Lesson Note on Constitutional Development: Hugh Clifford Constitution Features and Merits for SSS 2

Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SSS 2 / SS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 1
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Government
Curriculum Theme: Constitutional Development
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENT IN NIGERIA
Subject Matter: Meaning of constitution (set of rules and principles for governing a state), Hugh Clifford’s constitution of 1922, features (key provisions and arrangements), merits (positive contributions), demerits (limitations)

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

• Define constitution.
• State the features of the Hugh Clifford Constitution of 1922.
• List the merits of the Hugh Clifford Constitution of 1922.
• Explain the demerits of the Hugh Clifford Constitution of 1922.

Affective Domain:

• Appreciate the importance of a constitution in governing a state.
• Recognize the impact of historical constitutional developments on present-day Nigeria.

Psychomotor Domain:

• Locate the 1922 constitution on a historical timeline.
• Compare the common features across early Nigerian constitutions.

Social Domain:

• Participate actively in discussions about constitutional history.
• Work collaboratively with peers to identify constitutional points.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
• State Unified Scheme of Work
• Adeleke, J.O. (2018). Comprehensive Government for Senior Secondary Schools. Ado-Ekiti: Adedayo Publishers.
• National archives materials

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

• Government textbooks
• Charts showing key constitutional developments
• A timeline poster illustrating Nigerian constitutional history
• Relevant excerpts from national archives materials (if available)

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the foundational legal framework that governs a country, starting with early constitutional efforts in Nigeria. It enables pupils to trace the evolution of governance and appreciate how past decisions shaped the nation’s political structure.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of government, laws, and the concept of rules in society.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Constitutional Development in Nigeria

Meaning of Constitution

A constitution is a body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is acknowledged to be governed. It serves as the supreme law of the land, outlining the powers and responsibilities of the government, and guaranteeing the rights and duties of citizens.

Hugh Clifford’s Constitution of 1922

The Hugh Clifford Constitution was enacted in 1922 by Sir Hugh Clifford, the then Governor of Nigeria. It was a significant step in Nigeria’s constitutional development, replacing the Nigerian Council of 1914 and introducing some notable changes.

Features of the Clifford Constitution of 1922

• Legislative Council: A new Legislative Council was established for the Colony and Southern Protectorate. It had 46 members, including 27 unofficial members and 19 official members. The Northern Protectorate was governed by proclamation by the Governor, who was advised by the Executive Council.
• Elective Principle: For the first time in British West Africa, the elective principle was introduced. Four unofficial members were elected: three from Lagos and one from Calabar.
• Limited Franchise: The right to vote was limited to adult males who had resided in the constituency for 12 months and earned an annual income of at least £100.
• Official Majority: Despite the introduction of the elective principle, the official members (appointed by the Governor) retained a majority in the Legislative Council, ensuring that government policies could always be passed.
• Governor’s Veto Power: The Governor retained the power to veto any bill passed by the Legislative Council.
• Executive Council: The Executive Council remained an all-official body, advising the Governor.

Merits of the Clifford Constitution of 1922

The following are the positive contributions of the Clifford Constitution:

• It introduced the elective principle, marking the beginning of electoral politics in Nigeria.
• It served as a training ground for Nigerian politicians who gained experience in legislative processes.
• It increased political awareness and agitation among Nigerians, especially in the Southern Protectorate.
• It provided limited African representation in the Legislative Council.
• It led to the emergence of early political parties like the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP).

Demerits of the Clifford Constitution of 1922

The following are the limitations of the Clifford Constitution:

• The elective principle was highly restrictive due to the limited franchise.
• The official members still held a majority, making the elected members largely ineffective.
• The Northern Protectorate was excluded from the Legislative Council.
• The Governor had excessive powers, including veto power, which undermined the council’s authority.
• It did not provide for universal adult suffrage.
• It led to regional disparities in political participation.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and asks them about the rules that guide their school or community. The teacher then links these rules to the concept of a constitution.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond by naming some school or community rules and listen attentively to the teacher’s introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of rules and laws that govern a society.

Step 2: Meaning of Constitution

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of a constitution as a set of fundamental rules and principles for governing a state.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and contribute to the definition based on their understanding.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and importance of a constitution.

Step 3: Introduction to Hugh Clifford’s Constitution of 1922

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Historical Context
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the Hugh Clifford Constitution of 1922, mentioning its historical background and the Governor responsible for it.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and locate the 1922 constitution on a timeline chart provided or drawn on the board.
Learning Point: Pupils are aware of the origin and context of the Clifford Constitution.

Step 4: Features of the Clifford Constitution

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elucidation/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the key features of the Hugh Clifford Constitution, such as the establishment of the Legislative Council, the elective principle, and limited franchise.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and list the features in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the main provisions of the 1922 Constitution.

Step 5: Merits of the Clifford Constitution

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Analysis/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to identify the positive contributions or advantages of the Clifford Constitution to Nigeria’s political development.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils discuss and state the merits, such as the introduction of the elective principle and increased political awareness.
Learning Point: Pupils recognize the benefits derived from the 1922 Constitution.

Step 6: Demerits of the Clifford Constitution

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Analysis/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads pupils to discuss the limitations or disadvantages of the Hugh Clifford Constitution.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute by stating the demerits, such as limited franchise and the official majority.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the shortcomings of the 1922 Constitution.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

1. Define constitution in your own words.
2. State three key features of the Hugh Clifford Constitution of 1922.
3. Mention two merits of the 1922 Constitution.
4. List two demerits of the 1922 Constitution.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summary/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson and gives pupils an assignment to research the next constitution after Clifford’s.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils reinforce their understanding and are prepared for the next lesson.

Lesson Keywords

• Constitution – A body of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state is governed.
• Hugh Clifford – The Governor of Nigeria who introduced the 1922 Constitution.
• Legislative Council – A law-making body established by the 1922 Constitution for the Colony and Southern Protectorate.
• Elective Principle – The right to elect representatives, introduced in a limited form by the 1922 Constitution.
• Official Majority – A situation in a legislative body where government-appointed members outnumber elected or unofficial members.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to research the role of early political parties that emerged due to the 1922 Constitution. For pupils requiring additional support, the teacher will provide simplified notes and use more visual aids to explain complex constitutional terms.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure to explain the historical context clearly, emphasizing why the 1922 Constitution was significant despite its limitations. Encourage pupils to relate the early constitutional developments to Nigeria’s current political landscape. Utilize the timeline poster effectively to help pupils visualize the sequence of events. If possible, show pictures of Sir Hugh Clifford or relevant historical documents.