Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: Third Term
Week: 6
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: Nigerian Political History
Previous Lesson: Return of the Military: Meaning, 1983 Coup and Buhari-Idiagbon Programmes.
Topic: THE RETURN OF THE MILITARY CONTINUED
Subject Matter: Economic policy of 1983, implications (advantages and disadvantages)

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define the 1983 economic policy and identify its key features.
State the advantages and disadvantages of the 1983 economic policy.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the reasons behind the implementation of the 1983 economic policy.
Understand the various impacts of the policy on the Nigerian populace.

Psychomotor Domain:

Discuss the implications of the 1983 economic policy.
Analyze the short-term and long-term effects of the policy on Nigeria’s economy.

Engage in discussions about how past economic policies relate to current economic challenges in Nigeria.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Adeola, J. A. (2018). Comprehensive History for Senior Secondary Schools. Lagos: Educational Publishers.
https://www.waeconline.org.ng/e-learning/History/HistorySS1.html

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Maps of Nigeria
Pictures illustrating economic conditions in 1983
Charts showing economic indicators
Whiteboard/chalkboard and markers/chalk

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the economic policies implemented during a significant period of Nigeria’s military rule. It enables pupils to analyze the historical context of economic decisions and their far-reaching consequences on the nation’s development and citizens’ welfare.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have prior knowledge of Nigeria’s political history, including the periods of military intervention before 1983.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

THE RETURN OF THE MILITARY CONTINUED: ECONOMIC POLICY OF 1983

Introduction to the 1983 Economic Policy

The 1983 economic policy was implemented by the military regime that came to power in December 1983. This policy was largely a response to the severe economic downturn Nigeria was experiencing due to falling oil prices and mismanagement. The government introduced austerity measures aimed at stabilizing the economy and reducing dependence on oil revenue.

Key Features of the 1983 Economic Policy

The main features of the 1983 economic policy included:

Austerity Measures: Strict controls on government spending, reduction in public sector wages, and freeze on employment.
Import Restrictions: Tight controls and bans on the importation of various goods to conserve foreign exchange.
Promotion of Local Industries: Encouragement of local production to reduce reliance on imports.
Agricultural Development: Efforts to boost agricultural output to achieve food security and diversify the economy.
Debt Management: Renegotiation of external debts and reduction of further borrowing.
Trade Liberalization (limited): Some efforts to encourage non-oil exports.

Advantages (Merits) of the 1983 Economic Policy

The policy had some intended benefits, which included:

Reduced Import Bill: The restrictions on imports helped to reduce the amount of foreign currency spent on foreign goods.
Stimulated Local Production: Local industries received some boost due to reduced competition from imported goods.
Increased Agricultural Focus: There was a renewed emphasis on agriculture, which aimed to improve food self-sufficiency.
Fiscal Discipline: The austerity measures aimed at instilling financial discipline within government expenditure.

Disadvantages (Demerits) of the 1983 Economic Policy

Despite its intentions, the policy also had significant drawbacks:

Shortages of Goods: Import restrictions led to scarcity of essential goods, including raw materials for local industries.
Inflation: The scarcity of goods often resulted in higher prices, leading to inflation.
Black Market: The strict controls led to the proliferation of black markets for restricted goods and foreign exchange.
Job Losses: Many industries struggled due to lack of raw materials, leading to factory closures and job losses.
Reduced Living Standards: The combination of inflation, shortages, and job losses negatively impacted the living standards of many Nigerians.
Limited Economic Growth: The restrictive nature of the policy hindered overall economic growth and discouraged foreign investment.

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, reviews the previous lesson briefly, and introduces the topic by asking pupils about the economic situation in Nigeria during the early 1980s.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions and listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.
Learning Point: Pupils are reminded of the historical context and prepared for the lesson.

Step 2: Explanation of the 1983 Economic Policy

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Lecture
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the background and main objectives of the 1983 economic policy, highlighting the reasons for its implementation.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask clarifying questions, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the context and purpose of the 1983 economic policy.

Step 3: Key Features of the Policy

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher outlines and explains the key features of the 1983 economic policy, such as austerity measures, import restrictions, and agricultural promotion, using charts where appropriate.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and write down the key features in their notebooks.
Learning Point: Pupils identify the core components of the economic policy.

Step 4: Advantages of the Policy

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher leads a discussion on the perceived advantages or merits of the 1983 economic policy, encouraging pupils to think critically about its positive impacts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils contribute to the discussion by stating and explaining potential benefits of the policy.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the intended positive outcomes of the policy.

Step 5: Disadvantages of the Policy

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a discussion on the disadvantages or demerits of the 1983 economic policy, using pictures to illustrate the challenges faced by ordinary Nigerians.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and explain the negative implications of the policy on the economy and citizens.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the challenges and negative impacts of the policy.

Step 6: Class Discussion/Analysis

Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Critical Thinking
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher guides pupils to compare the advantages and disadvantages, encouraging them to analyze the overall effectiveness and implications of the policy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils engage in a brief discussion, weighing the pros and cons of the policy.
Learning Point: Pupils develop critical thinking skills by analyzing historical economic decisions.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

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

Define the 1983 economic policy in your own words.
Mention three key features of the 1983 economic policy.
State two advantages of the 1983 economic policy.
Explain two disadvantages of the 1983 economic policy.

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

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, emphasizing the lasting impact of the 1983 economic policy on Nigeria’s economic trajectory. The teacher assigns homework, asking pupils to research how the 1983 economic policy paved the way for the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP).
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and are prompted to continue learning beyond the classroom.

Lesson Keywords

Austerity Measures – Strict economic policies implemented by a government to reduce public spending and national debt.
Import Restrictions – Government policies limiting the quantity or value of goods that can be brought into a country.
Economic Policy – Actions taken by a government to influence the economy.
Inflation – A general increase in prices and fall in the purchasing value of money.
Black Market – An illegal market where goods or services are traded in violation of government controls.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher will encourage them to research the specific figures or statistics related to Nigeria’s economy in 1983. For pupils who require more support, the teacher will provide simplified notes and extra visual aids, and pair them with stronger pupils for peer learning during discussions.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure that pupils understand the historical context of the 1983 economic policy, linking it to the political climate of the time. Encourage critical thinking by asking pupils to compare and contrast the policy with other economic policies in Nigeria’s history. Use maps and pictures to make the lesson more engaging and relatable to the pupils’ understanding of Nigeria’s geography and socio-economic landscape.