Class: Primary 6
Term: 2nd Term
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson: Military Heads Of State, General Olusegun Obasanjo
Topic: Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – general Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida
Content/Learning Area: General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida military Head of State from 1985 to 1993.
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain the meaning of military Heads of State and describe General Ibrahim Babangida’s leadership.
- Affective Domain: Appreciate the impact of General Babangida’s rule on Nigeria.
- Psychomotor Domain: Identify and locate the years of his rule on a historical timeline.
- Social Domain: Discuss the meaning of leadership in national development.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- Nigerian 9 – Years basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
To deliver tis lesson, the teacher will use the following materials to enhance understanding and engagement:
- A chart displaying Nigeria’s military Heads of State
- A visual timeline of Nigerian leadership transitions
- A short video documentary on General Babangida’s policies and reforms
- Flashcards highlighting key events and policies from Babangida’s rule
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding Babangida’s rule helps pupils grasp how leadership decisions shape national history and democracy.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have previously studied General Olusegun Obasanjo’s leadership and understand the role of military Heads of State in Nigeria’s history.
Lesson Content
Military Heads Of State In Nigeria – General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida
A Military Head of state is a leader who gains power through the military,often via a coup. Nigeria has had several military governments, especially from the 1960s to the 1990s.
Early Life and Background of General Babangida
Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida was born on August 17, 1941, in Minna, Niger State. He attended Government Collage bida and the Nigerian Military Training college in Kaduna. he also trained in India and the United Kingdom. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1962.
Becoming Head of State
Babangida became Nigeria’s Head of State on August 27, 1985, after a coup that removed Major General Muhammadu Buhari. He ruled until August 26, 1993, when he stepped aside due to political issues.
Major Reforms and Policies
During his rule, Babangida started economic reforms. The most important was the Structural Adjustment program (SAP) in 1986, with advice from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank.SAP aimed to make Nigeria less dependent on oil and increase private sector involvement,but it led to inflation and hardship.
Relocation of Nigeria’s Capital
In 1991, Babangida moved Nigeria’s capital from Lagos to Abuja to create a more central federal capital territory. This was a major administrative change.
June 12, 1993 Presidential Election and Annulment
A controversial decision was the annulment of the june 12, 1993 presidential election, thought to be won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Abiola. This caused protests, political tension, and distrust in military leadership.
Legacy and Impact on National Development
babangida’s government built roads and public institutions. However, his legacy is mixed because of the political problems caused by his decisions. His rule affected nigeria’s path to democracy.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: discussion, Lecture, Storytelling, Description, Visual Aids, Group Work
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Asks pupils to mention past military rulers and shows pictures.
Pupils’ Activity: Respond and observe visuals.
Step 2: Meaning of Military Heads of State
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: Explains what military rule means and why it occurs.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen and take notes.
Step 3: Rise of General Babangida
Time: 6 mins
Teaching Skill: Storytelling
Teacher’s Activity: Tells the story of how Babangida became Head of state.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen actively and answer questions.
Step 4: Policies and Major events
Time: 8 mins
Teaching Skill: Use of Visual Aids
Teacher’s Activity: Displays timeline and flashcards to explain SAP, Abuja relocation, and June 12.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe, ask questions, and participate in discussion.
Step 5: Class Discussion on Legacy
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Guided Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Engages pupils in a discussion about the legacy of General Babangida.
Pupils’ Activity: Express views and give examples.
step 6: Note-Taking
Time: 3 mins
Teaching Skill: Writing Exercise
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils to write key points from the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Write summaries in notebooks.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Oral Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: Asks questions based on the content taught.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer and reflect.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Explain the meaning of military Heads of State and describe General Ibrahim Babangida’s leadership.
- Identify and locate the years of his rule on a historical timeline.
Step 8: conclusion
Time: 3 mins
Teaching Skill: Instructional & Cognitive Closure
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes key points and links to upcoming topic.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen and ask final questions.
Lesson Keywords
- military Head of State – A leader who rules a country through military power.
- Structural adjustment Programme (SAP) – Economic reform plan to reduce government spending and boost private sector.
- Annulment – Legal cancellation of an election or decision.
- Coup d’état – sudden takeover of government by force.
- Legacy – Long-term impact of a person’s actions or leadership.
Lesson Evaluation
- Who is a Military Head of State?
- In what year did General Babangida become Nigeria’s Head of State?
- What was the Structural Adjustment Programme?
- Why was Nigeria’s capital moved to abuja?
- What happened during the June 12, 1993 election?
Assignment/Homework
Write a short biography of General Ibrahim babangida in your notebook. Include his birth, career, achievements, and role in Nigeria’s history.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Use repetition and simple language. Provide extra time for note-taking.
- For advanced learners: Assign independent research on military regimes in Nigeria.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use videos, images, timelines, and group discussions for better engagement.
note for teachers
Encourage learners to think critically about leadership and its impact. Use storytelling to make historical events relatable.Reinforce learning with charts and visual timelines. Engage learners in discussions to foster expression and confidence.

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