Lesson Plan: Military Rule in Nigeria – General Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998–1999)

Subject: History

Class: Primary 6
Term: Second Term
Week: Week 4
Topic: Military Rule in Nigeria – General Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998–1999)
Duration: 45 minutes

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Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Explain the background and rise to power of General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
2. Discuss the reasons for the emergence of military rule in Nigeria.
3. Highlight the achievements and weaknesses of General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s government.

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Keywords

• Military rule
• General Abdulsalami Abubakar
• Transition to democracy
• Challenges
• Achievements
• Weaknesses

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Learning Resources/Materials

• A timeline showing Nigeria’s military rulers.
• Pictures of General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
• Relevant textbooks (e.g., Lagos State Scheme of Work).

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Set Induction

The teacher will ask the students to recall the last lesson on General Sani Abacha. The teacher will then introduce General Abdulsalami Abubakar, explaining that he succeeded Abacha and played a vital role in transitioning Nigeria to democracy.

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Entry Behavior

Students are familiar with military rule in Nigeria and the concept of leadership transitions.

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Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher will link today’s lesson to the previous topic by discussing how General Abdulsalami Abubakar became head of state following the death of General Sani Abacha.

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Embedded Core Skills

• Critical thinking
• Historical analysis
• Communication

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Instructional Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Chart on Nigeria’s military regimes
• Short video clips on Nigeria’s transition to democracy (if available)

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Content

Background of General Abdulsalami Abubakar

1. General Abdulsalami Abubakar was born on June 13, 1942, in Minna, Niger State.
2. He joined the Nigerian Army in 1963 and rose to become a senior officer.
3. Abdulsalami became the head of state on June 9, 1998, following the sudden death of General Sani Abacha.

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Reasons for the Emergence of Military Rule in Nigeria

1. Political instability: Frequent political crises made military intervention common.
2. Corruption: Mismanagement of resources under civilian governments encouraged military takeovers.
3. Weak leadership: Inability of some civilian leaders to maintain order led to military intervention.
4. Economic challenges: Poor governance and economic mismanagement often triggered military rule.

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General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s Government (1998–1999)

1. Transition to Democracy: Abdulsalami oversaw Nigeria’s return to civilian rule, organizing elections that led to the emergence of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo as president in 1999.
2. Drafting a New Constitution: His government created the 1999 Nigerian Constitution, which is still in use today.
3. Short Tenure: Abdulsalami served for only 11 months, the shortest tenure for a Nigerian head of state.
4. Focus on Peace: He worked to restore Nigeria’s international reputation after years of military rule and human rights abuses under Abacha.

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Achievements of General Abdulsalami Abubakar

1. Successfully transitioned Nigeria to a civilian government.
2. Organized free and fair elections in 1999.
3. Drafted the 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
4. Restored Nigeria’s relations with the international community.

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Weaknesses of General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s Government

1. Economic challenges: His short tenure left limited time to address economic problems.
2. Corruption: Allegations of financial mismanagement during the transitional period.
3. Limited reforms: The government was unable to implement long-term reforms due to its brief tenure.

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Evaluation Questions

1. Who succeeded General Sani Abacha as head of state?
   a) General Muhammadu Buhari
   b) General Abdulsalami Abubakar
   c) General Yakubu Gowon
   d) Chief Ernest Shonekan
2. What year did General Abdulsalami Abubakar become Nigeria’s head of state?
   a) 1995
   b) 1998
   c) 1999
   d) 1997
3. What was a major achievement of General Abdulsalami Abubakar’s government?
   a) Introducing Vision 2010
   b) Transitioning Nigeria to democracy
   c) Building new schools
   d) Extending military rule
4. The 1999 Nigerian Constitution was created during whose regime?
   a) General Ibrahim Babangida
   b) General Sani Abacha
   c) General Abdulsalami Abubakar
   d) Chief Olusegun Obasanjo
5. Which of the following was a weakness of Abdulsalami’s government?
   a) Corruption allegations
   b) Human rights abuses
   c) Civil war
   d) Long tenure

 

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Class Activity Discussion FAQs

1. Who was General Abdulsalami Abubakar?
   He was Nigeria’s head of state from 1998 to 1999, succeeding General Sani Abacha.
2. What was the main focus of his government?
   To transition Nigeria from military rule to a civilian government.
3. What constitution was created under his regime?
   The 1999 Nigerian Constitution.
4. How long did Abdulsalami Abubakar rule Nigeria?
   For 11 months, from June 1998 to May 1999.
5. What were the weaknesses of his government?
   Economic challenges and allegations of corruption.

 

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Presentation Steps

1. Introduction: The teacher revises the previous lesson and introduces General Abdulsalami Abubakar.
2. Development: The teacher explains the rise of Abdulsalami, his government’s achievements, and its challenges.
3. Student Participation: Students discuss the importance of the transition to democracy and its impact on Nigeria.
4. Summary: The teacher summarizes the key points and clarifies any doubts.

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Assessment

1. Describe how General Abdulsalami Abubakar became head of state.
2. List two achievements of Abdulsalami’s government.
3. What was the main focus of his administration?
4. Highlight one challenge faced by Abdulsalami’s government.

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Conclusion

The teacher marks students’ answers, provides corrections, and reviews the key points to ensure understanding.

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Military Rule In Nigeria General Sani Abacha (1993 – 1998) History Primary 6 Second Term Lesson Notes Week 3