Nigerian Independence Republic and Federation
PRIMARY 5 THIRD TERM LESSON NOTES ON HISTORY PRIMARY 5 THIRD TERM
SUBJECT : HISTORY
TERM : THIRD TERM
CLASS : PRIMARY 5
WEEK : WEEK 4 & 5
TOPIC :
Nigerian Independence Republic and Federation
- Meaning of a Republic
- Meaning of a Federation
- Structure of Nigeria’s government at independence
- The Parliamentary system of the First republic in Nigeria
- When and How Nigeria became a Federal Republic
PREVIOUS LESSON
BEHAVIOURAL OBJECTIVES
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to :
- Give the meaning of a Republic
- Explain the meaning of a Federation
- Describe the structure of Nigeria’s government at independence
- Examine the Parliamentary system of Nigeria’s first republic
- Write when and how Nigeria became a Federal Republic
LEARNING ACTIVITIES
- Pupils as a class define a republic
- Pupils in small groups explain the meaning of a Federation
- Pupils as individuals describe the structure of Nigeria’s government at independence
- Pupils as a class are guided to examine the Parliamentary system of Nigeria’s first republic
- Pupils in pairs write and share when and how Nigeria became a Federal Republic
EMBEDDED CORE SKILLS
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Digital Literacy
- Communication and Collaboration
LEARNING RESOURCES
- Audio Visual Resources
- Charts showing the basic concepts of the topic
- Map of Nigeria showing the regions
CONTENT
Meaning of a Republic
Hello class! Today, we will be learning about the meaning of a republic in Nigerian history.
A republic is a type of government where the country is considered a “public matter” and its leaders are elected or chosen by the people to represent their interests. In a republic, the power to make decisions and govern rests with the people, either directly or through elected representatives.
An example of a republic in Nigerian history is the Nigerian First Republic, which lasted from 1963 to 1966. During this period, Nigeria was a sovereign state with an elected president and a federal system of government. The president and other leaders were elected by the people through a democratic process, and they were responsible for making decisions on behalf of the country.
Another example of a republic in Nigerian history is the current Nigerian Fourth Republic, which began in 1999 and is ongoing. Nigeria operates as a federal republic, where the president is elected by the people and serves as both the head of state and head of government. The president is responsible for making decisions on behalf of the country, and other government officials are also elected or appointed to represent the interests of the people.
In a republic, the people have the right to vote, express their opinions, and participate in the decision-making process through various democratic institutions such as elections, legislative bodies, and executive branches. The leaders in a republic are accountable to the people and are expected to act in the best interests of the country and its citizens.
So, in summary, a republic in Nigerian history is a form of government where the people have the power to elect their leaders and participate in the decision-making process through democratic means. It is a system that emphasizes the importance of the people’s voice and participation in the governance of the country
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Evaluation
- A republic is a type of government where the country is considered a ___________ matter. a) private b) public c) personal d) individual
- In a republic, the power to make decisions and govern rests with ___________. a) the military b) foreign countries c) the people d) appointed officials
- The Nigerian First Republic lasted from ___________ to ___________. a) 1954 to 1960 b) 1963 to 1966 c) 1970 to 1979 d) 1999 to present
- The president in a republic is elected by ___________. a) the military b) foreign countries c) appointed officials d) the people
- In a republic, the people have the right to ___________. a) vote and express opinions b) protest and cause chaos c) ignore the government d) form militias
- A republic emphasizes the importance of ___________. a) absolute monarchy b) dictatorship c) the people’s voice and participation d) foreign influence
- The Nigerian Fourth Republic began in ___________. a) 1960 b) 1985 c) 1999 d) 2005
- The president in a republic serves as both ___________. a) the head of state and head of government b) the head of military and head of religion c) the head of corporations and head of NGOs d) the head of sports and head of entertainment
- The leaders in a republic are accountable to ___________. a) foreign countries b) appointed officials c) the military d) the people
- The Nigerian Fourth Republic operates as a ___________. a) federal republic b) absolute monarchy c) communist state d) military dictatorship
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Meaning of a Federation.
A federation is a type of government where a country is divided into smaller states or regions that have their own governments, but also come together to form a larger national government. In a federation, power is shared between the central or federal government and the state or regional governments, and they each have their own areas of authority.
An example of a federation in Nigerian history is the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which is the current system of government in Nigeria. Nigeria is divided into 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, and each state has its own government with its own governor and legislative assembly. These state governments have the authority to make laws and govern their respective states, while the federal government is responsible for matters that affect the whole country, such as defense, foreign affairs, and national policies.
Another example of a federation in Nigerian history is the First Republic of Nigeria, which lasted from 1963 to 1966. During this period, Nigeria was a federal republic with a federal government and regional governments that had their own powers and responsibilities. However, this system faced challenges due to conflicts between the federal government and regional governments, which eventually led to a military coup and the end of the First Republic.
In a federation, the powers and responsibilities of the central or federal government and the state or regional governments are defined by a constitution or a set of laws. The federal government and state governments may have their own areas of authority, such as education, healthcare, transportation, and taxation, and they work together to ensure that the country is governed effectively.
So, in summary, a federation in Nigerian history is a form of government where a country is divided into smaller states or regions with their own governments, but also come together to form a larger national government. It is a system that balances power and responsibilities between the central or federal government and the state or regional governments, and it is aimed at promoting cooperation and effective governance within the country
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Evaluation
- A federation is a type of government where a country is divided into smaller ___________ or regions. a) cities b) states c) countries d) continents
- In a federation, power is shared between the ___________ and state or regional governments. a) federal government b) foreign countries c) military d) appointed officials
- The Federal Republic of Nigeria is an example of a ___________. a) monarchy b) dictatorship c) federation d) communist state
- The First Republic of Nigeria was a federal republic that lasted from ___________ to ___________. a) 1954 to 1960 b) 1963 to 1966 c) 1970 to 1979 d) 1999 to present
- The powers and responsibilities of the central or federal government and state or regional governments in a federation are defined by ___________. a) a constitution b) foreign countries c) the military d) appointed officials
- In a federation, state or regional governments have their own ___________ and legislative assemblies. a) governors b) corporations c) military d) appointed officials
- The federal government in a federation is responsible for matters that affect ___________. a) the whole country b) only one state c) foreign countries d) the military
- A federation aims to balance power and responsibilities between ___________. a) the federal government and state or regional governments b) the military and appointed officials c) foreign countries and the people d) corporations and NGOs
- The Federal Capital Territory in Nigeria is an example of ___________. a) a state government b) a federal government c) a regional government d) a municipal government
- The purpose of a federation is to promote cooperation and effective governance ___________. a) within the country b) outside the country c) in foreign countries d) among appointed officials [mediator_tech]
Structure of Nigeria’s government at independence.
At the time of Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the structure of the government was a federal parliamentary system. The government was composed of three branches: the executive branch, the legislative branch, and the judicial branch.
- Executive Branch: a) Governor-General: Nigeria was a constitutional monarchy at independence, and the British monarch appointed a Governor-General as the ceremonial head of state. The first Governor-General of Nigeria was Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. b) Prime Minister: The Prime Minister was the head of government and held executive powers. He was appointed from the majority party in the federal parliament and was responsible for leading the government and making policy decisions. The first Prime Minister of Nigeria was Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
- Legislative Branch: a) House of Representatives: This was the lower house of the federal parliament and consisted of elected representatives from Nigeria’s regions. The members of the House of Representatives were responsible for making laws and representing the interests of their constituencies. b) Senate: This was the upper house of the federal parliament and consisted of elected and appointed members. The Senate acted as a revising chamber, reviewing and approving legislation passed by the House of Representatives. c) Regional Houses of Assembly: Each of Nigeria’s three regions – Northern, Western, and Eastern – had its own regional House of Assembly. These regional assemblies were responsible for making laws and representing the interests of their respective regions.
- Judicial Branch: a) Supreme Court: The Supreme Court was the highest court in Nigeria and had the authority to interpret the constitution and hear cases of national importance. b) High Courts: Each region had its own High Court, which had the authority to hear cases within their respective regions
It’s important to note that Nigeria’s government structure has evolved over time since its independence, with changes to the system of government, including the adoption of a presidential system in 1979, military rule in various periods, and the current federal presidential system established in 1999
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Evaluation
- The head of state in Nigeria at independence was the ___________. a) President b) Governor-General c) Prime Minister d) Chief Justice
- The head of government in Nigeria at independence was the ___________. a) President b) Governor-General c) Prime Minister d) Chief Justice
- The Prime Minister of Nigeria at independence was ___________. a) Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa b) Nnamdi Azikiwe c) Ahmadu Bello d) Obafemi Awolowo
- The Governor-General of Nigeria at independence was ___________. a) Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa b) Nnamdi Azikiwe c) Ahmadu Bello d) Obafemi Awolowo
- The lower house of the federal parliament in Nigeria at independence was the ___________. a) House of Representatives b) Senate c) Regional House of Assembly d) House of Chiefs
- The upper house of the federal parliament in Nigeria at independence was the ___________. a) House of Representatives b) Senate c) Regional House of Assembly d) House of Chiefs
- Nigeria was divided into ___________ regions at independence. a) two b) three c) four d) five
- Each region in Nigeria at independence had its own ___________. a) Governor-General b) Prime Minister c) Regional House of Assembly d) Supreme Court
- The highest court in Nigeria at independence was the ___________. a) Federal High Court b) High Court c) Supreme Court d) Court of Appeal
- Nigeria’s government at independence was a ___________ system. a) federal presidential b) parliamentary c) autocratic d) monarchical
The Parliamentary system of the First republic in Nigeria.
During Nigeria’s First Republic, which lasted from 1960 to 1966, the country had a parliamentary system of government. In a parliamentary system, the executive branch of government is led by a Prime Minister who is elected from the majority party or coalition in the parliament. The Prime Minister and other members of the executive branch are also members of the parliament and are accountable to the parliament for their actions and decisions.
In Nigeria’s First Republic, the Prime Minister was the head of government, and the Governor-General was the ceremonial head of state. The Governor-General represented the British monarch, who was still the symbolic head of state in Nigeria at that time.
Here are some key features of the parliamentary system of the First Republic in Nigeria:
- Prime Minister: The Prime Minister was the head of government and held executive powers. He was responsible for leading the government, making policy decisions, and representing Nigeria at the international level. The first Prime Minister of Nigeria was Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
- Federal House of Representatives: This was the lower house of the federal parliament and consisted of elected representatives from Nigeria’s regions. The members of the House of Representatives were responsible for making laws and representing the interests of their constituencies.
- Federal Senate: This was the upper house of the federal parliament and consisted of elected and appointed members. The Senate acted as a revising chamber, reviewing and approving legislation passed by the House of Representatives
- Regional Houses of Assembly: Each of Nigeria’s three regions – Northern, Western, and Eastern – had its own regional House of Assembly. These regional assemblies were responsible for making laws and representing the interests of their respective regions.
- Party System: Political parties played a significant role in the parliamentary system of the First Republic in Nigeria. The two main parties at that time were the Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), which later formed an alliance known as the Nigerian National Alliance (NNA).
- Cabinet: The Prime Minister headed a cabinet of ministers who were appointed from the members of the parliament. The ministers were responsible for various government departments and were accountable to the parliament for their actions and decisions.
- Vote of No Confidence: In a parliamentary system, the Prime Minister and his cabinet could be removed from office if they lost the support of the majority in the parliament through a vote of no confidence. This could result in a change in government and the appointment of a new Prime Minister
The parliamentary system of the First Republic in Nigeria had both strengths and weaknesses. On the positive side, it provided for a system of checks and balances where the Prime Minister and his cabinet were accountable to the parliament. However, it also faced challenges, such as regional tensions and political instability, which eventually led to the collapse of the First Republic in 1966
In conclusion, the parliamentary system of the First Republic in Nigeria was a form of government where the Prime Minister and his cabinet were accountable to the parliament. It had its own unique features and played a significant role in Nigeria’s early history as an independent nation
Evaluation
- The head of government in Nigeria’s First Republic was the ___________. a. President b. Prime Minister c. Governor-General d. Chief Justice
- The First Republic in Nigeria lasted from ___________ to ___________. a. 1960 to 1966 b. 1970 to 1980 c. 1950 to 1955 d. 1999 to present
- The Prime Minister in Nigeria’s First Republic was responsible for ___________. a. Representing the British monarch b. Leading the government c. Overseeing the judiciary d. Appointing regional governors
- The Federal House of Representatives in Nigeria’s First Republic consisted of ___________. a. Appointed representatives from the regions b. Members of the judiciary c. Elected representatives from the regions d. Members of the royal family
- The Northern Peoples Congress (NPC) and the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) were ___________. a. Ethnic groups in Nigeria b. Political parties in Nigeria’s First Republic c. Regional governors d. Religious organizations
- The Federal Senate in Nigeria’s First Republic acted as a ___________. a. Revising chamber b. Judiciary c. Military council d. Local government
- Members of the cabinet in Nigeria’s First Republic were appointed from ___________. a. Foreign countries b. The military c. The House of Representatives d. The royal family
- A vote of no confidence in Nigeria’s First Republic could result in ___________. a. A change in government b. Dissolution of the parliament c. Appointing a new President d. A referendum
- Regional Houses of Assembly in Nigeria’s First Republic were responsible for ___________. a. Making laws for the federal government b. Representing international interests c. Overseeing the judiciary d. Making laws for their respective regions
- The parliamentary system of the First Republic in Nigeria faced challenges such as ___________. a. Regional tensions b. Economic stability c. Strong leadership d. Technological advancements
When and How Nigeria became a Federal Republic.
Nigeria became a Federal Republic on October 1, 1963, following the adoption of a new constitution that replaced the previous British-style parliamentary system. The adoption of the Republican Constitution of 1963 transformed Nigeria from a constitutional monarchy with a ceremonial president to a federal republic with an executive president.
The process of becoming a Federal Republic involved several key steps. These include:
- Constitutional Conferences: Nigeria held a series of constitutional conferences in the early 1960s to discuss and draft a new constitution. These conferences brought together representatives from various regions and ethnic groups in Nigeria to negotiate the terms of the new constitution. [mediator_tech]
- Adoption of the Republican Constitution: After extensive deliberations and negotiations, the Republican Constitution of 1963 was adopted by the Nigerian parliament. This new constitution provided for a federal system of government with an executive president, a national legislature, and a judiciary.
- Presidential Elections: In 1963, Nigeria held its first presidential elections, and Nnamdi Azikiwe, who was previously the ceremonial president, became the country’s first executive president. This marked the formal establishment of Nigeria as a Federal Republic.
- Transfer of Powers: With the adoption of the Republican Constitution, powers previously held by the British monarch and the ceremonial president were transferred to the executive president, who became the head of state and head of government. The president had greater powers and responsibilities, including the appointment of ministers and the implementation of government policies.
Overall, Nigeria’s transition to a Federal Republic in 1963 marked a significant milestone in the country’s history, as it shifted from a constitutional monarchy to a federal system of government with an executive president at the helm. This transition was a significant step towards Nigeria’s journey as an independent nation, shaping its political structure and governance system
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Evaluation
- Nigeria became a Federal Republic on ________. a. October 1, 1963 b. September 30, 1960 c. July 4, 1966 d. January 1, 1950
- The adoption of the Republican Constitution in Nigeria took place in ________. a. 1963 b. 1970 c. 1985 d. 1955
- The Republican Constitution replaced the previous ________ system in Nigeria. a. Parliamentary b. Presidential c. Monarchical d. Military
- The adoption of the Republican Constitution in Nigeria transformed the country from a ceremonial presidency to a ________. a. Federal Republic b. Constitutional monarchy c. Dictatorship d. One-party state
- The transfer of powers from the British monarch and ceremonial president to the executive president occurred after the adoption of the ________ Constitution. a. Republican b. Monarchical c. Military d. Presidential
- Nigeria’s first executive president after becoming a Federal Republic was ________. a. Nnamdi Azikiwe b. Muhammadu Buhari c. Olusegun Obasanjo d. Goodluck Jonathan
- The transition to a Federal Republic in Nigeria involved ________. a. Constitutional conferences b. Military coup c. Civil war d. Revolution
- The new constitution in Nigeria provided for a ________ system of government. a. Federal b. Unitary c. Confederal d. Monarchical
- Nigeria’s transition to a Federal Republic marked a significant milestone in the country’s history as it shifted from a ________. a. Constitutional monarchy b. Presidential system c. Military dictatorship d. One-party state
- The establishment of Nigeria as a Federal Republic was formalized after ________. a. Presidential elections b. A referendum c. A military coup d. A constitutional amendment
Lesson Plan Presentation
Lesson Plan Presentation
Topic: Nigeria’s Political System: From Independence to a Federal Republic
Lesson Plan:
I. Introduction (5 minutes)
- Begin the lesson by asking the students what they know about Nigeria’s political system.
- Elicit responses and write them on the whiteboard or blackboard.
- Explain that in this lesson, they will be learning about the meaning of a Republic and a Federation, the structure of Nigeria’s government at independence, the Parliamentary system of the First Republic in Nigeria, and when and how Nigeria became a Federal Republic.
II. Meaning of a Republic (5 minutes)
- Define the term “Republic” as a form of government in which the country is considered a “public matter” and the head of state is an elected or appointed president.
- Discuss the characteristics of a Republic, such as having a president as the head of state, usually elected by the people or appointed by a representative body, and having a system of government where the power is vested in the people or their representatives.
- Give examples of countries that have a Republic system of government, such as the United States, France, and Nigeria.
- Use visual aids or real-life examples to help illustrate the concept of a Republic. [mediator_tech]
III. Meaning of a Federation (5 minutes)
- Define the term “Federation” as a system of government in which power is divided between a central government and individual states or regions that have their own governments.
- Discuss the characteristics of a Federation, such as having a dual government structure with separate powers and responsibilities for the central government and the states or regions, and having a system of government where the central government and states or regions coexist and share powers.
- Give examples of countries that have a Federation system of government, such as the United States, Canada, and Nigeria.
- Use visual aids or real-life examples to help illustrate the concept of a Federation.
IV. Structure of Nigeria’s Government at Independence (10 minutes)
- Provide an overview of Nigeria’s government structure at the time of independence in 1960.
- Discuss the key branches of government, such as the Executive, Legislative, and Judiciary, and their functions.
- Explain that Nigeria had a parliamentary system of government at independence, which was based on the British model, with a ceremonial president, a prime minister, and a federal legislature.
- Describe the roles and powers of the ceremonial president, prime minister, and federal legislature in Nigeria’s government structure at independence.
- Use visual aids or diagrams to help illustrate the structure of Nigeria’s government at that time [mediator_tech]
V. The Parliamentary System of the First Republic in Nigeria (10 minutes)
- Discuss the Parliamentary system of government that Nigeria adopted at independence.
- Explain how the prime minister and federal legislature worked in Nigeria’s First Republic, with the prime minister serving as the head of government and the federal legislature acting as the lawmaking body.
- Discuss the roles and responsibilities of the prime minister and federal legislature, including the process of passing laws and making policies.
- Provide examples of important political figures during Nigeria’s First Republic, such as Nnamdi Azikiwe, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and Obafemi Awolowo, and their contributions to the parliamentary system in Nigeria
- Use visual aids or real-life examples, such as historical photos or newspaper clippings, to help illustrate the Parliamentary system of the First Republic in Nigeria.
VI. When and How Nigeria Became a Federal Republic (10 minutes)
- Discuss the transition of Nigeria from a British colony to an independent nation and a Federal Republic.
- Explain that Nigeria gained its independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960, and became a sovereign nation.
- Discuss the process by which Nigeria adopted a Federal Republic system of government, with a new constitution adopted in 1963 that established Nigeria as a Federal Republic.
- Explain the key features of Nigeria’s Federal Republic system, such as the division of powers between the federal government and the regional governments, and the role of the president as the head of state and government.
- Use visual aids or historical examples to help illustrate the transition of Nigeria to a Federal Republic
VII. Recap and Review (5 minutes)
- Summarize the main points covered in the lesson, including the meaning of a Republic and a Federation, the structure of Nigeria’s government at independence, the Parliamentary system of the First Republic in Nigeria, and when and how Nigeria became a Federal Republic.
- Conduct a brief review session, asking students questions about the topics covered to assess their understanding.
- Address any questions or clarifications from the students
VIII. Assessment (10 minutes)
- Distribute the handout or worksheet with the ten fill-in-the-blank questions on the topics covered in the lesson.
- Instruct the students to complete the questions independently, choosing the correct option (a, b, c, or d) to fill in the blanks.
- Collect the completed handouts or worksheets for assessment purposes. [mediator_tech]
IX. Conclusion (5 minutes)
- Recap the main points of the lesson once again to reinforce understanding.
- Ask students to share any reflections or new insights they gained from the lesson.
- End the lesson with a closing statement, emphasizing the importance of understanding Nigeria’s political system and its historical context.
- Provide opportunities for further exploration or research on the topic, if desired[mediator_tech]
Note: The lesson plan can be adjusted based on the specific needs and requirements of the grade 5 students and the available time for the lesson. Additional teaching aids, such as videos, interactive activities, or guest speakers, can also be incorporated to enhance the learning experience.
Weekly Assessment /Test
- At independence, Nigeria had a ___________ system of government. a) presidential b) parliamentary c) monarchical d) military
- The parliamentary system of the First Republic in Nigeria was characterized by a prime minister and cabinet holding ___________ powers and the parliament holding ___________ powers. a) executive, legislative b) legislative, executive c) judicial, legislative d) executive, judicial
- Nigeria became a Federal Republic in ___________. a) 1963 b) 1950 c) 1970 d) 1980
- Nigeria became a Federal Republic through ___________. a) a military coup b) a referendum c) adoption of a new constitution d) negotiations with the British government
- The key features of Nigeria’s Federal Republic system included the division of powers between ___________ and regional governments. a) the federal government b) the president c) the judiciary d) a single political party
- The first president of Nigeria under the Federal Republic system was ___________. a) Nnamdi Azikiwe b) Olusegun Obasanjo c) Muhammadu Buhari d) Shehu Shagari
- The president in Nigeria’s Federal Republic system played the role of ___________. a) head of state and government b) head of the military c) head of the judiciary d) head of the parliament
- Understanding Nigeria’s political system and its historical context is important to comprehend the country’s past and present governance and its impact on the lives of ___________. a) politicians b) ordinary citizens c) academics d) foreigners
- A republic is a system of government where the power rests with ___________. a) a monarch b) elected representatives c) the military d) a dictator
- A federation is a system of government where the power is divided between ___________ and regional governments. a) a central government b) a monarch c) a religious institution d) a single individual [mediator_tech]
Theory
- Explain the meaning of a republic and provide two examples of countries that have a republican form of government.
- Define a federation and highlight two key features of a federal system of government.
- Describe the structure of Nigeria’s government at independence, including the branches of government and their functions.
- Discuss the parliamentary system of the First Republic in Nigeria, including the roles of the prime minister, cabinet, and parliament.
- Explain the process and timeline of how Nigeria became a Federal Republic, including the events that led to the adoption of a new system of government.
