Military Rule in Nigeria: Murtala/Obasanjo (1975-1979) History Primary 6 First Term Lesson Notes Week 9

Lesson Plan: History Primary 6 First Term, Week 9

Subject: History
Class: Primary 6
Term: First Term
Week: 9
Age: 10-11 years
Topic: Military Rule in Nigeria: Murtala/Obasanjo (1975-1979)
Sub-topic: Understanding the Murtala/Obasanjo Regime
Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

1. Discuss the reasons for the emergence of the Murtala/Obasanjo military regime.
2. Identify the major actors that led to the emergence of this regime.
3. Identify the achievements of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime.
4. Explain the reasons for the end of military rule in Nigeria in October 1979.
5. Explain the shortcomings of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime.

Keywords

• Murtala/Obasanjo Regime
• Military Rule
• Achievements
• Shortcomings
• Emergence

Set Induction

The teacher will begin by asking pupils what they know about Nigeria’s military leaders and their impact on the country.

Entry Behavior

Pupils have some knowledge of previous military regimes and their leaders.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Pictures of General Murtala Mohammed and General Olusegun Obasanjo
• Timeline chart of Nigerian military regimes
• Lagos State Scheme of Work

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher will connect the lesson to previous discussions about Nigeria’s military history, focusing on the transition from the Gowon era to the Murtala/Obasanjo regime.

Embedded Core Skills

• Historical analysis
• Understanding of political transitions
• Critical thinking and explanation skills

Instructional Materials

• Whiteboard and markers
• Handouts with information on the Murtala/Obasanjo regime
• Projector (optional)

Content

1. Reasons for the Emergence of the Murtala/Obasanjo Regime

• Political Instability: Persistent issues and instability under previous regimes.
• Public Dissatisfaction: Widespread dissatisfaction with the government.
• Military Intervention: Desire to restore order and reform the political system.

2. Major Actors Leading to the Emergence of the Regime

• General Murtala Mohammed: Led the coup in 1975.
• General Olusegun Obasanjo: Became the Chief of Staff and later succeeded Murtala.

3. Achievements of the Murtala/Obasanjo Regime

• Transition to Civil Rule: Planned the transition to civilian government.
• Anti-Corruption Measures: Implemented policies to reduce corruption.
• Educational Reforms: Focused on improving the education system.

4. Reasons for the End of Military Rule in October 1979

• Democratic Transition: The regime’s commitment to restoring civilian rule.
• Political Pressure: Domestic and international pressure for democracy.
• Election Preparation: Transitioning to democratic elections.

5. Shortcomings of the Regime

• Inconsistent Implementation: Challenges in fully implementing reforms.
• Political Challenges: Difficulties in managing political opposition.
• Economic Issues: Struggles with economic stability.

Evaluation (15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options)

1. The Murtala/Obasanjo regime emerged due to political ______ and dissatisfaction.
   a) Stability
   b) Instability
   c) Peace
   d) Harmony
2. General ______ led the coup in 1975 that brought the Murtala/Obasanjo regime to power.
   a) Gowon
   b) Buhari
   c) Murtala Mohammed
   d) Abacha
3. One major achievement of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime was the planned transition to ______ government.
   a) Military
   b) Autocratic
   c) Civilian
   d) Monarchical
4. The end of military rule in Nigeria in October 1979 was due to the ______ to civilian government.
   a) Resistance
   b) Commitment
   c) Failure
   d) Delay
5. General Olusegun Obasanjo succeeded Murtala Mohammed as the Chief of ______.
   a) Police
   b) Navy
   c) Staff
   d) Army
6. One of the shortcomings of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime was inconsistent ______.
   a) Expansion
   b) Implementation
   c) Delay
   d) Support
7. The regime faced ______ challenges in managing political opposition.
   a) Economic
   b) Political
   c) Social
   d) Cultural
8. The Murtala/Obasanjo regime focused on ______ reforms in the education sector.
   a) Military
   b) Legal
   c) Economic
   d) Educational
9. Political ______ led to the emergence of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime.
   a) Stability
   b) Pressure
   c) Success
   d) Consensus
10. The transition to civilian rule in 1979 was a result of ______ pressure.
    a) Domestic and international
    b) Economic
    c) Cultural
    d) Social
11. The Murtala/Obasanjo regime struggled with ______ stability.
    a) Economic
    b) Political
    c) Social
    d) Cultural
12. The regime planned for a ______ to democratic elections.
    a) Delay
    b) Transition
    c) Disruption
    d) Isolation
13. Major actors in the Murtala/Obasanjo regime included General Murtala Mohammed and General ______.
    a) Gowon
    b) Abacha
    c) Buhari
    d) Obasanjo
14. The regime’s commitment to restoring civilian rule led to the end of military ______.
    a) Tensions
    b) Rule
    c) Support
    d) Power
15. One of the regime’s shortcomings was difficulties in managing political ______.
    a) Corruption
    b) Opposition
    c) Reforms
    d) Growth

Class Activity Discussion (15 FAQ with Answers)

1. What were the reasons for the emergence of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime?
   Political instability, public dissatisfaction, and military intervention.
2. Who were the major actors in the Murtala/Obasanjo regime?
   General Murtala Mohammed and General Olusegun Obasanjo.
3. What were some achievements of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime?
   Transition to civilian rule, anti-corruption measures, and educational reforms.
4. Why did military rule end in Nigeria in October 1979?
   Due to the commitment to restoring civilian rule and political pressure.
5. What were some shortcomings of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime?
   Inconsistent implementation of reforms, political challenges, and economic issues.
6. What was the significance of the transition to civilian government in 1979?
   It marked the end of military rule and the beginning of democratic governance.
7. How did the regime address corruption?
   Through various anti-corruption policies and measures.
8. What challenges did the Murtala/Obasanjo regime face?
   Managing political opposition and economic stability.
9. What was the role of General Olusegun Obasanjo in the regime?
   He was the Chief of Staff and succeeded Murtala Mohammed.
10. How did the Murtala/Obasanjo regime plan to restore civilian rule?
    By preparing for democratic elections and transitioning from military governance.
11. What were the educational reforms implemented during the regime?
    Efforts to improve the education system and increase access to education.
12. How did the regime’s achievements impact Nigeria?
    They contributed to political stability and progress towards democracy.
13. What were the reasons behind the regime’s economic challenges?
    Difficulties in managing resources and economic policies.
14. How did the regime’s shortcomings affect its legacy?
    They impacted the overall effectiveness and perception of the regime.
15. What was the legacy of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime?
    It included significant contributions to transitioning Nigeria to civilian rule and addressing corruption.

Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises previous discussions on military regimes and introduces the Murtala/Obasanjo era.
Step 2: The teacher explains the reasons for the regime’s emergence, its achievements, and shortcomings.
Step 3: Pupils contribute their thoughts and ask questions about the regime, with the teacher providing feedback and clarifications.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain the emergence and achievements of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime.
• Discuss the reasons for the end of military rule and its shortcomings.
• Facilitate discussion and answer questions.

Learners’ Activities

• Listen to the teacher’s explanations and take notes.
• Participate in discussions and answer questions.
• Complete the fill-in-the-blank questions and class activity discussion.

Assessment

• Evaluate pupils’ understanding through their responses to the evaluation questions and participation in class activities.

Evaluation Questions (10 Short Answer Questions)

1. What were the main reasons for the emergence of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime?
2. Who were the key figures in the Murtala/Obasanjo regime?
3. Name one major achievement of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime.
4. What were the main challenges faced by the Murtala/Obasanjo regime?
5. Why did military rule end in Nigeria in October 1979?
6. What were the shortcomings of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime?
7. How did the regime contribute to the transition to civilian rule?
8. What was the significance of the educational reforms during this period?
9. How did economic issues affect the Murtala/Obasanjo regime?
10. What was the legacy of the Murtala/Obasanjo regime?

Conclusion

The teacher will review the key points about the Murtala/Obasanjo regime, mark pupils’ work, and provide feedback on their understanding of the lesson.