Class: Senior Secondary School 1 (SS1 / SSS 1)
Term: 1st Term
Week: 5
Age: 15 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: Printing Craft
Curriculum Theme: Trade
Previous Lesson: History Of Printing In Nigeria: Early Missionaries And Printing Presses.
Topic: HISTORY OF PRINTING IN NIGERIA (CONT)
Subject Matter: Development of printing in Nigeria from 1846 to 1960, Key milestones and growth of printing houses, Copy right law and its purpose, Examples of protected works
Specific Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
Cognitive Domain:
- Explain the development of printing in Nigeria from 1846 to 1960.
- State key milestones and the growth of printing houses during this period.
- Define copyright law.
- State the purpose of copyright law.
- Mention examples of works protected by copyright.
Affective Domain:
- Appreciate the historical development of printing in Nigeria.
- Understand the importance of copyright in protecting creative works.
- Participate actively in class discussions.
Psychomotor Domain:
- Identify common copyright symbols.
- Outline a simple timeline of printing development in Nigeria.
Social Domain:
- Collaborate with peers in discussing the impact of printing.
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum (Cultural and Creative Arts for Senior Secondary School)
- State Unified Scheme of Work for Printing Craft (Senior Secondary School)
- Cultural and Creative Arts for Senior Secondary Schools by A.O. Akinola et al.
- https://www.wipo.int/copyright/en/
- https://www.ncc.gov.ng/
Instructional Materials
The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:
- A timeline chart showing printing development in Nigeria.
- Samples of old book covers.
- Examples of copyright symbols.
- Photos of historical printing houses in Nigeria.
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson helps pupils understand the historical journey of printing in Nigeria, showing how it has evolved over time. It also introduces them to copyright law, which is important for protecting the creative work of individuals and encouraging innovation in the society.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have a basic understanding of what printing is and may have some general knowledge of Nigerian history.
Lesson Content/Board Summary
HISTORY OF PRINTING IN NIGERIA (CONT)
Development of Printing in Nigeria (1846-1960)
The development of printing in Nigeria began in the mid-19th century, driven largely by missionary activities and later by government and private initiatives. This period saw significant growth in the establishment of printing presses and the production of various printed materials.
The following are key milestones and aspects of printing development:
- 1846: The first printing press in Nigeria was established by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in Calabar, primarily for printing religious texts and educational materials.
- 1859: Henry Townsend of the CMS established a press in Abeokuta, which led to the publication of “Iwe Irohin,” Nigeria’s first newspaper.
- Early 20th Century: The British colonial government established its own printing presses, such as the Government Press, for official publications, gazettes, and administrative documents.
- Growth of Private Presses: Nigerian entrepreneurs also began establishing private printing houses, especially in cities like Lagos, Ibadan, and Port Harcourt. Examples include Ife-Olu Printing Press and Tika-Tore Press.
- Increased Literacy: The spread of printing contributed significantly to increased literacy rates and the dissemination of information, news, and literature.
Copyright Law
Copyright law is a legal right granted to creators of original works, giving them exclusive rights to control the use and distribution of their creations.
Purpose of Copyright Law
The following are the main purposes of copyright law:
- To protect the rights of creators (authors, artists, musicians, etc.) over their intellectual work.
- To encourage creativity and innovation by ensuring that creators benefit from their efforts.
- To prevent unauthorized reproduction, distribution, or adaptation of original works.
- To provide a legal framework for the fair use and licensing of creative content.
Examples of Works Protected by Copyright
Copyright protection extends to a wide range of creative and intellectual works. The following are examples of such works:
- Literary works (books, articles, poems, computer programs).
- Musical works (songs, compositions, lyrics).
- Artistic works (paintings, sculptures, drawings, photographs, architectural designs).
- Dramatic works (plays, scripts, choreography).
- Sound recordings.
- Broadcasts (radio and television programs).
- Cinematograph films.
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 reviews the previous lesson briefly. The teacher then asks pupils what they think the history of printing in Nigeria might involve, linking it to the previous discussion on printing basics. The teacher introduces the topic, “History of Printing in Nigeria (Cont.),” and states the lesson objectives.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to questions, listen attentively, and note the topic and objectives.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the lesson and understand its relevance.
Step 2: Development of Printing in Nigeria (1846-1960)
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the early development of printing in Nigeria, focusing on the establishment of the first printing press by CMS in Calabar in 1846 and the subsequent establishment of the Abeokuta press and “Iwe Irohin” in 1859. The teacher uses the timeline chart to illustrate these key events.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the timeline chart, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the initial stages and significant events in Nigerian printing history.
Step 3: Key Milestones and Growth of Printing Houses
Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Demonstration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher elaborates on the growth of government presses and the emergence of private Nigerian-owned printing houses during the colonial era. The teacher shows photos of old book covers and historical printing houses to give pupils a visual context.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the visual aids and note the key points discussed about the growth of printing establishments.
Learning Point: Pupils gain knowledge of the diversification and expansion of printing facilities.
Step 4: Introduction to Copyright Law
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Definition/Clarification
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines copyright law as a legal protection for original creative works. The teacher asks pupils if they have ever seen a copyright symbol (©) and what they think it means.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils provide their understanding of copyright and share where they have seen the symbol. They listen to the teacher’s definition.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the basic concept and meaning of copyright law.
Step 5: Purpose of Copyright Law
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Questioning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the various purposes of copyright law, such as protecting creators, encouraging creativity, and preventing unauthorized use of works. The teacher engages pupils in a discussion about why it is important to protect someone’s original work.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, offering their opinions and understanding the importance of copyright protection.
Learning Point: Pupils appreciate the reasons behind copyright law and its benefits.
Step 6: Examples of Protected Works
Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Listing/Examples
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher provides examples of different types of works that are protected under copyright law, such as literary, musical, artistic, and dramatic works. The teacher shows samples of copyright symbols on various materials.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils identify and list different types of works that can be copyrighted and observe the copyright symbols.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify various forms of intellectual property protected by copyright.
Step 7: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:
- Mention two key milestones in the development of printing in Nigeria between 1846 and 1960.
- What is copyright law?
- State two purposes of copyright law.
- Give three examples of works that can be protected by copyright.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.
Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.
Step 8: Conclusion
Time: 3 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization/Assignment
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, reiterating the journey of printing in Nigeria and the importance of copyright. The teacher assigns homework: “Research and write a short paragraph on how copyright law impacts creative artists in Nigeria today.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy the homework assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given an opportunity for further research.
Lesson Keywords
- Printing Press – A machine for printing text or pictures from type or plates.
- CMS Press – The first printing press established by the Church Missionary Society in Nigeria.
- Iwe Irohin – Nigeria’s first newspaper, published in Abeokuta.
- Milestones – Significant events or stages in development.
- Copyright Law – Legal protection for original literary, dramatic, musical, or artistic works.
- Intellectual Property – Creations of the mind, such as inventions; literary and artistic works; designs; and symbols, names and images used in commerce.
Differentiation
For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, they can be tasked with researching specific historical figures in Nigerian printing or different types of intellectual property rights. For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified notes and more direct questioning during the lesson, focusing on core definitions and examples.
Note for teachers using this lesson plan
Encourage pupils to bring examples of copyrighted materials (e.g., books, CDs, magazines) from home for a practical demonstration. Emphasize the ethical implications of respecting copyright and avoiding plagiarism. Ensure the timeline chart is clear and easy to understand.

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