Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 2

TERM – 2^ND TERM

WEEK SIX

Class: Senior Secondary School 2

Age: 16 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: HISTORY

Topic: THE 1966 COUP D’ETAT AND THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to

I.) Describe how the military took over democracy in Nigeria                             

II.) Explains how the Nigerian civil war happened.

III.) Identify the effects of the Nigerian civil war            

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures,

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

NOTE

THE 1966 COUP D’ETAT AND THE NIGERIAN CIVIL WAR

Military Takeover in Nigeria

The military takeover in Nigeria occurred primarily due to a combination of political instability, corruption, ethnic tensions, and dissatisfaction with civilian rule. The first military coup in Nigeria took place in 1966, leading to the overthrow of the civilian government and the establishment of military rule. Subsequent coups occurred in 1975, 1983, and 1985, further entrenching military dominance in Nigerian politics.

The military often cited reasons such as the need to restore order, fight corruption, and address perceived injustices as justifications for their interventions. However, military rule also perpetuated its own set of problems, including human rights abuses, suppression of dissent, and economic mismanagement.

Nigerian Civil War

The Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War, occurred between 1967 and 1970. It was primarily caused by ethnic and political tensions between the Igbo people of southeastern Nigeria, who sought independence as the Republic of Biafra, and the Nigerian government led by the Hausa-Fulani-dominated military regime.

The immediate trigger for the war was the declaration of independence by the Eastern Region of Nigeria, led by Igbo military officer Lieutenant Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, following a series of ethnic and political clashes and the persecution of Igbo people in other parts of Nigeria.

The Nigerian government, led by General Yakubu Gowon, refused to recognize Biafra's independence, leading to a full-scale conflict. The war was characterized by intense fighting, widespread casualties, and humanitarian crises, including famine and displacement.

Effects of the Nigerian Civil War

The Nigerian Civil War had significant and lasting effects on Nigeria, including:

1. Loss of Lives: The war resulted in the deaths of an estimated one to three million people, primarily due to violence, disease, and famine.
2. Displacement and Humanitarian Crisis: The conflict displaced millions of people, leading to widespread suffering, hunger, and deprivation, especially in Biafra.
3. Economic Devastation: The war caused severe economic disruption, including damage to infrastructure, disruption of agricultural activities, and loss of revenue.
4. Ethnic and Political Reconciliation: The war exacerbated ethnic and political divisions within Nigeria, contributing to ongoing tensions and conflicts.
5. Impact on National Identity: The war had a profound impact on Nigeria's national identity, highlighting the need for greater inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for diversity within the country.

EVALUATION: 1. Briefly explains how and why the Nigerian civil war happened.

2. Identify 5 effects of the Nigerian civil war

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively