Revision History Primary 6 Week 11 First Term Lesson Notes / Plans

Subject: History
Topic: Military Rule in Nigeria – General Yakubu Gowon (1966-1975)
Duration: 45 minutes
Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 11

Set Induction:
Begin by asking students if they have heard about General Yakubu Gowon and the period of military rule in Nigeria. Encourage them to share any prior knowledge they may have.

Key Words:
Military Rule, Nigeria, General Yakubu Gowon

Previous Knowledge:
Recall previous lessons on Nigeria’s history, including events leading to military rule.

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

1. Identify General Yakubu Gowon as a key figure in Nigeria’s history.
2. Understand the period of military rule (1966-1975) in Nigeria.
3. Discuss significant events and impacts during General Yakubu Gowon’s rule.

Embedded Core Values:
Leadership, Governance, National Unity

Learning Materials:

1. Images of General Yakubu Gowon.
2. Visual timeline of events during military rule.
3. Whiteboard and markers.

Content:

1. Introduction to General Yakubu Gowon and the period of military rule.
2. Explanation of key events and impacts during General Gowon’s rule.
3. Class discussion on the significance of military rule in Nigeria.

Introduction to General Yakubu Gowon and the Period of Military Rule:

General Yakubu Gowon was a prominent figure in Nigerian history, serving as the head of state from 1966 to 1975 during a critical period of military rule. Born in 1934, Gowon emerged as a key leader after the military coup of 1966. His leadership was characterized by efforts to stabilize Nigeria after a period of political instability and ethnic tensions.

Explanation of Key Events and Impacts During General Gowon’s Rule:

1. End of First Republic (1966): General Gowon came to power after a series of coups and counter-coups led to the dissolution of Nigeria’s First Republic. His government aimed to restore stability and unity.
2. Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970): One of the defining events during Gowon’s rule was the Nigerian Civil War, also known as the Biafran War. It erupted due to political, ethnic, and economic tensions, resulting in a conflict between the Nigerian government and the secessionist state of Biafra. The war had significant human and economic costs.
3. Creation of States (1967): To address regional imbalances and promote unity, General Gowon implemented the creation of twelve states, a restructuring aimed at addressing ethnic and regional disparities.
4. Return to Civilian Rule (1975): Amidst internal pressures and calls for a return to civilian governance, General Gowon announced plans to transition Nigeria back to civilian rule. However, before this could be realized, he was overthrown in a coup.

Discuss the Significance of Military Rule in Nigeria:

1. Stability and Unity: Military rule, including General Gowon’s regime, was seen by some as a period of stabilizing the nation after political turmoil. The creation of states aimed to address ethnic imbalances and promote national unity.
2. Authoritarian Governance: Military rule in Nigeria was characterized by centralized power and authoritarian governance. While this brought stability, it also limited political freedoms and civilian participation.
3. Challenges and Conflicts: The Nigerian Civil War marked a dark period with significant social, economic, and humanitarian challenges. It highlighted the complexities of managing diverse ethnic and cultural groups within the country.
4. Legacy and Lessons: The period of military rule, including Gowon’s leadership, left a lasting impact on Nigeria’s political landscape. The experiences during this time continue to shape the nation’s approach to governance, political stability, and the importance of fostering unity.

In discussing these aspects, it’s essential to encourage students to analyze historical events critically, considering both the positive and negative consequences of military rule in Nigeria during General Yakubu Gowon’s tenure.