Class: Junior Secondary School 2 (JSS 2 / JS2)
Term: Third Term
Week: 8
Age: 13 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson: Factors That Led to the Rise of Songhai Empire: Political Factors.
Topic: FACTORS THAT LED TO THE RISE OF SONGHAI EMPIRE III
Subject Matter: The role of Islam, expansion, government, economic and cultural development of the Songhai Empire.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Identify the significant role of Islam in the rise and development of the Songhai Empire.
Describe the methods and extent of the Songhai Empire’s expansion.
Outline the structure of government in the Songhai Empire.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the impact of religious influence on historical empires.
Recognize the importance of strong leadership in empire building.

Psychomotor Domain:

Locate on a map the areas of the Songhai Empire’s expansion.
Present information about the Songhai government structure.

Discuss the contributions of the Songhai Empire to West African history.
Collaborate to understand the various factors contributing to the empire’s rise.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for Junior Secondary Schools.
State Unified Scheme of Work.
Adeleke, R. (2018). History for Junior Secondary Schools 2. Learn Africa Plc.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Map of West Africa showing the Songhai Empire.
Pictures of historical figures associated with Songhai (e.g., Sunni Ali, Askia Muhammad).
Charts illustrating the government structure.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the various internal and external factors that contributed to the growth and development of the Songhai Empire. It enables pupils to appreciate how religion, leadership, and economic activities shaped one of West Africa’s most significant historical entities, providing context for present-day societal structures.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils are expected to have prior knowledge of the early history of the Songhai people and the general concept of empires in West Africa.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

FACTORS THAT LED TO THE RISE OF SONGHAI EMPIRE III

The Role of Islam in the Rise of Songhai Empire

Islam played an important role in the growth and administration of the Songhai Empire, particularly under Askia Muhammad. It provided a common legal system (Sharia law), promoted education through Islamic schools (madrasas), and fostered trade links with North Africa and the Middle East, which brought wealth and prestige.

Islam served as a unifying force, providing a common identity and legal framework.
Islamic scholars and administrators helped in the governance and record-keeping of the empire.
The adoption of Islam facilitated diplomatic relations and trade with Muslim states.
Timbuktu and Djenné became centers of Islamic learning and culture.

Expansion of the Songhai Empire

The Songhai Empire expanded significantly under Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad. Sunni Ali conquered many territories, including Timbuktu and Djenné, establishing a large empire. Askia Muhammad further expanded the empire, consolidating control over conquered lands and establishing a strong administrative system.

Sunni Ali (c. 1464-1492) began the major expansion, conquering vast territories along the Niger River.
Askia Muhammad I (c. 1493-1528) further expanded the empire, extending its reach into the Sahara and areas like Hausaland.
The empire controlled key trade routes, leading to its economic prosperity.

Government of the Songhai Empire

The Songhai Empire had a well-structured government, especially under Askia Muhammad. The empire was divided into provinces, each governed by a governor. There were also various ministries responsible for different aspects of administration, such as justice, finance, agriculture, and defense. The central government was headed by the Askia (emperor).

The Askia was the supreme ruler, both politically and religiously.
The empire was divided into provinces, each with a governor appointed by the Askia.
There was a professional army and navy to maintain order and defend the empire.
Judges (Qadis) administered justice based on Islamic law.

Economic Development of the Songhai Empire

The Songhai Empire thrived economically due to its control over trans-Saharan trade routes. Gold, salt, kola nuts, and slaves were major trade items. Agriculture and fishing along the Niger River also contributed significantly to the economy.

Trans-Saharan Trade: Control of trade routes for gold, salt, slaves, and other goods.
Agriculture: Farming of crops like millet, sorghum, and rice along the fertile Niger River.
Fishing: Abundant fish from the Niger River provided food and trade goods.
Crafts: Development of various crafts like pottery, weaving, and metalwork.
Currency: Cowrie shells were used as a form of currency.

Cultural Development of the Songhai Empire

The Songhai Empire was a hub of learning and culture, particularly in cities like Timbuktu and Djenné. Islamic scholarship flourished, with renowned universities and libraries. Architecture, music, and oral traditions also played important roles.

Education: Timbuktu became a renowned center for Islamic learning, with universities and libraries.
Literature and Scholarship: Production of many Islamic texts and scholarly works.
Architecture: Development of unique mud-brick architecture, often reflecting Islamic influences.
Arts and Crafts: Rich traditions in music, oral storytelling, and various crafts.
Language: Songhai was the primary language, alongside Arabic for religious and scholarly purposes.

Teaching Methods/Instructional Techniques

Discussion, Lecture, Demonstration, Question and Answer, Visual Aids

Instructional Procedures

Step 1: Introduction

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher greets the pupils and reminds them of the previous lesson on the early history of the Songhai Empire. The teacher then introduces today’s topic, “Factors that led to the Rise of Songhai Empire III,” focusing on its key aspects.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greetings and recall aspects of the previous lesson. They listen attentively to the introduction of the new topic.
Learning Point: Pupils connect the new lesson to prior knowledge and understand the focus of the day’s lesson.

Step 2: The Role of Islam

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains how Islam provided a unifying force, a legal system, and facilitated trade and education within the Songhai Empire. The teacher uses examples like Timbuktu as a center of learning.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification regarding Islam’s influence.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the significant role of Islam in the administrative, legal, and educational aspects of the empire.

Step 3: Expansion of the Empire

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Map Work
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses a map of West Africa to show the extent of the Songhai Empire’s expansion under Sunni Ali and Askia Muhammad, highlighting key conquered cities like Timbuktu and Djenné.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the map, identify the expanded territories, and note down the key figures responsible for the expansion.
Learning Point: Pupils visualize the geographical scope of the empire and the leaders who expanded it.

Step 4: Government of the Empire

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the structure of the Songhai government, describing the role of the Askia, governors, and various ministries. A simple chart can be drawn or shown to illustrate this.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, copy the governmental structure, and ask questions about the roles of different officials.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp how the Songhai Empire was administered and the hierarchy of its government.

Step 5: Economic Development

Time: 6 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the economic activities that supported the Songhai Empire, emphasizing the importance of trans-Saharan trade (gold, salt) and local activities like agriculture and fishing.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify the main economic drivers of the empire and note key trade items.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the economic foundations that contributed to the wealth and power of Songhai.

Step 6: Cultural Development

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher highlights the cultural achievements of the Songhai Empire, focusing on Timbuktu as a center of learning, Islamic scholarship, and other arts and crafts.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and note the cultural contributions and centers of learning within the empire.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the rich cultural and intellectual heritage of the Songhai Empire.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Explain the role of Islam in the rise of the Songhai Empire.
Mention two key leaders responsible for the expansion of the Songhai Empire.
Describe the structure of government in the Songhai Empire.
List two major economic activities of the Songhai Empire.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key factors discussed in the lesson, reinforcing the idea that a combination of strong leadership, religious influence, economic prosperity, and effective governance led to the rise and success of the Songhai Empire. The teacher assigns homework.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding of the lesson content.

Lesson Keywords

Songhai Empire – A powerful West African empire that existed from the 15th to the 16th century.
Islam – A monotheistic religion that played a significant role in the administration, law, and culture of the Songhai Empire.
Sunni Ali – The first great ruler of the Songhai Empire who initiated its major expansion.
Askia Muhammad I – A powerful emperor who further expanded and consolidated the Songhai Empire, establishing a strong administrative system.
Timbuktu – An important city in the Songhai Empire, known as a center of Islamic learning and trade.
Trans-Saharan Trade – Trade routes across the Sahara Desert that were crucial for the Songhai Empire’s economy.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can provide additional research questions on specific aspects like the impact of Sharia law. For those needing more support, the teacher can provide simplified notes or use more visual aids to explain complex ideas like the government structure.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure a clear map of West Africa is available to help pupils visualize the empire’s expansion. Encourage active participation and discussion. Emphasize the interconnectedness of the factors that led to the empire’s rise. Provide opportunities for pupils to articulate their understanding in their own words.