovonramwen Of Benin’s main contributions to Nigeria?
- When was Sir Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa born,and what was his most important role in Nigeria?
- Can you name another early Nigerian hero or heroine?
- Why is it important to learn about these historical figures?
Assignment/Homework
- Research and write a short paragraph about another early Nigerian hero or heroine.
- List three qualities that made Ovonramwen Of Benin and Sir Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa great leaders.
- Interview a family member or elder about their memories of Sir Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and simplified explanations.
- For advanced learners: Encourage further research on other Nigerian heroes and heroines.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, storytelling, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
encourage pupils to appreciate the diversity of Nigerian heroes and heroines from different ethnic groups and regions. Emphasize the importance of their contributions to national unity and development.

Community Join the conversation Open discussion +