Lesson Note: Military Rule in Nigeria – General Ibrahim Babangida

Subject: History
Class: Primary 6
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 2
Topic: Military Rule in Nigeria – Ibrahim Babangida
Sub-topic: Understanding General Ibrahim Babangida’s Era
Duration: 60 minutes

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Behavioural Objectives

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

1. Explain the background and rise to power of General Ibrahim Babangida in Nigeria.
2. Identify and discuss the main policies and achievements of the Babangida administration.
3. Understand the significance of the June 12, 1993, presidential election in Nigerian history.
4. Analyze and evaluate the legacy of General Ibrahim Babangida in Nigeria.

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Keywords

• Military Rule: Government controlled by armed forces.
• Administration: A government during its time in office.
• Structural Adjustment Program (SAP): Economic reforms introduced to improve the economy.
• Transition to Civil Rule: Efforts to return the government to civilian control.
• Legacy: What someone leaves behind after their leadership.

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Set Induction

The teacher begins by asking the students if they know any leaders from Nigeria’s military era. The teacher uses this discussion to introduce General Ibrahim Babangida and his significant role in Nigeria’s history.

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Entry Behavior

Students are familiar with the concept of leadership and may have heard of military rulers in Nigeria.

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Learning Resources and Materials

1. Pictures of General Ibrahim Babangida.
2. A map of Nigeria.
3. Videos or documentaries on military rule in Nigeria.
4. A timeline chart of Nigerian leaders.

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Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students learned about earlier military leaders in Nigeria and understand the role of the military in governance.

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Embedded Core Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Communication
• Historical Analysis
• Citizenship Education

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Learning Materials

• Lagos State Scheme of Work.
• History textbooks.
• Charts and illustrations.

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Reference Books

• Lagos State Scheme of Work
• Nigerian History Textbooks

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Instructional Materials

• Historical photographs of General Ibrahim Babangida.
• Timeline showing Babangida’s time in power (1985–1993).

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Content

1. Background and Rise to Power

• General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida was born on August 17, 1941, in Niger State, Nigeria.
• He joined the Nigerian Army in 1962 and trained as a soldier.
• He participated in several military operations and became known for his strategic thinking.
• Babangida became the Head of State on August 27, 1985, after overthrowing General Muhammadu Buhari in a coup.

2. Policies and Achievements

• Structural Adjustment Program (SAP): Introduced to address Nigeria’s economic challenges by encouraging privatization and reducing government control.
• Creation of States and Local Governments: Babangida created additional states and local governments to promote development.
• Infrastructure Development: Investments were made in roads, schools, and other public facilities.
• Transition to Civil Rule: Babangida organized elections to return Nigeria to democratic governance.

3. June 12, 1993, Presidential Election

• This election is considered the freest and fairest in Nigerian history.
• The results were annulled by Babangida’s government, causing protests and political unrest.
• The annulment is a significant event in Nigeria’s history, marking a turning point in the push for democracy.

4. Legacy of Babangida

• Babangida’s tenure is remembered for both achievements and controversies.
• He introduced reforms but was criticized for corruption and the annulment of the June 12 election.
• His leadership style and policies continue to influence discussions about governance in Nigeria.

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Evaluation Questions (Fill-in-the-Blank)

1. General Ibrahim Babangida became Nigeria’s Head of State in _____.
   a. 1976
   b. 1985
   c. 1993
   d. 1999
2. The June 12, 1993, election is considered the _____ in Nigerian history.
   a. most controversial
   b. freest and fairest
   c. most violent
   d. most ignored
3. Babangida introduced the _____ to address economic challenges.
   a. Structural Adjustment Program
   b. Vision 2020 Plan
   c. Operation Feed the Nation
   d. Green Revolution
4. Babangida was born in _____.
   a. Niger State
   b. Lagos State
   c. Kano State
   d. Enugu State
5. Babangida created additional _____ to promote development.
   a. countries
   b. states and local governments
   c. schools and hospitals
   d. military bases

(Additional 10 fill-in-the-blank questions can be added upon request.)

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Who is General Ibrahim Babangida?
   He is a retired Nigerian military officer and former Head of State who ruled from 1985 to 1993.
2. What is the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP)?
   It was an economic reform program introduced by Babangida to improve Nigeria’s economy by reducing government control.
3. What happened on June 12, 1993?
   A presidential election was held, but the results were annulled, leading to protests.
4. Why is Babangida’s leadership significant?
   He introduced many reforms but is also remembered for controversies like the annulment of the June 12 election.
5. When did Babangida become Head of State?
   He became Head of State on August 27, 1985.

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Presentation Steps

1. Introduction: Revise previous military rulers discussed. Introduce General Ibrahim Babangida.
2. Discussion: Explain Babangida’s rise to power, policies, and legacy using teaching aids.
3. Student Engagement: Allow students to share their thoughts on Babangida’s era and ask questions.
4. Summary: Highlight key points of Babangida’s rule.

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Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities

Teacher’s Activities:

• Explain the background of Babangida’s rule using pictures and charts.
• Discuss the June 12 election and its significance.
• Ask thought-provoking questions about Babangida’s policies.

Learners’ Activities:

• Listen attentively and take notes.
• Answer questions and share ideas about Babangida’s achievements.
• Participate in discussions about his legacy.

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Assessment

1. Who was General Ibrahim Babangida?
2. What is the significance of the June 12, 1993, election?
3. Mention one achievement of Babangida’s administration.
4. What does SAP stand for, and why was it introduced?
5. In what year did Babangida become Head of State?

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Conclusion

The teacher summarizes the lesson by revisiting the key points of General Babangida’s leadership and evaluates students’ understanding through their responses to the assessment questions.

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SEO Elements

Captivating Title: Understanding General Ibrahim Babangida’s Leadership in Nigeria
Focus Keyphrase: General Ibrahim Babangida in Nigerian History
SEO Title: Military Rule in Nigeria – The Era of General Ibrahim Babangida
Slug: general-ibrahim-babangida-era-nigeria
Meta Description: Learn about the rise of General Ibrahim Babangida, his policies, achievements, and the impact of the June 12, 1993, election on Nigeria’s history.