Lesson Note: National Honours Awards
Subject: Civic Education
Class: Primary 6
Duration: 40 minutes

Lesson Objectives:
By the end of the lesson, learners will be able to:

1. Define what National Honours Awards are.
2. Identify some of the major National Honours Awards in the country.
3. Explain the importance of National Honours Awards in promoting patriotism and national development.
4. Mention when it was established in Nigeria.

Teaching Materials:

• Pictures of National Honours Awards
• Chart showing types of National Honours
• Story or short biography of a National Honours recipient

Introduction (5 minutes):

• Begin with a brief discussion on what honours and awards mean.
• Ask pupils if they have heard about any awards given by the government.
• Introduce the concept of National Honours Awards as special recognitions given to citizens who have contributed to the nation.

Development (25 minutes):

1. Definition: Explain that National Honours Awards are official recognitions given by the government to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the country in various fields such as education, health, sports, arts, and public service. In Nigeria, the National Honours Awards was established in 1964.
2. Types of National Honours Awards:

There are two types of National Honours award

• The Order of the Federal Republic
• The Order of the Niger.

Each of the National Honours Award, is made up of four ranks which are:

I. The Grand Commander

II. The Commander

III. The Officer

IV. The Member

The National Honours Award in Nigeria are eight namely :

1. The Grand Commander of the order of the Federal Republic (GCFR)
2. The Grand Commander of the order of Niger (GCON)
3. The Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR)
4. The Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON)
5. The Officer of the Order of Federal Republic (OFR)
6. The Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON)
7. The Member of the Order of the Federal Republic (MFR)
8. The Member of the Order of the Niger (MON)

The order of National Honours award is from the highest to the least. The GCFR, is given to the president and past president of a nation or the military head of state.

1. Importance of National Honours Awards:

• Encourage patriotism by recognizing and rewarding good citizens.
• Inspire others to contribute positively to national development.
• Promote unity and national pride.

1. Examples of Recipients:

• Share stories of notable individuals who have received national honours and their contributions.
• Encourage pupils to think about how they can contribute to their community and country.

Conclusion (5 minutes):

• Recap the key points about National Honours Awards and their importance.
• Ask pupils to mention one National Honour Award and one reason why it is important.

Assessment (5 minutes):

• Oral questions to test understanding:

1. What are National Honours Awards?
2. In what year was the National Honours Awards established?
3. Mention the two categories of the National Honours Awards
4. Each categories is made up of how many ranks?
5. Name one National Honour Award you know.
6. Why do we have National Honours Awards?

• Optional short written exercise: List two reasons why National Honours Awards are important.

Homework:

• List all the National Honours Awards that you know.
• Which is the highest National Honours Awards?
• Who is given the honour of GCFR?
• Write a short paragraph about a person in your community who deserves to receive a National Honour Award and explain why.

References:

• Civic Education Textbook for Primary 6
• National Honours and Awards official website or pamphlets
• Stories of notable national heroes and personalities