HomePrimary 5HistoryConstitutional Development in Nigeria British Rule in Nigeria History Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8 and 9

Constitutional Development in Nigeria British Rule in Nigeria History Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8 and 9

History Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8 and 9

Subject: History
Class: Primary 5
Term: First Term
Week: 8 and 9
Age: 10 years
Topic: British Rule in Nigeria 4 – Constitutional Development
Sub-topic: Meaning of a Constitution, British Constitutional Reforms in Nigeria
Duration: 1 hour

Behavioural Objectives

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

  1. Define a constitution.
  2. List the various British constitutional reforms in Nigeria.
  3. Explain the reasons for the introduction of these constitutions.
  4. Analyze the effects of these constitutional reforms on Nigeria’s gradual independence.

Keywords

Constitution, reforms, independence, Nigeria, regionalism, elective principle

Set Induction

Begin by asking the pupils if they know what rules or laws are, and how they help in organizing society. Then, introduce the concept of a constitution as a set of fundamental principles or laws that govern a country.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils should have a basic understanding of British colonization in Nigeria and the process of amalgamation.

Learning Resources

  • Historical documents related to Nigerian constitutional development
  • Charts showing different constitutional reforms
  • Maps and timelines

Instructional Materials

  • Constitution charts
  • Timeline of constitutional developments
  • Textbooks on Nigerian history

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Discuss previous lessons on British rule and amalgamation in Nigeria, leading into the need for structured governance through constitutions.

Embedded Core Skills

  • Analytical thinking
  • Understanding historical processes
  • Evaluating legal and political impacts

Learning Materials

  • Historical texts
  • Timelines
  • Legal documents

Reference Books

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work for History
  • Nigerian History textbooks

Content

  1. Meaning of a Constitution:
    • Definition: A constitution is a set of fundamental principles or established precedents according to which a state or other organization is governed.
    • Purpose: It outlines the structure of government, the rights of citizens, and the distribution of powers.
  2. British Constitutional Reforms in Nigeria:
    • Nigeria Council (1914) – Lord Lugard:
      • The first attempt at involving Nigerians in governance.
    • Hugh Clifford Constitution (1922):
      • Introduced the elective principle, allowing limited elections in Lagos and Calabar.
    • Arthur Richards Constitution (1946):
      • Introduced regionalism, dividing Nigeria into regions for administrative purposes.
    • Macpherson Constitution (1951):
      • Expanded regional autonomy and laid the groundwork for federalism.
    • Lyttleton Constitution (1954):
      • Established a federal structure with greater autonomy for the regions.
  3. Reasons for the Introduction of These Constitutions:
    • Administrative Efficiency: To manage the diverse and vast territories of Nigeria more effectively.
    • Political Stability: To address growing demands for self-governance and political participation by Nigerians.
    • Economic Interests: To maintain control over Nigeria’s resources while appeasing local leaders.
    • Gradual Transition to Independence: To prepare Nigeria for eventual self-governance and independence.
  4. Effects of These Constitutional Reforms on Nigeria’s Gradual Independence:
    • Increased Political Participation: Gradual involvement of Nigerians in the legislative process.
    • Regionalism: Led to the development of regional governments, which later influenced the federal structure of Nigeria.
    • Foundation for Independence: Created a framework for the eventual independence of Nigeria in 1960.

Evaluation

  1. What is a constitution? a) A set of rules and regulations
    b) A type of government
    c) A historical event
    d) A cultural tradition
  2. Who introduced the Nigeria Council in 1914? a) Hugh Clifford
    b) Lord Lugard
    c) Arthur Richards
    d) Nnamdi Azikiwe
  3. What was the significance of the 1922 Hugh Clifford Constitution? a) It established regionalism
    b) It introduced the elective principle
    c) It granted full independence
    d) It created the Nigerian military
  4. Which constitution introduced regionalism in Nigeria? a) 1922 Hugh Clifford Constitution
    b) 1946 Arthur Richards Constitution
    c) 1951 Macpherson Constitution
    d) 1954 Lyttleton Constitution
  5. What was one of the reasons for introducing these constitutional reforms? a) To promote regional division
    b) To maintain British control
    c) To increase cultural exchanges
    d) To reduce trade conflicts
  6. What impact did the British constitutional reforms have on Nigeria? a) Decreased political participation
    b) Increased political participation
    c) Eliminated regional governments
    d) Reduced economic growth
  7. Which constitution is associated with the introduction of a federal structure in Nigeria? a) 1946 Arthur Richards Constitution
    b) 1951 Macpherson Constitution
    c) 1954 Lyttleton Constitution
    d) 1922 Hugh Clifford Constitution
  8. How did the 1922 Hugh Clifford Constitution impact Nigerian politics? a) It removed the elective principle
    b) It allowed limited elections
    c) It divided Nigeria into regions
    d) It granted full autonomy to Nigeria
  9. What was a key reason for the introduction of regionalism in Nigeria? a) To promote national unity
    b) To address administrative challenges
    c) To reduce British influence
    d) To increase foreign trade
  10. How did constitutional reforms contribute to Nigeria’s independence? a) By delaying independence
    b) By increasing British control
    c) By preparing Nigeria for self-governance
    d) By reducing regional autonomy
  11. When was the Macpherson Constitution introduced? a) 1914
    b) 1922
    c) 1951
    d) 1954
  12. What was the main feature of the Lyttleton Constitution? a) Regional division
    b) Federal structure
    c) Centralized government
    d) Elective principle
  13. Why did the British introduce constitutional reforms in Nigeria? a) To reduce political instability
    b) To promote cultural diversity
    c) To eliminate regionalism
    d) To increase economic exploitation
  14. How did the 1946 Arthur Richards Constitution affect Nigeria? a) It reduced regional autonomy
    b) It introduced regionalism
    c) It granted full independence
    d) It eliminated the elective principle
  15. What role did the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution play in Nigeria’s history? a) It created a unitary government
    b) It laid the foundation for Nigeria’s federal structure
    c) It abolished regional governments
    d) It introduced a monarchy

Class Activity Discussion

  1. Define a constitution in your own words.
    • Answer: A set of fundamental principles or laws that govern a country.
  2. What was the significance of the Nigeria Council of 1914?
    • Answer: It was the first attempt to involve Nigerians in governance.
  3. How did the 1922 Hugh Clifford Constitution change Nigerian politics?
    • Answer: It introduced the elective principle, allowing limited elections in Lagos and Calabar.
  4. Discuss the importance of the 1946 Arthur Richards Constitution.
    • Answer: It introduced regionalism, which divided Nigeria into regions for administrative purposes.
  5. What was the impact of the Lyttleton Constitution on Nigeria’s governance?
    • Answer: It established a federal structure with greater autonomy for the regions.
  6. Why did the British introduce constitutional reforms in Nigeria?
    • Answer: To manage the country more efficiently, address political demands, and prepare Nigeria for independence.
  7. How did constitutional reforms contribute to Nigeria’s independence?
    • Answer: They gradually increased Nigerian participation in governance and created a framework for self-rule.
  8. What were the main features of the Macpherson Constitution?
    • Answer: Expanded regional autonomy and laid the groundwork for federalism.
  9. How did regionalism impact Nigeria’s political structure?
    • Answer: It led to the development of regional governments, influencing the federal structure of Nigeria.
  10. What was one reason for the introduction of the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution?
    • Answer: To establish a federal structure with greater regional autonomy.

Presentation

  1. Step 1: Review previous lessons on British rule and amalgamation.
  2. Step 2: Introduce the new topic: “This week, we will explore the development of constitutions in Nigeria and how they paved the way for independence.”
  3. Step 3: Engage pupils in a discussion about the meaning of a constitution and the significance of various constitutional reforms.

Teacher’s Activities

  1. Explain the meaning and importance of a constitution.
  2. Discuss the various British constitutional reforms in Nigeria.
  3. Analyze the reasons for these reforms and their effects on Nigeria’s path to independence.

Learners’ Activities

  1. Participate in discussions and answer questions.
  2. Review timelines and charts related to constitutional development.
  3. Complete evaluation and class activity discussions.

Assessment

  • Observe participation in discussions.
  • Review responses to evaluation and class activity questions.

Evaluation Questions

  1. Define a constitution in the context of Nigerian history.
  2. List the various British constitutional reforms in Nigeria.
  3. What were the reasons for introducing these constitutional reforms?
  4. How did these reforms affect Nigeria’s independence?
  5. What was the significance of the 1946 Arthur Richards Constitution?

Conclusion

The teacher will summarize the key points of the lesson, address any remaining questions, and mark pupils’ work. Discuss the gradual process of Nigeria’s journey towards independence, emphasizing the role of these constitutional reforms.

More Useful Links :

“The Journey to Independence: Understanding Nigeria’s Constitutional Development”

“Learn about the various British constitutional reforms in Nigeria, their reasons, and their impact on the country’s gradual independence

Homework Assignment 

  1. A constitution is like a set of rules that a country or organization follows to __________ itself. a) manage b) govern c) trade d) educate
  2. The Nigeria Council in ________ aimed to include Nigerians in governance. a) 1914 b) 1922 c) 1946 d) 1950
  3. Lord Lugard introduced the concept of ________ rule in Nigeria. a) indirect b) direct c) quick d) strong
  4. Hugh Clifford allowed the ________ principle, allowing Nigerians to vote for some positions. a) elected b) elective c) selected d) appointed
  5. Arthur C. Richards introduced ________ in Nigeria, dividing the country into regions. a) nationalism b) colonialism c) regionalism d) socialism
  6. The British introduced these reforms to address demands for more __________. a) taxes b) control c) participation d) religion
  7. The Nigeria Council aimed to give Nigerians more ________ in their governance. a) say b) land c) money d) cars
  8. Lord Lugard’s rule relied on ________ leaders to control the people. a) traditional b) foreign c) young d) military
  9. The elective principle allowed Nigerians to ________ for some positions. a) dance b) vote c) sing d) sleep
  10. Arthur C. Richards’ regionalism gave Nigerians more control over ________ matters. a) local b) global c) national d) international
  11. These constitutional reforms were steps towards Nigeria gaining more ________. a) poverty b) knowledge c) dependence d) independence
  12. The British still had significant influence and power in these ________ systems. a) democratic b) colonial c) federal d) independent
  13. The elective principle allowed Nigerians to ________ for some government positions. a) dance b) sing c) vote d) cook
  14. The introduction of regionalism divided Nigeria into ________. a) cities b) states c) countries d) regions
  15. Lord Lugard’s indirect rule meant using ________ leaders to govern. a) traditional b) foreign c) young d) religious

This lesson plan is designed to provide students with an overview of constitutional development in Nigeria during the colonial period and how it contributed to the country’s eventual independence. 📜🇳🇬🏛️

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