Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1 / JS1)
Term: Third Term
Week: 10
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson: Major Centralized: States in the Pre- Colonial Nigeria Week 9.
Topic: MAJOR CENTRALIZED IV
Subject Matter: States in the Pre- Colonial Nigeria, Examples of Centralized states in Pre-colonial Nigeria. i) The Niger Delta city state ii) Calabar

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria.
Identify examples of centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria.
State key characteristics of the Niger Delta city states.
Describe the political structure of Calabar.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the diverse political systems that existed in pre-colonial Nigeria.
Value the importance of historical knowledge for understanding present-day Nigeria.

Psychomotor Domain:

Outline the major features of the Niger Delta city states.
Explain the administration of Calabar during the pre-colonial era.

Discuss the significance of centralized states in the development of pre-colonial Nigerian societies.
Learn from the governance structures of past Nigerian societies.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
D.N. Eze, A.O. Adewale. (2018). Comprehensive History for Junior Secondary Schools 1. Learn Africa Plc.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A map of Nigeria showing pre-colonial states.
Charts illustrating the structure of centralized states.
Pictures depicting aspects of pre-colonial Niger Delta and Calabar.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria helps pupils learn about the organized political systems that existed before colonial rule. This knowledge enables pupils to appreciate the rich history and diverse governance structures of Nigerian societies.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have basic knowledge of pre-colonial Nigeria and different types of settlements.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

States in Pre-Colonial Nigeria

What are Centralized States?

Centralized states are political systems where power and authority are concentrated in a central governing body, such as a king, paramount chief, or council, rather than being diffused among many smaller, independent units. These states often had organized administration, a defined territory, and a hierarchy of authority.

Characteristics of Centralized States

The following are common characteristics of centralized states:

A recognized leader or ruler (e.g., king, chief).
A well-defined territory and population.
An organized system of government and administration.
A means of collecting revenue (taxes, tributes).
A standing army or system for defense.
Clear laws and a judicial system.

Examples of Centralized States in Pre-colonial Nigeria

i) The Niger Delta City States

The Niger Delta region was home to several powerful city-states such as Bonny, Brass, Opobo, and Nembe. These states were primarily organized around trade, especially the lucrative palm oil and slave trade with European merchants. Their political structure was often based on a “House System.”

Key features of the Niger Delta City States:

House System: This was the basic socio-political and economic unit. A “House” comprised a wealthy merchant, his family, servants, and slaves, all loyal to him. The head of the House was often called a “Chief.”
Economic Basis: Dominated by trade, particularly in palm oil and slaves.
Political Authority: Power was usually shared between the head of the ruling House and a council of other House Chiefs.
Maritime Focus: Their location along the coast and rivers made them strategic trading hubs.

ii) Calabar

Calabar, located in the southeastern part of Nigeria, was another significant centralized state, particularly Old Calabar. It was known for its vibrant trade and unique political organization. The Efik people were the dominant group.

Key features of Calabar:

Efik Dominance: The Efik people established a sophisticated society with strong cultural and political institutions.
Trade Hub: Calabar was a major center for the transatlantic slave trade and later for palm oil trade. Its strategic location on the Calabar River was vital for trade.
“Egbo” Society: A powerful secret society called “Egbo” (Ekpe) played a significant role in political administration and law enforcement. It enforced laws, settled disputes, and regulated trade. Membership was hierarchical and influential.
Obong: While the Egbo society held considerable power, the “Obong” (king or paramount ruler) was the recognized political head, though often with limited direct authority compared to the Egbo council.
Village/Town Council: Decisions were often made through councils of elders and heads of extended families.

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 asks them to recall what they learned about different types of settlements in previous lessons. The teacher then introduces the topic of centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are prepared for the new lesson and connect it to previous knowledge.

Step 2: Explanation of Centralized States

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what centralized states are, using simple language and giving examples of how power was concentrated in such states. The teacher writes the definition on the board.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions for clarification, and copy the definition into their notes.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the concept of centralized states.

Step 3: Characteristics of Centralized States

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Discussion/Listing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the general characteristics of centralized states, listing them on the board. The teacher encourages pupils to suggest characteristics based on the definition.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, contribute ideas, and copy the characteristics from the board.
Learning Point: Pupils can identify the common features of centralized states.

Step 4: The Niger Delta City States

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Elaboration/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses a map of Nigeria to locate the Niger Delta region. The teacher then explains the concept of “city states” and the “House System” in Bonny, Brass, and Opobo, highlighting their trade-based economy.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the map, listen to the explanation, and take notes on the Niger Delta city states.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the unique organization and economic activities of the Niger Delta city states.

Step 5: Calabar

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Description
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher points out Calabar on the map and describes its history as a trade center. The teacher explains the role of the Efik people, the “Egbo” secret society, and the “Obong” in its political structure.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils locate Calabar on the map, listen to the teacher’s explanation, and write down key points about Calabar.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the political and social structure of pre-colonial Calabar.

Step 6: Class Discussion/Q&A

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Facilitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a brief discussion, asking pupils to compare and contrast the two examples of centralized states discussed. The teacher answers any questions pupils may have.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, ask questions, and share their understanding.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding and clarify any misconceptions.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

Teacher’s Activity: The teacher evaluates the learning by asking the following questions:

Define a centralized state.
Mention two examples of centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria.
State two characteristics of the Niger Delta city states.
Explain the role of the “Egbo” society in Calabar.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key learning points of the lesson, emphasizing the importance of understanding Nigeria’s diverse pre-colonial political systems. The teacher assigns homework: “List five other centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria and briefly describe one.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils review the lesson and are given a task to reinforce learning.

Lesson Keywords

Centralized State – A political system where power is concentrated in a central governing body.
Niger Delta City States – Independent trading communities in the Niger Delta region, like Bonny and Opobo.
House System – A socio-political and economic unit in the Niger Delta city states, led by a chief.
Calabar – A major pre-colonial trading city-state in southeastern Nigeria.
Egbo (Ekpe) Society – A powerful secret society in Calabar that influenced politics and law enforcement.
Obong – The traditional ruler or king in Calabar.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can ask them to research other centralized states like Benin or Oyo. For pupils needing more support, the teacher will provide simplified notes and more direct questioning to ensure understanding of basic definitions and examples.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure pupils clearly understand the difference between centralized and decentralized states. Encourage the use of maps to help pupils visualize the locations of these states. Emphasize the unique features of each state discussed, such as the House System in the Niger Delta and the Egbo society in Calabar.