Lesson Plan for Junior Secondary 3 - Civic Education - Post-1960 Constitutions

### Lesson Plan for Civic Education **Grade Level:** Junior Secondary 3 **Duration:** 60 minutes **Topic:** Post-1960 Constitutions in Nigeria **Objectives:** By the end of this lesson, students will be able to: 1. Understand the different constitutions enacted in Nigeria post-1960. 2. Identify key features and changes in each constitution. 3. Discuss the significance of these constitutions in the development of Nigeria’s democracy. **Materials Needed:** - Whiteboard and markers - Projector and computer for presentation slides - Handouts summarizing each of the post-1960 constitutions - Chart paper and markers for group activities **Lesson Outline:** 1. **Introduction (10 minutes)** - Begin with a brief discussion on independence in 1960 and the importance of constitutions in governing a country. - Explain the purpose of studying post-1960 constitutions in Nigeria. 2. **Teacher Input: Presentation on Post-1960 Constitutions (20 minutes)** - Using presentation slides, go over the key constitutions enacted in Nigeria since 1960: - **1963 Republican Constitution** - Transition from a monarchy to a republic. - Powers of the President and structure of the government. - **1979 Constitution** - Introduction of the presidential system of government. - Bicameral legislature and states structure. - **1993 (Aborted) Constitution** - Describe the attempt to reintroduce a presidential system. - Highlights on the democratic transition efforts. - **1999 Constitution (Current)** - Discuss key provisions and its significance. - Federal structure, human rights, and rule of law. 3. **Group Activity: Analyzing the Constitutions (15 minutes)** - Divide students into small groups and assign each group one of the constitutions discussed. - Each group will analyze their assigned constitution focusing on: - Year it was enacted - Main features and changes from previous constitutions - Impact on Nigerian political structure and society 4. **Group Presentations (10 minutes)** - Each group will present their findings to the class. - Encourage other students to ask questions and offer additional insights. 5. **Class Discussion (5 minutes)** - Summarize the key points from each group’s presentation. - Discuss the overall evolution of Nigerian constitutions and their relevance today. 6. **Conclusion (5 minutes)** - Recap the main features of each post-1960 constitution. - Highlight the importance of constitutional developments in shaping Nigeria’s democracy. - Answer any remaining questions from the students. **Assessment:** - Participation in group activities and presentations. - A short quiz or worksheet on the key points of each constitution. **Extension Activities:** - Assign a research project on a specific aspect of one of the constitutions discussed. - Encourage students to debate on the advantages and disadvantages of different constitutional changes. **Homework:** - Write a one-page essay on how one of the post-1960 constitutions has impacted a specific area of Nigerian society (e.g., education, economy, human rights). **References:** - Copies of Nigeria's 1963, 1979, 1993 (draft), and 1999 Constitutions. - Civic Education textbooks. - Online educational resources on Nigerian political history. ### End of Lesson Plan This lesson plan provides a structured approach to understanding the post-1960 constitutions of Nigeria, fostering both individual and collaborative learning.