ST. RITA MODEL SCHOOLS### LESSON NOTE
Subject: Nigeria History
Topic: The Impact of Independence on Nigerians
Date: 19th – 23rd October
Class: Grade 5
Duration: 35 minutes
### 1\. Instructional Materials
* Textbooks on Nigerian history
* Pictures of Nigeria's independence celebration
* Nigerian national flag
* Pictures of Nigeria's first Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
* Chart showing important events in Nigerian history
### 2\. Instructional Techniques
* Storytelling
* Explanation
* Discussion
* Question and answer
* Demonstration
### 3\. Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
* Explain the meaning of independence.
* State the date Nigeria gained independence.
* Identify the positive impacts of independence on Nigerians.
* Mention some challenges Nigerians faced after independence.
* Explain the importance of independence to Nigeria.
### 4\. Entry Behaviour
Pupils have learnt about British rule in Nigeria and know that Nigeria was once governed by the British.
### 5\. Content
### Meaning of Independence
Independence is the freedom of a country to govern itself without being controlled by another country.
Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on 1st October, 1960. This made Nigeria a sovereign nation.
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa became Nigeria's first Prime Minister after independence.
### The Impact of Independence on Nigerians
The impact of independence refers to the changes that occurred in Nigeria and the lives of Nigerians after the country gained freedom from British rule.
### Positive Impacts of Independence
* Self-government: Nigerians gained the opportunity to govern their own country and make important decisions.
* National pride: Nigerians became proud of their country and its freedom.
* Growth of education: More opportunities were created for Nigerians to attend schools and pursue higher education.
* Employment opportunities: Nigerians had more opportunities to occupy positions in government and public service.
* Development of Nigerian culture: Nigerians gained greater opportunities to promote their languages, traditions, music and customs.
* Growth of national institutions: Nigeria developed its own national institutions and strengthened its government.
* International recognition: Nigeria became an independent country that could establish diplomatic relations with other nations.
### Challenges After Independence
* Political instability: Nigeria experienced political disagreements and military coups.
* Ethnic and religious conflicts: Differences among groups sometimes led to tension and conflict.
* Civil war: Nigeria experienced a civil war from 1967 to 1970.
* Unemployment: Many Nigerians continued to face difficulties finding jobs.
* Uneven development: Some parts of the country developed faster than others.
### Importance of Independence to Nigeria
* It gave Nigerians the right to govern themselves.
* It strengthened national identity and patriotism.
* It allowed Nigerians to participate in their country's political affairs.
* It gave Nigeria greater freedom to make its own decisions.
* It encouraged the development of Nigerian institutions and culture.
### 6\. Presentation (Steps)
Step 1: Introduction
The teacher asks pupils to mention the date Nigeria celebrates Independence Day.
The teacher introduces the topic and explains that Nigeria gained independence on 1st October, 1960.
Step 2: Explanation of Independence
The teacher explains the meaning of independence and reminds pupils that Nigeria was formerly under British colonial rule.
Step 3: Discussion of Positive Impacts
The teacher explains the positive changes brought about by independence, such as self-government, national pride, educational opportunities and international recognition.
Step 4: Discussion of Challenges
The teacher explains some challenges Nigeria experienced after independence, including political instability, conflicts and unemployment.
Step 5: Class Participation
The teacher asks pupils to mention ways independence has benefited Nigeria. Pupils respond with examples.
Step 6: Summary
The teacher summarizes the lesson and emphasizes the importance of unity, patriotism and responsible citizenship in building Nigeria.
### 7\. Evaluation
The teacher asks pupils the following questions:
* What is independence?
* When did Nigeria gain independence?
* Who was Nigeria's first Prime Minister?
* Mention three positive impacts of independence on Nigerians.
* State two challenges Nigeria experienced after independence.
### 8\. Conclusion
The teacher concludes that independence gave Nigeria the freedom to govern itself and make its own decisions. Although Nigeria has faced challenges since independence, Nigerians can contribute to national development through unity, hard work, peace and patriotism.
### 9\. Assignment
* Write the date Nigeria gained independence.
* Mention five positive impacts of independence on Nigerians.
* State three challenges Nigeria faced after independence.
### 10\. Objective Questions (Common Entrance Standard)
Choose the correct answer from options A–D.
1. Nigeria gained independence from British rule on ______.
A. 1st October, 1960
B. 1st October, 1963
C. 1st January, 1960
D. 1st May, 1966
2. Who was Nigeria's first Prime Minister after independence?
A. Nnamdi Azikiwe
B. Olusegun Obasanjo
C. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
D. Muhammadu Buhari
3. One major positive impact of independence on Nigeria was ______.
A. the loss of national identity
B. self-government
C. colonial control
D. the end of education
4. Which of the following was a challenge Nigeria experienced after independence?
A. National pride
B. International recognition
C. Self-government
D. Political instability
5. Which of the following helps Nigeria develop after independence?
A. Disunity
B. Fighting among citizens
C. Unity and patriotism
D. Destruction of public property
### Answers to Objective Questions
* A — 1st October, 1960
* C — Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
* B — Self-government
* D — Political instability
* C — Unity and patriotism