Meaning, Date, People that Gave Nigeria Her Independence, Key People in Nigeria’s Independence Celebration History Primary 5 Third Term Lesson Notes Week 2 & 3

Subject: History

Class: Primary 5

Term: Third Term

Week: 2 & 3

Topic: Nigeria’s Independence

Sub-topic: Meaning, Date, People that Gave Nigeria Her Independence, Key People in Nigeria’s Independence Celebration

Duration: 2 weeks

Behavioural Objectives:

• Students will understand what independence means for a country.
• Students will learn the date Nigeria gained independence.
• Students will identify the key people involved in Nigeria’s independence.
• Students will recognize the significance of Nigeria’s independence celebration.

Key Vocabulary Words:

1. Independence
2. Colonial
3. Nationalist
4. Celebration

Learning Resources and Materials:

• Whiteboard and markers
• Pictures of key figures in Nigeria’s independence
• Maps showing Nigeria and its colonial history
• Chart showing the timeline of Nigeria’s independence movement

Building Background /Connection to prior knowledge:

• Review with students what they know about independence and why it is important for countries to govern themselves.
• Connect the concept of independence to their knowledge of Nigeria as a country.

Embedded Core Skills:

• Reading comprehension (understanding key dates and events)
• Critical thinking (analyzing the role of key figures)
• Communication (expressing thoughts and ideas)

Content:

Meaning of Nigeria’s Independence

Nigeria’s Independence refers to the day the country officially gained freedom from British colonial rule and became a sovereign nation. This marked the end of British political and economic control over Nigeria, allowing Nigerians to govern themselves and make decisions for their own future. It also signified the recognition of Nigeria as an independent state in the international community.

For many Nigerians, Independence Day is not just a historical event; it is a symbol of the country’s struggle for self-determination, the sacrifices made by countless individuals, and the hopes for a better future. As someone who has taught Nigerian history, I often reflect on how this moment must have felt — for the generation that experienced it, it wasn’t just a shift in government, but a monumental step toward self-reliance and dignity.

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Date of Nigeria’s Independence

Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960. This day is celebrated annually as Nigeria’s Independence Day. It’s a day that holds deep significance for the nation, marked by national pride, festivities, and reflection on the country’s progress since gaining independence.

I remember learning about Independence Day in school and feeling a sense of pride, even though it was years after the event. The teachers would explain how the day was celebrated, with parades, ceremonies, and the raising of the Nigerian flag — it gave me a sense of unity, even as a young student.

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People that Gave Nigeria Her Independence

Several key individuals played critical roles in securing Nigeria’s independence. These leaders were part of a broader movement that advocated for self-rule, democracy, and freedom. Here are some of the most prominent figures:

1. Nnamdi Azikiwe (First President of Nigeria) – Known as “Zik”, he was one of Nigeria’s leading nationalist leaders and a significant figure in the fight for independence. He founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), which was pivotal in the push for self-government.

2. Obafemi Awolowo – A prominent nationalist leader, Awolowo was the founder of the Action Group party and was instrumental in Nigeria’s push for self-rule, particularly in the southwestern region. His political ideas helped shape the nation’s early independence movements.

3. Ahmadu Bello – Known as the Sardauna of Sokoto, he was a key political figure from the north of Nigeria. He led the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), and under his leadership, the northern region of Nigeria played a major role in the independence movement.

4. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa – Nigeria’s first Prime Minister and one of the key figures in the country’s transition to self-governance. He worked alongside other nationalists to ensure a peaceful transition of power and was crucial in establishing Nigeria as a republic.

These leaders, among many others, represented various ethnic groups and regions of Nigeria, showing the diverse unity that made Nigeria’s independence possible.

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Key People in Nigeria’s Independence Celebration

While there were many individuals who contributed to Nigeria’s independence, the key figures in the official celebration of the country’s freedom on October 1, 1960, included:

1. Queen Elizabeth II – As the head of the British monarchy, Queen Elizabeth II was the ceremonial figure who oversaw Nigeria’s independence. She granted Nigeria self-governance, marking the country’s entry into the international community as an independent state.

2. Sir Nnamdi Azikiwe – Azikiwe, as the first Nigerian Governor-General, played a major role in the ceremonial handover of power. He was the first Nigerian to represent the country on the international stage following independence.

3. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa – As the Prime Minister, Balewa was at the center of the ceremony and gave one of the most iconic speeches in Nigerian history on that day. His words emphasized the importance of unity and the desire for progress after independence.

4. The Nigerian People – The true heroes of Nigeria’s independence were the millions of Nigerians who fought for freedom through protests, advocacy, and political activism. Their collective effort over years — even generations — made independence a reality.

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Personal Reflection:

Having learned about Nigeria’s independence in school, I can’t help but imagine what it must have been like for my grandparents’ generation. For them, it was more than just a date on the calendar; it was the fulfillment of a dream they had fought for. Celebrating Independence Day today is a reminder of the sacrifices made by our ancestors, and as an educator, I often share these stories with my students to inspire them to appreciate the freedom they enjoy today.

Class Activity Discussion 

1. What does Nigeria’s independence mean?
   • Nigeria’s independence means that Nigeria became free from the control of another country and could make its own decisions.
2. When did Nigeria gain independence?
   • Nigeria gained independence on October 1, 1960.
3. Who gave Nigeria her independence?
   • The British government was the colonial power that gave Nigeria independence.
4. Who was Nigeria’s first president?
   • Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became Nigeria’s first president.
5. Who was Nigeria’s first prime minister?
   • Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was Nigeria’s first prime minister.
6. What role did Chief Obafemi Awolowo play in Nigeria’s independence?
   • Chief Obafemi Awolowo was a prominent Nigerian nationalist who played a significant role in Nigeria’s independence struggle.
7. Who represented the British government during Nigeria’s independence celebrations?
   • Queen Elizabeth II represented the British government during Nigeria’s independence celebrations.
8. What is the date of Nigeria’s independence celebration?
   • Nigeria’s independence day is celebrated on October 1st every year.
9. Why is Nigeria’s independence important?
   • Nigeria’s independence marked the beginning of Nigeria’s journey as an independent country.
10. Who was involved in Nigeria’s independence struggle?
    • Key figures such as Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, and Chief Obafemi Awolowo were involved in Nigeria’s independence struggle.
11. What country was Nigeria independent from?
    • Nigeria was independent from British colonial rule.
12. What did Nigeria gain after independence?
    • Nigeria gained the ability to govern itself and make its own laws and decisions.
13. How do Nigerians celebrate their independence day?
    • Nigerians celebrate independence day with parades, cultural events, and ceremonies across the country.
14. What did Queen Elizabeth II do during Nigeria’s independence celebration?
    • Queen Elizabeth II attended ceremonies and represented the British government during Nigeria’s independence celebration.
15. Who was instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to independence?
    • Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, and other Nigerian nationalists were instrumental in Nigeria’s journey to independence

Evaluation

1. Nigeria’s independence means that Nigeria became free from the control of another ______. a) Country b) State c) City d) Continent
2. Nigeria gained independence on ______, 1960. a) October 1 b) December 25 c) August 15 d) March 3
3. The British government was the colonial power that gave Nigeria ______. a) Money b) Independence c) Food d) Clothes
4. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became Nigeria’s first ______. a) Governor b) President c) Prime Minister d) King
5. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was Nigeria’s first ______. a) Governor b) President c) Prime Minister d) King
6. Chief Obafemi Awolowo played a significant role in Nigeria’s ______. a) Music b) Independence struggle c) Sports d) Science
7. Queen Elizabeth II represented the ______ government during Nigeria’s independence celebrations. a) Nigerian b) British c) American d) Chinese
8. Nigeria’s independence celebration date is ______. a) October 1, 1960 b) July 4, 1776 c) November 11, 1918 d) April 14, 1865
9. Nigeria’s independence marked the beginning of Nigeria’s journey as an independent ______. a) Country b) State c) City d) Continent
10. Nigeria’s independence day is celebrated on ______. a) October 1 b) December 25 c) August 15 d) March 3
11. The British government was the colonial power that gave Nigeria ______. a) Money b) Independence c) Food d) Clothes
12. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe became Nigeria’s first ______. a) Governor b) President c) Prime Minister d) King
13. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was Nigeria’s first ______. a) Governor b) President c) Prime Minister d) King
14. Chief Obafemi Awolowo played a significant role in Nigeria’s ______. a) Music b) Independence struggle c) Sports d) Science
15. Queen Elizabeth II represented the ______ government during Nigeria’s independence celebrations. a) Nigerian b) British c) American d) Chinese

Presentation

Step 1: The teacher revises the previous topic which was:

• The teacher revisits the concept of colonialism and its impact on Nigeria.
• SECOND TERM EXAMINATION HISTORY PRIMARY 5

Step 2: The teacher introduces the new topic:

• The teacher explains the meaning of independence and its importance for countries like Nigeria.
• The teacher presents the date Nigeria gained independence and discusses its significance.
• The teacher introduces key people involved in Nigeria’s independence movement and their roles.

Step 3: The teacher allows the pupils to give their own contributions and corrects them when and where necessary:

• The teacher encourages students to share what they know about Nigeria’s independence.
• The teacher guides students in understanding the roles of key figures and the importance of independence celebrations.

Teacher’s Activities:

• Presenting information about Nigeria’s independence.
• Facilitating discussions and asking questions to engage students.
• Providing examples and visuals to enhance understanding.

Learners’ Activities:

• Listening to the teacher’s explanation.
• Participating in class discussions.
• Asking questions to clarify doubts.

Assessment:

• Observing students’ participation in discussions.
• Reviewing students’ responses to questions during the lesson.

Evaluation Questions :

1. When did Nigeria gain independence?
2. What does independence mean for a country?
3. Who were the key people involved in Nigeria’s independence movement?
4. Why is Nigeria’s independence significant?
5. How do Nigerians celebrate independence day?
6. Name one key figure in Nigeria’s independence struggle.
7. What role did the British government play in Nigeria’s independence?
8. What is the importance of learning about Nigeria’s independence?
9. How does independence impact a country’s development?
10. Can you identify any symbols or traditions associated with Nigeria’s independence celebration?

Conclusion:

• The teacher goes around to mark and corrects any errors on the topic discussed.
• The teacher emphasizes the importance of understanding Nigeria’s independence and encourages students to continue learning about their country’s history