Class: Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS 1 / JS1)
Term: 3rd Term
Week: 8
Age: 12 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson: Major Centralized: States in the Pre- Colonial Nigeria.
Topic: MAJOR CENTRALIZED II
Subject Matter: States in the Pre- Colonial Nigeria, Examples of Centralized states in Pre-colonial Nigeria. i) Hausa states ii) KanemBorno iii) Nupe Kingdom

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define what a centralized state is.
Identify examples of centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria.
Describe key features of the Hausa states, Kanem-Borno, and the Nupe Kingdom.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the rich history of pre-colonial Nigerian societies.
Develop an interest in learning more about different Nigerian kingdoms.

Psychomotor Domain:

Discuss the characteristics that made these states centralized.
Locate the approximate geographical areas of these states on a map of Nigeria.

Work collaboratively with peers to understand historical concepts.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for History JSS 1
State Unified Scheme of Work for History JSS 1
Adeleke, A. (2018). History for Junior Secondary Schools 1. University Press PLC.

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

A map of Nigeria showing pre-colonial kingdoms.
Pictures of historical sites or artifacts related to the Hausa states, Kanem-Borno, and Nupe Kingdom.
Whiteboard and markers.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the structure and organization of powerful societies that existed in Nigeria before colonial rule. It enables them to recognize that pre-colonial Nigeria had well-developed political systems and significant historical achievements, fostering a deeper appreciation for their heritage.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils should have a basic understanding of what a state is and some general knowledge about pre-colonial Nigeria.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

States in Pre-Colonial Nigeria

What is a Centralized State?

A centralized state is a type of political organization where power and authority are concentrated in a central government or a single ruler. This central authority makes decisions for the entire state, maintains law and order, and often has a well-organized administration and military.

Examples of Centralized States in Pre-colonial Nigeria

The following are examples of centralized states that existed in pre-colonial Nigeria:

Hausa States
Kanem-Borno Empire
Nupe Kingdom

The Hausa States

The Hausa states were a group of independent city-states located in what is now northern Nigeria. They were known for their strong central leadership, often led by a king (Sarki) or later an Emir, and their involvement in trans-Saharan trade. Important Hausa states included Kano, Zaria, Katsina, Gobir, Daura, Rano, and Biram.

Key Features:
- Each state had its own ruler (Sarki).
- They were major centers for trade, especially in kola nuts, gold, salt, and slaves.
- They developed Islamic scholarship and culture.
- They had well-organized political and administrative structures.

The Kanem-Borno Empire

The Kanem-Borno Empire was one of the oldest and longest-lasting empires in Africa, located around Lake Chad. It was known for its powerful Sefawa dynasty and its control over important trans-Saharan trade routes. Its capital was Ngazargamu for a long period.

Key Features:
- Ruled by a powerful king called the Mai.
- Strong military, especially cavalry.
- Benefited greatly from trans-Saharan trade (salt, gold, slaves, textiles).
- Early adoption and spread of Islam in the region.
- Developed a complex administrative system.

The Nupe Kingdom

The Nupe Kingdom was a powerful state located in the Niger-Benue Confluence area, in what is now Niger State. It was known for its rich cultural heritage, skilled artisans, and strategic location for trade along the Niger River. The ruler was known as the Etsu.

Key Features:
- Located in a fertile riverine area, good for agriculture.
- Skilled craftsmen, especially in brass work, weaving, and glass making.
- Important for riverine trade along the Niger and Benue rivers.
- Led by a king known as the Etsu.
- Had a well-organized military.

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 about the previous lesson on pre-colonial Nigerian societies. The teacher then asks pupils if they know of any powerful kingdoms that existed in Nigeria long ago.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the greetings and share their prior knowledge or ideas about old Nigerian kingdoms.
Learning Point: Pupils are engaged and their prior knowledge is activated, preparing them for the new topic.

Step 2: Explanation of Centralized States

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains what a centralized state is, emphasizing that power is held by a central authority or a single ruler. The teacher uses simple examples to illustrate the concept.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen attentively and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and characteristics of a centralized state.

Step 3: Introduction to Hausa States

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Lecture/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher introduces the Hausa states, pointing to their location on the map of Nigeria. The teacher highlights their key features such as trade, leadership (Sarki/Emir), and Islamic influence.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the map, listen to the explanation, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about the Hausa states as an example of a centralized state.

Step 4: Introduction to Kanem-Borno Empire

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Lecture/Visual Aids
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the Kanem-Borno Empire, showing its location on the map and any relevant pictures. The teacher explains its historical significance, powerful Mai, and role in trans-Saharan trade.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils pay attention, observe the visuals, and write down important points.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the importance and features of the Kanem-Borno Empire.

Step 5: Introduction to Nupe Kingdom

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher presents the Nupe Kingdom, locating it on the map and discussing its unique characteristics, such as its location at the confluence and its skilled artisans. The teacher mentions the Etsu as its ruler.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, ask questions, and contribute to a brief discussion about the Nupe Kingdom.
Learning Point: Pupils gain knowledge about the Nupe Kingdom and its contributions.

Step 6: Class Discussion/Activity

Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Collaborative Learning
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher encourages pupils to discuss similarities and differences between the three centralized states learned. The teacher clarifies any misconceptions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils engage in a brief discussion, sharing their observations and understanding.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their understanding by comparing the different states.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

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

What is a centralized state?
Mention two examples of centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria.
Name the ruler of the Hausa states and the Nupe Kingdom.
State two key features of the Kanem-Borno 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: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the main points of the lesson, reiterating the existence and importance of centralized states like the Hausa states, Kanem-Borno, and Nupe Kingdom in pre-colonial Nigeria.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and make final notes.
Learning Point: The lesson is brought to a clear close, reinforcing key information.

Lesson Keywords

Centralized State – A state where power is concentrated in a central government or ruler.
Hausa States – A group of independent city-states in northern Nigeria known for trade and Islamic culture.
Kanem-Borno – An ancient empire around Lake Chad, known for its powerful Mai and trans-Saharan trade.
Nupe Kingdom – A kingdom in the Niger-Benue Confluence area, known for its artisans and riverine trade.
Sarki – The title for the ruler of a Hausa state.
Mai – The title for the ruler of the Kanem-Borno Empire.
Etsu – The title for the ruler of the Nupe Kingdom.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research more about the specific history of one of the states discussed. For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide simplified notes or use more visual aids and direct questioning to ensure understanding.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure they have a clear, large map of Nigeria to point out the locations of these states. Encourage pupils to relate the historical context to modern-day Nigeria where possible. Emphasize the unique contributions of each state to Nigerian history and culture.