Lesson Plan for Senior Secondary 2 - Government - Hugh Clifford's Constitution Of 1922

**Lesson Plan: Hugh Clifford's Constitution of 1922** **Grade Level: Senior Secondary 2** **Subject: Government** **Duration: 60 minutes** --- ### Lesson Objectives: 1. **Knowledge**: Students will be able to describe the main features of the Hugh Clifford's Constitution of 1922. 2. **Comprehension**: Students will be able to explain the significance of the Hugh Clifford's Constitution in Nigeria's colonial history. 3. **Analysis**: Students will be able to analyze the strengths and weaknesses of the constitution. 4. **Evaluation**: Students will be able to evaluate the impact of the constitution on Nigeria’s subsequent political developments. --- ### Materials Needed: - Textbook: Government (Senior Secondary Level) - Whiteboard and markers - Copies of the Hugh Clifford's Constitution of 1922 (summarized version) - Projector and computer (for presentation slides) - Handouts with key points of the lesson - Quiz sheets for assessment --- ### Lesson Procedure: #### Introduction (10 minutes) 1. **Greeting and Attendance**: Welcome students and mark attendance. 2. **Hook/Engagement**: Begin with a brief discussion on colonial constitutions and ask students if they know any key colonial figures or documents in Nigerian history. 3. **Lesson Overview**: Inform students of the learning objectives and give a mini-outline of what the class will cover regarding Hugh Clifford's Constitution of 1922. --- #### Direct Instruction (20 minutes) 1. **Background Context**: - Briefly discuss Nigeria under British colonial rule. - Introduce Sir Hugh Clifford, the governor of Nigeria from 1919 to 1925. 2. **Main Features of the Constitution**: - Explain the structure of the Legislative Council under Hugh Clifford's Constitution. - Discuss the division of legislative powers between the central government and the colonies. - Highlight the introduction of electoral politics and inclusion (albeit limited) of African representation. 3. **Key Points**: - The introduction of a Legislative Council composed of both official (appointed by the governor) and unofficial (nominated and elected) members. - The geographic and ethnic limitations of franchise and representation. - The exclusion of the Northern Protectorate from the legislative process. - Emphasis on elite politics, focusing on educated African elites in Lagos and Calabar. 4. **Significance**: - Discuss how the constitution marked a gradual move towards self-governance. - Note the increased political awareness and mobilization it triggered among educated Nigerians. --- #### Guided Practice (15 minutes) 1. **Group Activity**: Divide students into small groups. Assign each group a specific feature of the constitution to discuss and prepare a brief presentation. - Group 1: Structure of the Legislative Council. - Group 2: Electoral process and representation. - Group 3: Exclusion of Northern Protectorate and its implications. - Group 4: Political impacts on Nigerian elites and society. 2. **Presentation and Discussion**: Each group presents their findings to the class. Facilitate discussion and ask probing questions to ensure understanding. --- #### Independent Practice (10 minutes) 1. **Analysis Exercise**: Provide handouts with key points and a set of analytical questions: - What were the major strengths of the Hugh Clifford's Constitution? - What were its major weaknesses? - How did it influence subsequent political developments in Nigeria? 2. **Think-Pair-Share**: Students think individually, then discuss with a partner, and finally share their responses with the class. --- #### Conclusion (5 minutes) 1. **Summary Recap**: Review the main points discussed during the lesson. 2. **Q&A Session**: Allow students to ask questions for clarity on any part of the lesson. 3. **Lesson Closure**: Summarize the significance of Hugh Clifford's Constitution and its legacy in Nigerian colonial history. --- #### Assessment (5 minutes) 1. **Quiz**: Distribute a short quiz covering key features, significance, and impact of Hugh Clifford's Constitution. 2. **Homework Assignment**: Ask students to write a one-page essay evaluating the long-term impact of the 1922 constitution on Nigeria’s path to independence. ### References: - "Government for Senior Secondary Schools" Textbook - Supplementary reading materials on colonial constitutions in Nigeria **Note**: Adjustments to this lesson plan can be made based on the class's prior knowledge and the available time.