Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3 / JS3)
Term: Third Term
Week: 4
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson: The Role of the Royal Niger: Company in the Evolution of the Nigerian State.
Topic: THE INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT
Subject Matter: What is Independence? What is Nationalism? What is Federalism? Who is an activist? What is a Republic?

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define independence, nationalism, federalism, activist, and republic.
Explain the meaning of the independence movement.
Identify key figures associated with the independence movement in Nigeria.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the efforts of Nigerian nationalists in achieving independence.
Develop a sense of patriotism towards Nigeria.
Value the principles of self-governance and national identity.

Psychomotor Domain:

Participate in discussions about the historical events leading to Nigeria’s independence.
Outline the characteristics of a federal system of government.

Discuss the importance of collective action in achieving national goals.
Collaborate with peers to research aspects of the independence movement.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
MacMillan History for Junior Secondary Schools Book 3
https://www.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nigerian_independence_movement

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Charts showing pictures of Nigerian nationalists.
Maps of Nigeria highlighting regions.
Textbooks and reference materials on Nigerian history.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the historical journey of Nigeria from colonial rule to self-governance. It enables them to appreciate the efforts of past leaders and the importance of national identity, which is essential for informed citizenship.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of Nigeria’s colonial past and the concept of governance.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

THE INDEPENDENCE MOVEMENT

What is Independence?

Independence means freedom from the control, influence, or support of others. For a country, it means self-governance and the ability to make its own laws and decisions without external interference.

What is Nationalism?

Nationalism is a strong feeling of pride and loyalty towards one’s own country. It is the belief that one’s nation is superior to all others, or a desire for political independence for a country that is controlled by another.

What is Federalism?

Federalism is a system of government in which power is divided between a central authority and various constituent units, such as states or regions. In Nigeria, power is shared between the Federal Government and the State Governments.

Who is an Activist?

An activist is a person who campaigns for social or political change. Activists often use public protests, petitions, and other forms of advocacy to bring about their desired changes.

Examples of Nigerian activists during the independence movement include:

Herbert Macaulay
Nnamdi Azikiwe
Obafemi Awolowo
Ahmadu Bello
Tafawa Balewa

What is a Republic?

A republic is a state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives, rather than by a monarch. Nigeria became a republic on October 1, 1963, three years after gaining independence.

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 to recall what they know about Nigeria’s history. The teacher then introduces the topic, “The Independence Movement,” and explains that today’s lesson will focus on understanding key terms related to this movement.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and understand the topic for the day.

Step 2: Defining Independence

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines independence as freedom from external control, giving examples of how a country achieves self-governance. The teacher asks pupils to state what Nigerian independence means.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarity, and explain what independence means to Nigeria.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the meaning of independence.

Step 3: Defining Nationalism

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains nationalism as a strong feeling of loyalty and devotion to one’s country, linking it to the desire for self-rule during the colonial era. The teacher encourages pupils to discuss how nationalism contributed to Nigeria’s independence.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, discuss, and offer examples of nationalistic feelings.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept of nationalism and its role in the independence movement.

Step 4: Defining Federalism

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustrative
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines federalism as a system of government where power is shared between central and regional governments, using Nigeria as a practical example. The teacher uses a chart to illustrate the division of power.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the chart, listen to the explanation, and ask questions about federalism in Nigeria.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the meaning of federalism and its application in Nigeria.

Step 5: Defining an Activist

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Identification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains who an activist is and provides examples of prominent Nigerian activists during the independence movement, such as Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo. The teacher asks pupils to name other activists they know.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, identify, and name other activists.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the role of activists in social and political change.

Step 6: Defining a Republic

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Historical Context
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines a republic as a state governed by elected representatives and explains when Nigeria became a republic (October 1, 1963). The teacher clarifies the difference between independence and being a republic.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and understand the distinction between independence and a republic.
Learning Point: Pupils learn the meaning of a republic and Nigeria’s transition to one.

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 independence in your own words.
What is nationalism?
Explain the concept of federalism.
Who is an activist? Mention two Nigerian activists.
When did Nigeria become a republic?

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding the terms related to Nigeria’s independence. The teacher assigns homework: research more about the contributions of any two Nigerian nationalists.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given tasks for further study.

Lesson Keywords

Independence – Freedom from external control or self-governance.
Nationalism – Strong loyalty and devotion to one’s country.
Federalism – A system of government with power divided between central and regional authorities.
Activist – A person who campaigns for social or political change.
Republic – A state governed by elected representatives.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they will be encouraged to research deeper into the lives of specific nationalists. For those needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified definitions and examples, and conduct brief one-on-one checks for understanding during activities.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure to use visual aids like pictures of nationalists and a map of Nigeria to make the lesson more engaging. Encourage active participation and discussions to help pupils connect with the historical context of the independence movement.