# Lesson Plan: Military Rule in Nigeria
## Class: Senior Secondary 3
**Subject:** Government
**Topic:** Military Rule in Nigeria
**Duration:** 80 minutes
### Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
1. Understand the concept of military rule.
2. Identify key periods of military rule in Nigeria.
3. Analyze the impact of military rule on Nigeria's political, economic, and social structures.
4. Critically assess the reasons for the military's intervention in Nigerian politics.
5. Compare and contrast military and civilian governments in Nigeria.
### Materials:
1. Whiteboard/blackboard and markers/chalk
2. Projector and screen (if available)
3. Printed handouts with essential notes and timelines
4. Map of Nigeria
5. Videos or multimedia presentations on military interventions in Nigeria (optional)
6. Textbook and supplementary readings
### Lesson Outline:
#### Introduction (10 minutes):
- Begin with a brief discussion to gauge students' prior knowledge about military rule.
- Define 'military rule' and distinguish it from civilian government.
- Present an overview of military coups in Nigeria, emphasizing the transition from colonial rule to independence and subsequent military takeovers.
#### Teacher’s Input (20 minutes):
1. **Historical Context:**
- Nigeria's independence in 1960 and early challenges faced by the civilian government.
- The first coup in January 1966 led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu and others.
2. **Key Periods of Military Rule:**
- 1966 – 1979: The first period of military rule, highlighting key figures like Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi, General Yakubu Gowon, General Murtala Mohammed, and General Olusegun Obasanjo.
- 1983 – 1999: The second period of military rule, focusing on leaders such as General Muhammadu Buhari, General Ibrahim Babangida, and General Sani Abacha.
3. **Reasons for Military Interventions:**
- Perceived corruption and inefficiency of civilian governments.
- Ethnic and regional tensions.
- National security issues.
- Quest for power and control.
#### Guided Practice (15 minutes):
- Distribute a timeline of military coups in Nigeria and notable events during military rule.
- Divide the students into small groups and assign each group a significant period or event during military rule.
- Have each group prepare a brief presentation summarizing the key events, leaders, and impacts of their assigned period.
#### Group Presentations and Discussion (15 minutes):
- Each group will present their findings to the class.
- Encourage the rest of the class to ask questions and engage in discussion after each presentation.
#### Comparative Analysis (15 minutes):
- Facilitate a class discussion on the differences and similarities between military and civilian governments in Nigeria.
- Use a Venn diagram to visually represent the key points from the discussion on the board.
#### Conclusion and Assessment (5 minutes):
- Summarize the key points covered in the lesson.
- Explain the homework assignment: a short essay on the impact of military rule on Nigeria's current political landscape.
#### Homework:
- Write a 1-2 page essay on the impact of military rule on Nigeria’s political development and current political landscape.
### Evaluation:
1. Participation in class discussions and group activities.
2. Quality of group presentations.
3. Understanding assessed through the homework essay.
### Additional Resources:
- “Nigeria: A New History of a Turbulent Century” by Richard Bourne
- “Soldiers and Oil: The Political Transformation of Nigeria” by Keith Panter-Brick
This lesson plan provides a structured approach to teaching senior secondary students about the history and impact of military rule in Nigeria, promoting both individual and collaborative learning activities.