Back to: History SSS 2
My brilliant Afrilearn superstar! I hope you’re having a great day! Have you ever seen a football match where the referee suddenly stops the game and takes control because the players are fighting? That’s similar to what happened in Nigeria in 1966, when the military took over from the civilian government due to political crises. One of the key military leaders during this period was General Yakubu Gowon, who ruled from 1966 to 1975.
Today, we’ll discuss military rule in Nigeria, Yakubu Gowon’s leadership, his Nine-Point Programme, achievements, and failures.
The Military Rule and Reconstruction in Nigeria
Background to Military Rule in Nigeria
After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, political instability and ethnic tensions led to the collapse of the First Republic in 1966. The military took over in a coup led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, and General Aguiyi-Ironsi became Head of State. However, another coup in July 1966 brought General Yakubu Gowon to power.
His government faced a major challenge—the Eastern Region, led by Lt. Col. Odumegwu Ojukwu, wanted to break away from Nigeria and form the Republic of Biafra. This led to the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), which lasted for three years.
The Nine-Point Programme of Yakubu Gowon
After the Civil War ended in 1970, Gowon introduced a Nine-Point Programme to rebuild Nigeria. His plan focused on the following:
Reconstruction – Repairing the damages caused by the Civil War.
Rehabilitation – Helping war victims and displaced people return to normal life.
Reconciliation – Promoting peace and unity among Nigerians.
Abolition of Corruption – Fighting bribery and mismanagement in government.
Creation of More States – Making governance easier by breaking the country into smaller units.
Return to Civilian Rule – Preparing Nigeria for democracy after military rule.
Economic Development – Growing industries and improving the economy.
Review of the Constitution – Making laws that would strengthen the country.
Promotion of National Unity – Encouraging all ethnic groups to live together in peace.
Achievements of Gowon’s Government
End of the Civil War (1970)
His government successfully defeated the Biafran secession and reunited Nigeria.
He introduced the slogan “No Victor, No Vanquished” to promote peace and unity.
Reconstruction and Development
The government repaired roads, schools, and hospitals damaged by the war.
It helped war victims resettle and return to their normal lives.
Creation of More States (1967)
To reduce ethnic tensions, he increased the number of states from 4 to 12.
Economic Boom (Oil Boom Era)
During Gowon’s rule, Nigeria made huge profits from oil exports.
This allowed the government to invest in education, infrastructure, and social services.
Universal Primary Education (UPE) Programme
This policy helped more Nigerian children go to school.
Expansion of Road Networks
New highways and expressways were built, making transportation easier.
Failures of Gowon’s Government
Failure to Return to Civilian Rule
Gowon promised to return Nigeria to democracy by 1976, but he failed to do so, which made many people angry.
Widespread Corruption
Due to the oil boom, a lot of money was available, but it was mismanaged.
Many government officials became rich through corruption.
Increase in Crime and Indiscipline
The lack of strong leadership after the war led to lawlessness, armed robbery, and smuggling.
Neglect of Agriculture
Since Nigeria was making a lot of money from oil, the government abandoned agriculture, which used to be the backbone of the economy.
Military Coup of 1975
Gowon was eventually overthrown in a bloodless coup on July 29, 1975, while he was attending a meeting in Uganda.
General Murtala Mohammed took over as Head of State.
Summary
Nigeria’s military rule began in 1966 due to political instability. General Yakubu Gowon became Head of State in July 1966 and introduced a Nine-Point Programme to rebuild Nigeria after the Civil War (1967–1970). His government created more states, improved education, and developed infrastructure, but it also faced corruption, economic mismanagement, and failure to return to democracy. In 1975, Gowon was overthrown in a coup led by General Murtala Mohammed.
Evaluation
- What led to military rule in Nigeria in 1966?
- List three points in Gowon’s Nine-Point Programme.
- Mention two achievements of Gowon’s government.
- Why was Gowon overthrown in 1975?
- You are a true Afrilearn superstar! Keep believing in yourself and never stop learning—Nigeria’s
history is rich, and you are part of its future. See you in the next lesson!
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