History – Primary 6 Weekly Short Class Lesson Notes for Second Term

WEEK 2 – MILITARY RULES IN NIGERIA 1985 – 1993

Nigeria was under military rule from 1985 to 1993. During this period, the country was governed by the military and not by elected civilians. Nigeria was ruled by Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, also known as IBB.

He came to power on 27 August 1985.  He ruled Nigeria until 1993.

 

REASONS FOR MILITARY RULE (1985–1993)

The military took over government for the following reasons:

1. Poor governance by the civilian government

2. Economic problems in the country

3. Corruption among leaders

4. Political instability

5. Lack of discipline in the society

6. The belief that the military could restore order and stability

 

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENTS OF THE MILITARY GOVERNMENT (1985–1993)

1. Introduction of Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) – To improve the Nigerian economy.

2. Creation of States and Local Governments – More states and local governments were created to bring government closer to the people.

3. Political Transition Programme – Two political parties were created to prepare Nigeria for civilian rule.

4. June 12, 1993 Election – A national election was conducted (though later annulled).

5. Improvement in Infrastructure – Some roads, schools, and public institutions were improved.

6. Press Freedom – People enjoyed more freedom to express their views compared to earlier military regimes.

 

WEAKNESSES OF GENERAL IBRAHIM BADAMOSI BABANGIDA

1. Annulment of June 12, 1993 Election – He cancelled a free and fair election, which caused serious political crisis.

2. Lack of Democracy – Nigerians were not allowed to choose their leaders through elections.

3. Economic Hardship – The Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) made life difficult for many Nigerians.

4. Political Instability – His government caused unrest and protests across the country.

5. Corruption Allegations – His administration was accused of corruption and mismanagement.

6. Delay in Handing Over Power – He did not hand over to civilians as promised.

 

END OF THE MILITARY RULE (1993)

Due to protests and pressure, Babangida stepped aside in 1993. He handed over power to an Interim Civilian Government.

 

SUMMARY

Nigeria was under military rule from 1985 to 1993.

The ruler was General Ibrahim Babangida.

The military took over due to poor governance and economic problems.

The government recorded some achie vements before handing over power.

 

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS (MCQs)

INSTRUCTION – Choose the correct answer from the options A – D. 

1. General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida ruled Nigeria between ______.

A. 1979 – 1983

B. 1983 – 1985

C. 1985 – 1993

D. 1993 – 1998

 

2. General Ibrahim Babangida came to power in ______.

A. 1983

B. 1985

C. 1987

D. 1990

 

3. Babangida became Nigeria’s leader through a ______.

A. election

B. inheritance

C. referendum

D. military coup

 

4. General Babangida was popularly known as ______.

A. OBJ

B. IBB

C. GMB

D. SGA

 

5. One major programme introduced by Babangida was ______.

A. SAP

B. UPE

C. NYSC

D. EFCC

 

6. SAP means ______.

A. School Adjustment Programme

B. Structural Adjustment Programme

C. Social Action Programme

D. Student Aid Programme

 

7. The June 12, 1993 election was ______ by Babangida’s government.

A. cancelled

B. celebrated

C. postponed

D. repeated

 

8. One weakness of Babangida’s government was ______.

A. free elections

B. press freedom

C. annulment of June 12 election

D. democracy

 

9. Babangida stepped aside from power in ______.

A. 1990

B. 1991

C. 1992

D. 1993

 

10.. Babangida handed over power to a(n) ______ government.

A. elected

B. civilian

C. colonial

D. interim

 

FILL IN THE GAP QUESTIONS

11. General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida ruled Nigeria from 1985 to ______.

12. Babangida is popularly known as ______.

13. SAP introduced by Babangida caused economic ______ for many Nigerians.

14. The June 12 election was ______ by Babangida’s government.

15. Babangida handed over power to an ______ government.

 

SHORT ANSWER QUESTIONS

16. Who was Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida?

17. How did Babangida come to power?

18. State two achievements of Babangida’s government.

19. Mention two weaknesses of Babangida’s government.

20. Why was Babangida’s government criticised by Nigerians?

 

ANSWER KEY

1. C 2. B 3. D 4. B 5. A 6. B 7. A 8. C 9. D 10. D 11. 1993 12. IBB 13. hardship 14. annulled 15. interim

16. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida was a Nigerian military ruler who governed Nigeria from 1985 to 1993.

17. He came to power through a military coup in 1985.

18. I. Introduction of Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP), II. Creation of states and local governments

19. I. Annulment of the June 12, 1993 election, II. Economic hardship caused by SAP

20. His government was criticised because he cancelled the June 12 election and delayed the return to civilian rule.