Military Rule In Nigeria for Primary 6

Class: Primary 6
Term: 2nd Term
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson:
Topic: military Rule in Nigeria
Content/Learning Area: Periods of military rule in Nigeria, meaning of military rule, and key features of military governance.
Time Allocation: 40 minutes

Performance objectives

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

• Cognitive Domain: Explain the meaning of military rule and list the periods of military rule in Nigeria.
• Affective Domain: Show appreciation for the impact of military rule on Nigeria’s history.
• psychomotor Domain: Identify key military leaders and their periods of rule using a timeline.
• Social domain: Discuss in groups how military rule affected governance and democracy in Nigeria.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

• Nigerian 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
• Abuja Educational Resource Center Scheme of Work
• NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
• Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials: a timeline chart showing periods of military rule in Nigeria, pictures of key military rulers, a short video on military governance in Nigeria, and flashcards with names of military rulers.

Rationale for the Lesson

understanding military rule helps pupils appreciate Nigeria’s political history and the importance of democratic governance.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowlege

Pupils know that Nigeria is currently governed by democratically elected leaders, but they may not be aware that military officers once ruled the country.

Lesson Content

Military Rule in Nigeria

Military rule refers to a system of governance where the military takes control of a country’s leadership by force, often through a coup d’état. In this system, military officials replace civilian leaders and enforce policies through command structures. This form of rule usually suspends the constitution and limits civil liberties.

periods of Military Rule in nigeria

Nigeria experienced military governance during two major periods in its post-independence history. Thes include:

1. First Military Rule (1966 – 1979): This began after the first military coup on January 15, 1966, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu. Key military rulers during this period were:

1. Major-General Johnson aguiyi-Ironsi (1966)
2. General Yakubu Gowon (1966 – 1975)
3. General murtala Mohammed (1975 – 1976)
4. General Olusegun Obasanjo (1976 – 1979)

1. Second Military Rule (1983 – 1999): This period began after another coup that overthrew the civilian government of President Shehu shagari. Key military rulers in this era included:

1. Major-General Muhammadu Buhari (1983 – 1985)
2. General Ibrahim Babangida (1985 – 1993)
3. Chief Ernest Shonekan (Interim Government – 1993)
4. General Sani Abacha (1993 – 1998)
5. General Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998 – 1999)

Key Features of Military Governance

military regimes often suspend the constitution and replace democratic institutions with decrees and military councils.Governance is centralized,civil rights are restricted,and opposition is usually suppressed. The military often justifies its takeover by citing corruption, instability, or inefficiency in civilian governments.

Notable Achievements and Controversies

Military rulers undertook various infrastructural and administrative reforms. Examples are:

1. General Gowon established the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
2. General Murtala Mohammed initiated a national purge of corruption in the civil service.
3. General Babangida introduced the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), which had mixed impacts on the economy.
4. General Abacha oversaw the establishment of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF) to fund infrastructural projects.
5. General Abdulsalami Abubakar ensured a smooth transition to democratic rule in 1999.

However, military rule was also marked by suppression of press freedom, human rights violations, and lack of democratic participation.

Transition to Civil Rule

Nigeria returned to democratic governance on May 29, 1999, when General Abdulsalami Abubakar handed over power to a civilian government led by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo.As than,Nigeria has remained under democratic rule.

Teaching Methods

To deliver this lesson,‌ ⁤the teacher will⁤ adopt⁤ the following methods: Discussion, Lecture, Storytelling, Explanation, 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 who governs Nigeria and introduces the topic by mentioning military rule as a form of past governance.
Pupils’ Activity: Respond to questions and share prior knowledge.

Step 2: Meaning of Military Rule

Time: 7 mins
Teaching Skill: Storytelling
Teacher’s Activity: Explains military rule and gives examples of coups in Nigeria.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen, ask questions, and note key ideas.

Step 3: Timeline of military Rule

Time: 8 mins
Teaching Skill: Visual Aid
Teacher’s Activity: Uses a timeline chart to explain the periods and leaders.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe, discuss, and take notes.

Step 4: Effects of Military rule

Time: 7 mins
Teaching Skill: Group Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Guides discussion on how military rule affected governance.
Pupils’ Activity: Discuss in groups and present views.

Step 5: Note-Taking

Time: 5 mins
teaching Skill: Writing
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils to copy summarized key points.
Pupils’ Activity: Write key points in notebooks.

Step 6: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: Asks oral questions to assess understanding.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer and participate actively.

Objective-aligned checks:

1. Explain the meaning of military rule and list the periods of military rule in Nigeria.
2. Identify key military leaders and their periods of rule using a timeline.

Step 7: Conclusion

Time: 3 mins
Teaching Skill: Recap
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the key points and emphasizes learning goals.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen and ask final questions.

Lesson Keywords

• Military Rule – Governance by armed forces through a coup.
• Coup d’état – A sudden, forceful overthrow of a government.
• Decree – A law or order made by military rulers.
• Democracy – Government by elected representatives of the people.
• Transition – The process of changing from military to civilian rule.

Lesson evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

1. Define military rule in your own words.
2. Mention the two major periods of military rule in Nigeria.
3. List three nigerian military rulers.
4. State two effects of military rule on Nigeria.
5. Differentiate between military rule and democratic rule.

Assignment/Homework

1. Draw a simple timeline showing the military rulers of Nigeria from 1966 to 1999.
2. Write two differences between military and civilian rule.

Differentiation

• For slower learners: Use simplified language and provide visual aids to help with understanding.
• For advanced learners: Assign research tasks on lesser-known military leaders.
• For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Incorporate videos, timeline charts, and group discussions to cater to different learning styles.

Note for Teachers

Encourage active participation by allowing pupils to share what they know about leadership in Nigeria. Use visual aids extensively to make abstract historical concepts easier to grasp.