Class: Primary 6
term: Third Term
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson: Military Heads Of State In Nigeria, General Sani Abacha
Topic: Military Heads of State in Nigeria: General Abdulsalami Abubakar
Content/Learning Area: Nigeria’s transition to democracy and the role of General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain who a military Head of State is and describe General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s life and leadership.
- Affective Domain: Appreciate General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s role in Nigeria’s return to democracy.
- Psychomotor Domain: Place General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s time in power on a Nigerian timeline.
- Social Domain: Discuss the importance of peaceful leadership changes.
Reference Materials
- Nigerian 9 – Years basic Education curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Center Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified scheme of Work
- Relevant Textbooks
- Wikipedia – Abdulsalami Abubakar
Instructional materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use: a timeline of Nigeria’s military rulers, a map of Nigeria, pictures of General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and a short video about his leadership.
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding Nigeria’s military past helps pupils appreciate its political journey. General Abubakar’s leadership is key to understanding Nigeria’s return to democracy.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils should know about general Sani Abacha’s rule and the role of the military in goverment.
Lesson Content
General abdulsalami Abubakar
General Abdulsalami Abubakar was a Nigerian military leader. He played a meaningful role in Nigeria’s history.
Early Life and Military Career
Born June 13, 1942, in Minna, Niger State, he joined the Nigerian military and rose through the ranks, gaining experience and skills.
Becoming Head of State
After General Sani Abacha’s death in 1998, General Abubakar became Head of State.He was the Chief of Defense Staff at the time.
Key Achievements
General Abdulsalami abubakar achieved many things during his time as Head of state. The following are some of General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s key achievements:
- He led Nigeria’s transition to democracy.
- He oversaw the creation of the 1999 Constitution.
- He released many political prisoners.
- He established the Autonomous National Electoral Commission (INEC).
- He worked for peace in other African countries.
- He ensured a peaceful handover of power to a civilian government.
- He promoted national unity and reconciliation.
- He improved Nigeria’s international image.
- He initiated economic reforms to stabilize the nation’s economy.
- He improved relationships with international communities and organizations.
Importance of Peaceful Transition
the peaceful transfer of power from General Abubakar to a civilian government was very significant for Nigeria. It showed a commitment to democracy and helped Nigeria’s reputation worldwide.
Teaching Methods
to deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, lecture, Visual Aids, Brainstorming.
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 what they know about past Nigerian leaders.Pupils’ Activity: Share their knowledge.
Step 2: Military Heads of State
Time: 7 mins
Teaching Skill: Description
Teacher’s Activity: Explains what a military Head of State is and their role.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen and ask questions.
Step 3: Abdulsalami Abubakar’s Life
Time: 10 mins
Teaching Skill: Lecture, Visual aids
Teacher’s Activity: Shows pictures and a timeline, shares a brief biography.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe, take notes, listen.
Step 4: His Achievements
Time: 8 mins
Teaching skill: Discussion, Brainstorming
Teacher’s Activity: Discusses his achievements, focusing on the transition to democracy.Pupils’ Activity: Participate in the discussion and brainstorm.
Step 5: Note Taking
Time: 5 mins
Teaching Skill: Writing
Teacher’s activity: Guides pupils to copy key points.
Pupils’ Activity: Copy notes.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 3 mins
Teaching Skill: Questioning, Oral review
Teacher’s Activity: Asks questions about his rule.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer questions.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 mins
Teaching Skill: Summary,Recap
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the lesson and encourages further reading.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen and ask questions.
Lesson Keywords
- Military Head of State – A leader from the armed forces who takes control of a country.
- Transition to Democracy – The process of changing from military rule to a government elected by the people.
- Constitution – A set of rules and laws that guide how a country is governed.
- INEC – Independent National Electoral Commission, the body responsible for organizing elections in Nigeria.
- peaceful Handover – The act of transferring power without violence or conflict.
Lesson evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- Who was General Abdulsalami Abubakar?
- What was his role after General Sani Abacha’s death?
- Name three key achievements of General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
- Why was the peaceful transition of power vital?
- What is the importance of the 1999 constitution?
Assignment/Homework
- Research and write a short paragraph about another Nigerian Head of State.
- Create a timeline of Nigeria’s leaders from 1990 to 2000.
- Write an essay on the importance of democracy in Nigeria.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide simplified notes and focus on key achievements.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to research and present on the challenges faced during the transition to democracy.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, discussions, and role-playing to engage different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Emphasize the importance of General Abubakar’s role in Nigeria’s democratic journey. Use visual aids and real-life examples to make the lesson engaging. Encourage pupils to ask questions and participate actively in discussions.

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