Case Study – SS2 Citizenship & Heritage Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

A role model is a person whose actions, choices and character are so good that others want to copy them. In citizenship, a role model shows patriotism, integrity and selflessness. This lesson looks at four Nigerians, Obafemi Awolowo, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Ladi Kwali and Nnamdi Azikiwe, and at what each one teaches about being a good citizen.

Subject: Citizenship and Heritage Studies
Class: SS2
Focus: Role models in Nigerian citizenship and heritage

Behavioural objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

• explain what a role model is;
• list the qualities a role model in citizenship must show;
• describe the contribution of Awolowo, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti, Ladi Kwali and Nnamdi Azikiwe to Nigeria;
• state the lesson each person teaches about good citizenship;
• give reasons why we study role models.

What is a role model?

A role model is like a GPS for life. They are people whose actions, choices and character are so good that others want to copy them. In Nigeria, we have many “Superstars” of citizenship, people who protected our culture and fought for our rights.

To be a role model in citizenship, a person must show:

• Patriotism: Loving Nigeria more than their own comfort.
• Integrity: Being honest, even when no one is watching.
• Selflessness: Working for the “Common Good” (everyone’s benefit).

Who are some Nigerian role models in citizenship and heritage?

Case study 1: The “Father of Education”, Chief Obafemi Awolowo

If you are in school today, you probably owe a “thank you” to Papa Awo.

• His role: He was the first Premier of the Western Region.
• His “Big Move”: He introduced Free Primary Education in 1955. He believed that if you give a child a book, you have given them a future.
• Lesson for us: He showed that a good citizen uses their power to lift others up. He used his position to build schools for everyone.

Case study 2: The “Voice of Women”, Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti

Long before women were allowed to vote or lead easily in Nigeria, there was a “Lioness.”

• Her role: A teacher, activist, and the first woman in Nigeria to drive a car.
• Her “Big Move”: She led the Abeokuta Women’s Revolt. When the colonial government tried to tax poor market women unfairly, she organised thousands of women to protest. They were so powerful that the local king had to leave his throne for a while.
• Lesson for us: She showed that being a citizen means standing up against injustice, no matter how scary the opponent is.

Case study 3: The “Pottery Queen”, Dr Ladi Kwali

Heritage includes our art and the work of our hands, as well as politics.

• Her role: A world-famous potter from Gwari (modern-day Abuja and Niger State).
• Her “Big Move”: She took traditional Nigerian pottery and showed it to the whole world. She did not have a university degree, but her talent was so great that she was given an honorary doctorate. You can see her picture on the ₦20 note.
• Lesson for us: She showed that you can promote Nigeria’s heritage just by being the best at your traditional craft. You do not need a suit and tie to be a hero.

Case study 4: The “Zik of Africa”, Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe

He believed that all Africans are brothers.

• His role: The first President of Nigeria.
• His “Big Move”: He used his newspapers (like the West African Pilot) to wake Nigerians up. He told them, “You are good enough to rule yourselves!” He preached National Unity: that we are Nigerians first before we are Igbo, Hausa or Yoruba.
• Lesson for us: He showed that words are powerful. A good citizen uses their voice to unite people.

Why do we study role models?

We study them to realise that:

1. Change is possible: These were normal humans like you.
2. Our heritage is rich: We have a culture worth protecting.
3. It’s your turn: One day, an SS2 student might be reading a case study about you. What will your story be?

How do the four role models compare?

Evaluation

1. What is a role model?
2. State the three qualities a role model in citizenship must show.
3. What was Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s “Big Move”, and what lesson does it teach?
4. Describe the Abeokuta Women’s Revolt and the part Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti played in it.
5. How did Dr Ladi Kwali and Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe each promote Nigeria?

Assignment

Choose one person in your local community (a teacher, a neighbour or a local leader) who you think is a “Hidden Role Model.” Write down three things they do that make them a good citizen.