Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3, JSS 3)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 8
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: National Values Education
Curriculum Theme: Civic Education
Previous Lesson: the 1979 Presidential Constitution and Its Features
Topic: The Constitution (Part 8)
Subject Matter: Features of Post-1960 Nigerian Constitution

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:
(a) Identify the main features of the post-1960 constitutions in Nigeria.
(b) Differentiate between the various constitutions that came after independence.
Affective Domain:
(a) Appreciate the role of constitutions in promoting democracy and good governance.
Psychomotor Domain:
(a) Draw a simple timeline showing the sequence of Nigeria’s post-1960 constitutions.
Social Domain:
(a) Participate in group discussions on how constitutional changes affect citizens and 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
Britannica – “Constitutional Development of Nigeria” (https://www.britannica.com/place/Nigeria/Constitutional-framework)
Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Chart showing Nigeria’s constitutional timeline (1960–1999)
Pictures of key Nigerian leaders after independence
Whiteboard and markers
Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (1999)
Flashcards summarizing key constitutional features

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand how Nigeria’s post-independence constitutions shaped governance, democracy, and the protection of citizens’ rights.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils already know the meaning and importance of a constitution from previous lessons and can identify key features of the 1960 Independence Constitution.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

The Constitution – Post-1960 Nigerian Constitution

Features of the 1963 Republican Constitution

The 1963 Constitution replaced the 1960 Independence Constitution and made Nigeria a republic, ending the Queen’s role as Head of State.

The following are the main features of the 1963 Constitution:

Nigeria became a republic with a Nigerian President as Head of State.
The Prime Minister remained the Head of Government.
The Constitution was based on the federal system with three regions and a Federal Capital Territory.
The judiciary became completely independent of the British Privy Council.
The Supreme Court of Nigeria became the highest court of appeal.
The President was elected by a joint session of the federal parliament.
Regional governments had their own constitutions and premiers.
Fundamental human rights were guaranteed.

Features of the 1979 Constitution

The 1979 Constitution introduced a new system of government modeled after the United States presidential system.

The following are the features of the 1979 Constitution:

The parliamentary system was replaced with the presidential system.
The President became both the Head of State and Head of Government.
The Constitution provided for a clear separation of powers among the executive, legislature, and judiciary.
The legislature was made up of two chambers – the Senate and the House of Representatives.
Governors headed the state governments.
Local governments were recognized as the third tier of government.
Fundamental human rights were clearly stated.
Political parties were recognized and registered by law.

Features of the 1999 Constitution

The 1999 Constitution, which is still in use today, restored democratic governance after years of military rule.

The following are the features of the 1999 Constitution:

It established a democratic presidential system.
It maintained the federal structure of government with three tiers – federal, state, and local.
The President serves as both Head of State and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces.
It provided for a bicameral National Assembly – Senate and House of Representatives.
The Constitution recognized 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
It guaranteed fundamental human rights.
It established independent bodies such as INEC, NJC, and ICPC.
It allowed for constitutional amendment by the National Assembly.

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 features of the 1960 Independence Constitution and connects the discussion to the post-1960 constitutional developments.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by stating features of the 1960 Constitution.
Learning Point: Pupils are motivated to learn about changes in Nigeria’s constitutions after independence.

Step 2: Features of the 1963 Republican Constitution

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the major features of the 1963 Constitution using charts and pictures of national leaders.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand how the 1963 Constitution changed Nigeria’s political status.

Step 3: Features of the 1979 Constitution

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses how the 1979 Constitution introduced the presidential system of government.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion and compare the new system to the earlier parliamentary one.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how the 1979 Constitution redefined governance in Nigeria.

Step 4: Features of the 1999 Constitution

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents the 1999 Constitution and explains its key provisions, emphasizing democratic features and rights.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils ask and answer questions on the 1999 Constitution.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the relevance of the 1999 Constitution to present-day Nigeria.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Writing and Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher writes the board summary and dictates notes for pupils to copy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils copy the notes neatly.
Learning Point: Pupils have a written record of the lesson for reference.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

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

List four features of the 1963 Republican Constitution.
Mention two major features of the 1979 Constitution.
State three features of the 1999 Constitution.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond orally to the questions.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the features of post-1960 constitutions.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Reinforcement
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and emphasizes the importance of the constitution in nation building.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the role of constitutions in sustaining democracy.

Lesson Keywords

Republican – a government where the head of state is elected, not a monarch
Presidential System – a system where the president is both head of state and government
Federalism – division of powers among levels of government
Judiciary – arm of government that interprets laws
Amendment – a change or addition made to a constitution

Differentiation

Teacher supports slow learners by providing simplified explanations and visual aids, while advanced learners are tasked to research additional features of each constitution.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Encourage class participation and use charts to illustrate Nigeria’s constitutional development. Highlight how each constitution improved governance and citizens’ rights.