Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1, SS 1, SSS1, SSS 1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 2
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Civic Education
Curriculum Theme: National Values Education
Previous Lesson: Cultism: Meaning and Types.
Topic: CULTISM
Subject Matter: Origin of cultism, formation of cult groups

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define cultism.
Explain the origin of cultism in Nigeria.
Describe how cult groups are formed.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the negative impact of cultism on individuals and society.
Develop a strong dislike for cult activities.
Be willing to resist peer pressure to join cult groups.

Psychomotor Domain:

Participate actively in discussions about cultism.
Identify potential signs of cult activities in their environment.

Promote peaceful coexistence in their schools and communities.
Encourage their peers to avoid cultism.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Education Curriculum for Civic Education.
State Unified Scheme of Work.
Macmillan Civic Education for Senior Secondary Schools 1.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts displaying images related to cultism.
Posters with messages against cultism.
Civic Education textbook.
Whiteboard and marker.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand what cultism is and how it starts and develops. Knowing the origins and formation methods enables pupils to identify and resist cult activities, which is important for their safety and the peace of their schools and communities.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have basic knowledge of social groups, peer influence, and the importance of good values in society.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

CULTISM

Definition of Cultism

Cultism refers to the activities of a group of people who share common beliefs, goals, and practices that are often secret and exclusive to members. These groups often engage in anti-social and violent behaviours.

Origin of Cultism in Nigeria

The following points explain the origin of cultism in Nigeria:

Cultism in Nigeria started in tertiary institutions, specifically at the University College, Ibadan, in 1952.
It began as a confraternity known as the Pyrates Confraternity, founded by Wole Soyinka and six friends, initially aimed at fighting colonial mentality and promoting social justice.
Over time, other groups emerged, often in reaction to existing ones, leading to a proliferation of cult groups.
These groups gradually moved away from their initial noble objectives and became associated with violence, crime, and other negative activities.
The activities of cult groups spread from universities to secondary schools and even into the wider society.

Formation of Cult Groups

Cult groups are formed through various means, often targeting vulnerable individuals. The following are common ways cult groups are formed:

Peer Pressure: Friends or acquaintances who are already members persuade others to join.
False Promises: Potential members are lured with promises of protection, power, academic success, wealth, or social status.
Intimidation and Coercion: Individuals may be forced or threatened into joining cult groups.
Seeking Identity and Belonging: Some individuals join to feel a sense of belonging or identity, especially if they feel alienated elsewhere.
Revenge: Individuals may join to seek revenge for perceived injustices or to protect themselves from rival groups.
Initiation Rites: New members undergo secret and often dangerous initiation rituals to confirm their membership.

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 if they have heard the word “cultism” before, or if they know of any groups that operate in secret. The teacher then links their responses to the day’s topic.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and share their initial thoughts.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the topic of cultism and become engaged in the lesson.

Step 2: Definition of Cultism

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Clarification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines cultism, explaining its characteristics such as secrecy, exclusivity, and often anti-social behaviour. The teacher uses the board summary to highlight key points.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of cultism.

Step 3: Origin of Cultism in Nigeria

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Elaboration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the historical background of cultism in Nigeria, starting from its origins in tertiary institutions and how its nature changed over time. The teacher refers to charts or posters if available.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and contribute to the discussion by asking questions about the historical context.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about how cultism started and evolved in Nigeria.

Step 4: Formation of Cult Groups

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the various ways cult groups are formed, focusing on methods like peer pressure, false promises, intimidation, and the desire for identity. The teacher encourages pupils to share their understanding of these methods.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, make contributions, and discuss the different factors that lead to the formation of cult groups.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the different strategies used in forming and recruiting into cult groups.

Step 5: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define cultism in your own words.
Mention two ways cultism started in Nigeria.
List three common ways cult groups are formed.
State one reason why some individuals join cult groups.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 6: Conclusion

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, reiterating the definition, origin, and formation of cult groups. The teacher then assigns homework: “In your own words, explain why young people should avoid cultism.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the lesson and are given an opportunity for further reflection.

Lesson Keywords

Cultism – The activities of a secret and exclusive group, often involving anti-social behaviour.
Confraternity – A brotherhood or association, sometimes referring to early cult groups.
Initiation – A ceremony or ritual by which one is admitted into a group or society.
Peer Pressure – Influence from members of one’s peer group.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research and present on the negative effects of cultism on communities. For those needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified explanations and visual aids, allowing them to answer questions with guided prompts or in pairs.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should create a safe and open classroom environment where pupils feel comfortable discussing sensitive topics like cultism. Emphasize that seeking help from trusted adults is important if they or their friends encounter cult-related issues. The lesson should focus on prevention and promoting positive values.