The Nigerian Constitution and The Mace

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Lesson Plan

Lesson Details

Subject: Civic Education
Class: Basic 3 / Primary 3 / Class 3
Term: First Term
Week: Week 2
Age: 7–9 years
Topic: The Nigerian Constitution and The Mace
Sub-topic: Meaning, Purpose, and Importance of the Nigerian Constitution and The Mace
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

Define the Nigerian Constitution and explain its purpose.
Describe the role of the Nigerian Constitution in governance.
Explain what the Mace is and its importance in government.
Identify where the Mace is used.
Demonstrate respect for national symbols like the Constitution and the Mace.

Keywords

Constitution – A set of written rules and laws that guide a country.
Government – The people who rule and manage a country.
Mace – A symbol of authority used in government meetings.
Law – Rules that guide people’s behavior in a country.
Authority – The power to lead and make decisions.

Set Induction (Introduction)

The teacher asks pupils:

“What do you think makes a country peaceful and well-organized?”
“Have you ever seen a big stick with a symbol on it in government meetings on TV?”
“Do you know that Nigeria has a book that guides how leaders should rule?”

The teacher explains that today’s lesson is about The Nigerian Constitution and The Mace, which help Nigeria run smoothly.

Entry Behavior

Pupils should have basic knowledge of Nigerian National Symbols from the previous lesson.

Learning Resources and Materials

A printed copy of the Nigerian Constitution (1999)
Pictures of the Mace and government meetings
A model of the Mace (improvised)
Videos or online resources showing the Mace in use
Flashcards with key terms

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Pupils have learned about Nigerian National Symbols, such as the flag, anthem, and coat of arms.
The Constitution is another national symbol that guides the government, just like traffic rules guide road users.
The Mace is used to show that a government meeting is official and important.

Embedded Core Skills

Communication skills (discussing and reciting key facts)
Critical thinking (understanding why laws are important)
Social awareness (respect for authority and national symbols)

Reference Books

Lagos State Scheme of Work
Civic Education Textbook for Primary 3
Nigerian 1999 Constitution (Simplified Version)

Instructional Materials

Digital devices for videos
Charts displaying the Nigerian Constitution and the Mace
Flashcards with key concepts

Lesson Content

1. Meaning of the Nigerian Constitution

The Nigerian Constitution is a written document that contains the rules, laws, and rights that guide how the country is governed.
It tells leaders what they can and cannot do.
It protects the rights of Nigerian citizens.

Examples of Rules in the Constitution

The President can only serve for two terms (8 years).
Every Nigerian has the right to vote in elections.
All children have the right to education.
The police must protect citizens and not harm them.
If a leader breaks the law, he or she can be removed from office.

2. Importance of the Nigerian Constitution

Gives power to leaders – It tells them what they can and cannot do.
Protects citizens’ rights – It ensures that Nigerians are treated fairly.
Maintains order – It prevents leaders from making unfair rules.
Guides the government – It ensures that Nigeria runs smoothly.
Can be changed (amended) – If something is unfair, the Constitution can be improved.

3. Meaning of the Mace

The Mace is a long, golden staff (stick) that represents authority and power.
It must be present in the Senate or House of Representatives before any meeting can take place.
The Sergeant-at-Arms carries the Mace into the government meeting room.

Examples of When the Mace is Used

When senators make new laws.
During official government meetings.
When debating the budget (money for Nigeria).
When choosing a Senate President or Speaker of the House.
If a meeting becomes too noisy, the Mace is removed, and the meeting ends.

4. Importance of the Mace

Shows leadership – No meeting can start without it.
Represents authority – It shows that the meeting is legal.
Maintains order – If lawmakers fight or misbehave, the Mace is taken away.
Honored as a National Symbol – It is respected like the National Flag.

Evaluation Requirements

The Nigerian Constitution and The Mace: Meaning & Importance

The Nigerian Constitution is a set of _____ that guide the country.
a) Laws
b) Songs
c) Stories
d) Flags
The Mace is a symbol of _____.
a) Music
b) Authority
c) Farming
d) Fun
The Constitution helps to ____ the country.
a) Destroy
b) Guide
c) Ignore
d) Confuse
The Mace is carried by the _____.
a) Police
b) Senator
c) Sergeant-at-Arms
d) Teacher
The Nigerian Constitution protects the ____ of citizens.
a) Money
b) Rights
c) Clothes
d) Cars

Class Activity Discussion

Frequently Asked Questions The Nigerian Constitution and The Mace: Meaning & Importance

What is a Constitution?
- A set of written rules that guide the government.
Why is the Constitution important?
- It protects citizens’ rights and ensures good governance.
What is the Mace used for?
- It shows that a government meeting is official.
Where is the Mace kept?
- With the Sergeant-at-Arms.
What happens if the Mace is removed?
- The meeting is canceled.

Presentation Steps

Teacher revises the previous lesson on National Symbols.
Teacher introduces the topic with questions and examples.
Pupils participate in discussion and answer questions.
Teacher displays the Nigerian Constitution and Mace.
Pupils role-play carrying the Mace in class.

Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities

Teacher: Explains, asks questions, supervises activities.
Learners: Answer questions, participate in discussion, role-play with the Mace.

Assessment

Short Answer Questions

What is the Nigerian Constitution?
Mention two things the Constitution does.
What is the Mace?
Why is the Mace important?
Who carries the Mace?

Conclusion

The teacher reviews key points, corrects mistakes, and marks pupils’ work.

Nigeria’s Journey to Independence: Key Constitutions Explained