Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 1
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: Political Developments in Nigeria
Previous Lesson: .
Topic: THE MILITARY RULE AND RECONSTRUCTION IN NIGERIA
Subject Matter: Meaning of military rule (government led by the armed forces), nine point program of Yakubu Gowon, achievements of the Gowon regime, failure of the Gowon regime

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define military rule.
State at least four points of Yakubu Gowon’s nine-point programme.
List three achievements of the Gowon regime.
Identify two failures of the Gowon regime.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the challenges and complexities of military governance.
Understand the impact of Gowon’s policies on national unity and development.

Psychomotor Domain:

Discuss the historical context of Gowon’s rise to power.
Analyze the successes and shortcomings of the reconstruction efforts.

Recognize the importance of good governance for national progress.
Reflect on the lessons learned from Nigeria’s military era.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Ayandele, A. (2010). Comprehensive History for Senior Secondary Schools 2. University Press PLC.
https://www.jstor.org/stable/2750035
https://www.vanguardngr.com/2023/12/yakubu-gowons-nine-point-programme-and-nigerias-journey-to-civil-war/

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Pictures of General Yakubu Gowon
Road maps showing reconstructed areas in Nigeria
Charts illustrating the nine-point programme
Maps of Nigeria before and after state creation by Gowon

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand a significant period in Nigerian history, specifically the era of military rule under Yakubu Gowon and the subsequent reconstruction efforts. It enables pupils to learn about the political structure, key policies, and the lasting impact of this period on the nation’s development and unity.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have prior knowledge of Nigeria’s independence, the First Republic, and the events leading to the first military coup and the Nigerian Civil War.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

THE MILITARY RULE AND RECONSTRUCTION IN NIGERIA

Meaning of Military Rule

Military rule is a form of government where the armed forces directly control the state, having seized power through a coup d’état. In such a system, political power is concentrated in the hands of military officers, and civilian institutions are often suspended or dissolved.

Yakubu Gowon’s Coming into Power

General Yakubu Gowon became the Head of State of Nigeria in July 1966 following a counter-coup that overthrew Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi. His leadership coincided with a period of intense political instability and the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970). He led the country through the war and initiated a period of national reconstruction.

Yakubu Gowon’s Nine-Point Programme

After the civil war, General Gowon announced a nine-point programme aimed at returning Nigeria to civilian rule and ensuring national stability. The following are key aspects of the programme:

Reorganization of the Armed Forces.
Implementation of the National Development Plan and repair of war damage.
Eradication of corruption in national life.
Settlement of the issue of creation of states.
Completion of the national census.
Organization of elections and installation of new governments in the states and at the centre.
Establishment of a new revenue allocation formula.
Rehabilitation of war victims.
Drafting and adoption of a new constitution.

Achievements of the Gowon Regime

The Gowon regime recorded several achievements, particularly during and after the civil war:

Successful prosecution and end of the Nigerian Civil War, maintaining Nigeria’s unity.
Initiation of the “3Rs” policy: Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation.
Creation of 12 states in 1967, which helped to reduce ethnic tensions and decentralize power.
Establishment of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1973 to promote national unity.
Economic growth due to the oil boom, which funded major infrastructural projects.
Implementation of the Udoji Salary Review Commission, leading to salary increases for public sector workers.
Improved international relations and Nigeria’s role in African affairs.

Failures of the Gowon Regime

Despite its achievements, the Gowon regime also faced significant criticisms and failures:

Postponement of the promised return to civilian rule, leading to public dissatisfaction.
Widespread corruption and mismanagement of the oil wealth, leading to economic inequality.
Failure to conduct a reliable national census.
Increasing dictatorial tendencies and lack of accountability.
Poor implementation of some aspects of the 3Rs programme.
Growing discontent among various segments of the population due to perceived injustices and economic hardship.

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 reminds them of the previous lesson on the Nigerian Civil War. The teacher then asks pupils what they remember about the end of the war and who was the Head of State at that time.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greetings and recall information about the end of the civil war and General Yakubu Gowon.
Learning Point: Pupils connect the previous lesson to the new topic and are engaged.

Step 2: Explanation of Military Rule

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the meaning of military rule, emphasizing that it is a government led by the armed forces, often through a coup d’état. The teacher also briefly explains how General Yakubu Gowon came into power.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and take notes on the definition of military rule and Gowon’s ascension.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept of military rule and the context of Gowon’s leadership.

Step 3: The Nine-Point Programme

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elucidation/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents and explains Gowon’s nine-point programme using charts and discussions. The teacher highlights the objectives behind each point.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarity, and copy the nine-point programme into their notes.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the post-civil war agenda for Nigeria under Gowon.

Step 4: Achievements of the Gowon Regime

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Exposition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the major achievements of the Gowon regime, such as ending the civil war, the 3Rs, creation of states, and the NYSC, using pictures and maps to illustrate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute by mentioning achievements they might know and take notes on the key points.
Learning Point: Pupils identify and understand the positive contributions of Gowon’s government.

Step 5: Failures of the Gowon Regime

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher outlines the failures of the Gowon regime, including the postponement of return to civilian rule, corruption, and mismanagement of resources.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and note down the challenges and failures faced by the regime.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the shortcomings and criticisms of Gowon’s government.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

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

Define military rule in your own words.
State any four points of Yakubu Gowon’s nine-point programme.
List three achievements of the Gowon regime.
Identify two failures of the Gowon regime.

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

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the significance of Gowon’s era in Nigeria’s history.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and participate in the summary.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Assignment

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Task Setting
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher instructs pupils to research the “3Rs” policy (Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation) and write a short paragraph on its impact.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils write down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils engage in further research and deepen their knowledge.

Lesson Keywords

Military Rule – A form of government where the armed forces exercise control over the state.
Coup d’état – The sudden, violent overthrow of an existing government by a small group.
Yakubu Gowon – Nigerian military head of state from 1966 to 1975, who led Nigeria through the Civil War.
Nine-Point Programme – A set of objectives outlined by Gowon for the post-civil war reconstruction and return to civilian rule.
3Rs Policy – Reconciliation, Reconstruction, and Rehabilitation; Gowon’s post-civil war strategy.
NYSC – National Youth Service Corps, a program established by Gowon to foster national unity.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to research and present more details on specific projects under Gowon’s reconstruction efforts. For pupils needing additional support, the teacher will provide simplified notes and focus on the main definitions and key points, using visual aids more extensively.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure they have adequate visual materials to make the lesson engaging. Encourage pupils to relate historical events to contemporary issues of national unity and governance. Emphasize the importance of critical thinking when analyzing historical periods, considering both achievements and failures.