Class: primary Three
term: Third Term
Subject: History
Curriculum theme:
Previous Lesson: Ancient Nigerian Centres, Calabar and Gobir
topic: Ancient Towns in Nigeria: Idah and Ife
Content/learning Area: Identifying the geographical locations of Idah and Ife, Appreciating the ancient importance of Idah and Ife, Discussing the cultural heritage of idah and Ife
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able too:
- Cognitive Domain:
1. Identify the geographical locations of Idah and Ife on a map of Nigeria.
2.Explain the past significance of Idah and Ife in Nigerian history.
- Psychomotor Domain:
1. Locate idah and Ife on a map of Nigeria.
- Affective Domain:
1. Show thankfulness for the historical significance of Idah and Ife.2. Participate actively in class discussions.
- Social Domain:
1. Work collaboratively with classmates.
2. Share their knowledge and understanding of Idah and Ife.
Reference Materials
- 9 – Years Basic education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Online Details
- Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will employ the help of the following materials: A map of Nigeria, pictures of Idah and Ife, Charts showing cultural aspects of Idah and Ife.
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding Idah and Ife’s history and culture helps pupils appreciate Nigeria’s diverse heritage and fosters a sense of national identity. This knowledge builds upon previous lessons and lays the groundwork for future studies of Nigerian history.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
The teacher will start by asking pupils what they remember from the previous lesson about ancient towns in Nigeria.A brief review will be conducted, followed by introducing Idah and ife as two more captivating ancient towns.
Lesson Content
Ancient Towns In Nigeria; Idah and Ife
This lesson explores two meaningful ancient towns: Idah and Ife, highlighting their roles in shaping Nigeria’s history and culture.
Idah
Location
Idah is situated in kogi State, central Nigeria.
Historical significance
Idah served as the capital of the Igala Kingdom,a powerful ancient Nigerian kingdom known for its skilled warriors and strong leadership.
Cultural Heritage
Idah boasts a rich cultural heritage. Examples are:
- Customary festivals like the “Oko” (harvest)
- “Odu” (ancestor honoring) festivals
- Music
- Dance
- crafts passed down through generations.
Ife
Location
Ife is located in Osun State, southwestern Nigeria.
Historical Significance
Ife is considered the spiritual heartland of the Yoruba people, one of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, renowned for their rich oral traditions and complex belief systems.
Cultural Heritage
Ife is famous for its ancient artworks. These include:
- The Ife Head sculptures—masterpieces of African art known for their realistic features and intricate details.
- Elaborate costumes
- Vibrant music and dance
- Skilled craftsmanship
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Question and answer, Map Work, Show and Tell.
instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson,the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Review previous lesson,introduce idah and Ife.
Pupils’ Activity: Respond to questions, listen attentively.
Step 2: Explanation of Key Concepts
time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining
Teacher’s Activity: Explain the location, historical significance, and cultural heritage of Idah and Ife.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively, take notes.
step 3: Exhibition/Guided Practice
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Demonstrating
Teacher’s Activity: Show pictures and a map, guide pupils in locating Idah and Ife.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe,participate in map work.
Step 4: Autonomous Practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Monitoring
Teacher’s Activity: Supervise pupils as they answer questions individually.
Pupils’ Activity: answer questions independently.
Step 5: note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Guiding
Teacher’s Activity: Guide pupils in summarizing key points.
Pupils’ Activity: Take notes, summarize key points.
Step 6: Evaluation/review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: Ask review questions.
Pupils’ activity: Answer review questions.
Objective-aligned checks:
- Identify the geographical locations of Idah and Ife on a map of Nigeria.
- Explain the past significance of Idah and Ife in Nigerian history.
- Show thankfulness for the historical significance of Idah and Ife.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: Summarize the key points about Idah and Ife, emphasizing their importance in Nigerian history and culture. Assign a short homework activity.
Pupils’ Activity: Listen attentively, ask questions, and prepare for the homework assignment.
Lesson Keywords
- Ancient Towns – Towns with a long history, often with critically important cultural or historical importance.
- Historical Significance – The importance of a place or event in the past.
- Cultural Heritage – The traditions, customs, and artifacts of a culture that are passed down through generations.
- Igala Kingdom – An ancient kingdom in Nigeria, known for its warriors and leadership.
- yoruba People – One of the largest ethnic groups in Nigeria, known for their rich traditions and art.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning,the teacher asks pupils to:
- can you locate Idah and ife on a map of Nigeria?
- What makes Idah historically vital?
- Describe a key cultural aspect of Ife.
- What was the moast engaging thing you learned about Idah or Ife?
Assignment/Homework
- Draw a picture of one of the towns (Idah or Ife).
- Write a short paragraph about its cultural heritage.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and simplified explanations.
- For advanced learners: Encourage further research and presentations on Idah and Ife.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids,discussions,and hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Ensure to use visual aids such as maps and pictures to enhance understanding. Encourage pupils to participate actively by sharing their thoughts and asking questions. Provide additional support to pupils who may need it, and challenge advanced learners with more in-depth tasks.

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