### **Lesson Plan: Civic Education - 1960 Independence Constitution**
#### **Grade Level:** Junior Secondary 3
#### **Subject:** Civic Education
#### **Duration:** 60 minutes
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**Topic:** The 1960 Independence Constitution
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#### **Objective:**
- Students will understand the historical context and significance of Nigeria’s 1960 Independence Constitution.
- Students will learn about the key features and provisions of the 1960 Constitution.
- Students will reflect on the impact of the 1960 Independence Constitution on Nigeria’s political landscape.
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#### **Materials:**
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and computer
- Handouts with relevant text from the 1960 Independence Constitution
- Timeline chart of Nigeria’s constitutional development
- Copies of the Nigerian flag
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#### **Lesson Structure:**
1. **Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Start with a brief discussion on what a constitution is and its importance in shaping a nation.
- Share a short video clip or presentation about Nigeria’s journey to independence.
2. **Historical Context (15 minutes)**
- Explain the timeline leading up to Nigeria's independence in 1960, highlighting key events.
- Discuss the role of colonial rule and the efforts of Nigerian nationalists in achieving independence.
- Use the timeline chart to visualize Nigeria’s constitutional development from the pre-independence era to 1960.
3. **Key Features of the 1960 Independence Constitution (20 minutes)**
- Distribute handouts with excerpts from the 1960 Constitution.
- Highlight the main features, such as:
- Federal structure with a central government and regional governments
- Parliamentary system of government
- Protection of fundamental human rights
- Provisions for citizenship
- Discuss the implications of these features on Nigerian governance and society.
- Engage students in a Q&A session to clarify difficult concepts.
4. **Impact and Significance (10 minutes)**
- Discuss the immediate impact of the 1960 Independence Constitution on Nigeria’s journey as a sovereign nation.
- Reflect on the significance of the independence constitution in shaping modern Nigeria.
- Discuss how the constitution influenced Nigeria’s political landscape and its legacy in contemporary governance.
5. **Activity: Constitution Reflection (5 minutes)**
- Ask students to reflect on what independence would mean for them if they were young Nigerians in 1960.
- Have students write a short paragraph or share their thoughts verbally on how the 1960 Constitution might have impacted their lives.
6. **Conclusion and Assignment (5 minutes)**
- Recap the key points discussed in the lesson.
- Assign students to research another Nigerian constitution (e.g., the 1999 Constitution) and compare it to the 1960 Independence Constitution.
- Provide students with a flag of Nigeria as a symbol of pride and unity, encouraging them to discuss what it represents with their families.
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#### **Assessment:**
- Participation in the class discussions and activities.
- Understanding of the 1960 Independence Constitution as demonstrated through the Q&A session.
- Quality of reflections shared during the 'Constitution Reflection' activity.
- Completion and quality of the assigned research and comparison exercise.
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#### **Extensions:**
- Organize a debate on the strengths and weaknesses of the 1960 Independence Constitution.
- Invite a guest speaker, such as a historian or civic educator, to provide further insights into Nigeria's constitutional development.
#### **Reflection:**
- Review the effectiveness of the lesson in meeting the objectives.
- Gather student feedback to understand their perceptions and learning outcomes.
- Adjust future lessons based on student engagement and understanding.
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This lesson plan is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of Nigeria’s 1960 Independence Constitution while actively engaging Junior Secondary 3 students in reflective and critical thinking activities.