Sure, here's a detailed lesson plan for teaching Senior Secondary 2 students about "The First Republic, 1960-1966: Political Developments and Military Intervention in Governance."
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### Lesson Plan: The First Republic, 1960-1966: Political Developments and Military Intervention in Governance
#### Grade Level:
Senior Secondary 2
#### Subject:
History
#### Duration:
90 minutes
#### Lesson Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand the key political developments in Nigeria's First Republic from 1960 to 1966.
2. Identify the significant political figures and their roles during this period.
3. Analyze the factors that led to military intervention in governance in 1966.
4. Discuss the impacts of the military coup on Nigeria's political landscape.
#### Materials Needed:
- Whiteboard and markers
- Projector and screen
- PowerPoint presentation
- Handouts with key information and timelines
- Primary source documents (e.g., speeches, newspaper articles from the era)
- Map of Nigeria
#### Lesson Outline:
1. **Introduction (10 minutes)**
- Start with a brief recap of Nigeria's journey to independence in 1960.
- Introduce the topic: The First Republic, 1960-1966.
- Present the lesson objectives.
2. **Political Developments in the First Republic (20 minutes)**
- Key Figures: Highlight key political leaders (e.g., Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo).
- Structure of Government: Discuss the parliamentary system and the regional governments.
- Major Events:
- 1960: Nigeria gains independence.
- Creation of regions.
- 1963: Establishment of the First Republic with Nnamdi Azikiwe as President.
- Political Parties: NPC (Northern People's Congress), NCNC (National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons), AG (Action Group).
3. **Group Activity (15 minutes)**
- Divide students into small groups.
- Provide each group with primary source documents related to political developments in the First Republic.
- Each group analyzes the documents and presents a summary of their findings.
4. **Factors Leading to Military Intervention (25 minutes)**
- Discuss the major factors:
- Ethnic Tensions and Regionalism: Conflicts among Nigeria's diverse ethnic groups.
- Political Instability: Power struggles, corruption, and electoral fraud.
- Economic Issues: Mismanagement of resources and regional disparities.
- The Western Region Crisis: Political chaos and the collapse of the Western Region government.
- Use the projector to show contemporary news reels and articles from 1966.
5. **Military Coup of January 1966 (15 minutes)**
- Detail the events of the coup led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu.
- Reactions from the public and politicians.
- Outcomes: End of the First Republic, Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi becoming Head of State.
- Discuss the immediate impacts of the coup on Nigerian society and its political system.
6. **Class Discussion and Q&A (10 minutes)**
- Open the floor for questions and class discussion.
- Encourage students to express their thoughts on the long-term impacts of military intervention in governance.
7. **Conclusion and Assignment (5 minutes)**
- Summarize the key points of the lesson.
- Provide an assignment: Write an essay on the potential long-term effects of military coups on a country's political development.
- Recommended reading: Chapters from the textbook on political history of Nigeria.
#### Assessment:
- Participation in group activity and class discussion.
- Quality of the essay assignment.
- Possible short quiz during the next class session to reinforce learning.
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### Indicative Essay Questions:
1. Discuss the role ethnic tensions played in the political instability of Nigeria's First Republic.
2. Evaluate the consequences of the 1966 military coup for Nigeria's political future.
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This lesson plan ensures students gain a comprehensive understanding of the political developments and challenges that shaped Nigeria's First Republic and the factors that led to military intervention in governance.