**Lesson Plan: Military Rule in Nigeria - Yakubu Gowon**
**Grade Level:** Primary 6
**Subject:** History
**Duration:** 60 minutes
**Topic:** Military Rule in Nigeria - Yakubu Gowon
**Objectives:**
By the end of the lesson, students will be able to:
1. Understand the concept of military rule.
2. Identify Yakubu Gowon and his role in Nigerian history.
3. Analyze the impact of Yakubu Gowon's rule on Nigeria.
**Materials:**
1. Whiteboard and markers
2. Projector and laptop for a multimedia presentation
3. Printed handouts with key points on Yakubu Gowon and military rule in Nigeria
4. Map of Nigeria
5. Timeline chart
6. Pictures and short video clips (if available)
**Preparation:**
1. Prepare a PowerPoint presentation with key points and images.
2. Arrange handouts and multimedia equipment.
3. Ensure a clear understanding of the historical context of the period.
**Lesson Procedure:**
**Introduction (10 minutes):**
1. **Greeting and Objective Introduction:** Greet the students and introduce the day's topic. "Today, we will learn about a significant period in Nigerian history when the country was under military rule, specifically focusing on General Yakubu Gowon."
2. **Engage with Discussion:** Ask students if they know what military rule means and if they have heard of Yakubu Gowon. Note their responses on the whiteboard.
3. **Define Military Rule:** Explain that military rule is when the military controls the government, often after taking power through a coup.
**Main Content (40 minutes):**
1. **Background Information (10 minutes):**
- Show Nigeria on the map, highlighting key regions related to Gowon's rule.
- Explain the context leading to military rule in Nigeria, focusing on the political instability and coups in the 1960s.
2. **Yakubu Gowon’s Biography (10 minutes):**
- Present a brief biography of Yakubu Gowon, including his early life, military career, and his rise to power.
- Use pictures and a timeline to illustrate key events.
3. **Gowon's Rule (15 minutes):**
- Discuss Gowon's rise to power after the July 1966 coup.
- Explain major events during his governance, such as the Nigerian Civil War (Biafran War) from 1967 to 1970.
- Discuss the unification and reconstruction efforts after the war.
- Mention the challenges Gowon faced and his eventual overthrow in 1975.
4. **Impact of Gowon's Rule (5 minutes):**
- Highlight the positive and negative impacts of Gowon's rule on Nigeria.
- Discuss the implementation of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, the creation of more states, and efforts at national reconciliation.
**Conclusion (10 minutes):**
1. **Review Key Points:** Summarize the main points of the lesson.
2. **Class Discussion:** Invite students to share their thoughts on Gowon's contributions and the challenges of military rule.
3. **Q&A Session:** Allow students to ask questions for clarification.
4. **Assignment:** Distribute a worksheet with a few questions for homework, such as:
- Write a short paragraph about Yakubu Gowon's role in Nigerian history.
- List two major events that happened during his rule.
**Assessment:**
- Evaluate class participation during discussions.
- Review the homework worksheet for understanding and completeness.
**Closing:**
- Thank students for their participation.
- Remind them to bring their completed worksheets for the next class.
**Note for Teachers:**
While discussing sensitive historical topics like military rule and civil wars, ensure to approach the subject with care, providing balanced perspectives to foster understanding and critical thinking among students.