Class: Senior Secondary School 2 (SS2 / SSS2)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 5
Age: 16 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: Colonialism and Resistance
Previous Lesson: Colonial Economy: Meaning, Government Role and British Policy Effects.
Topic: ORIGIN OF NATIONALISM
Subject Matter: Meaning of nationalism (love for country and desire for self-rule), origin and early resistance to imposition of British rule, Jaja of Opobo, Awujale of Ijebuode, Ovonramwen of Benin

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Define nationalism.
Explain the origin of nationalism in Nigeria.
Identify early Nigerian leaders who resisted British rule.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the efforts of early nationalists in resisting foreign domination.
Develop a sense of patriotism and love for their country.

Psychomotor Domain:

Locate on a map the areas associated with early resistance leaders.
Illustrate the methods used by early nationalists to resist colonial rule.

Discuss the importance of unity in resisting external forces.
Participate actively in group discussions about historical events.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

Senior Secondary Schools Education Curriculum
State Unified Scheme of Work
Adeleke, T. (2018). Comprehensive History for Senior Secondary Schools. Ibadan: University Press PLC.
https://education.gov.ng/curriculum/
https://www.history.com/topics/africa/colonialism-in-africa

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

Maps of Nigeria and West Africa
Pictures of Jaja of Opobo, Awujale of Ijebuode, and Ovonramwen of Benin
Charts illustrating timelines of resistance

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the foundations of national identity and the struggle for self-governance. It highlights the early efforts of Nigerian leaders to protect their sovereignty, which is important for understanding modern Nigerian history and citizenship.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of British colonial expansion in West Africa and Nigeria.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

Origin of Nationalism

Meaning of Nationalism

Nationalism is a strong feeling of love, loyalty, and devotion to one’s own country. It often includes a desire for political independence and self-governance, free from foreign control.

Origin of Nationalism in Nigeria

Nationalism in Nigeria largely originated as a reaction to the imposition of British colonial rule. Early resistance was driven by the desire of local rulers and communities to preserve their independence, traditional institutions, and economic control against British encroachment.

Early Resistance Leaders against British Rule

The following are some notable early leaders who resisted British rule:

King Jaja of Opobo: Jaja was a successful trader and king of Opobo. He resisted British attempts to control trade in his domain, particularly palm oil. He was eventually deported to the West Indies in 1887 after refusing to comply with British trade demands.
Awujale of Ijebuode (Awujale Aboki): The Awujale and the Ijebu people resisted British penetration into their territory, especially their desire to control trade routes to the interior. This resistance led to the Ijebu Expedition of 1892, where the British forcefully subdued Ijebu Kingdom.
Oba Ovonramwen of Benin: Oba Ovonramwen led the Benin Kingdom’s resistance against British imperial ambitions. He maintained traditional trade practices and refused to allow British entry into Benin. This led to the infamous Benin Expedition of 1897, resulting in the sacking of Benin City and the Oba’s eventual exile to Calabar.

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 what they understand by “love for one’s country” and if they know of any past leaders who fought for Nigeria’s freedom.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the questions and share their ideas.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the concept of patriotism and the topic of nationalism.

Step 2: Meaning of Nationalism

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Definition
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher defines nationalism as a strong love for one’s country and the desire for self-rule, explaining its core components.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarity.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the definition and significance of nationalism.

Step 3: Origin of Nationalism in Nigeria

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Historical Context
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that nationalism in Nigeria primarily arose as a response to the imposition of British colonial rule and the desire to preserve traditional sovereignty.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and relate the explanation to their prior knowledge of colonialism.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the historical context for the emergence of Nigerian nationalism.

Step 4: Jaja of Opobo’s Resistance

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher uses a map to show Opobo and narrates the story of King Jaja’s resistance to British control over trade and his eventual deportation, using pictures.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils observe the map and pictures, listen to the narration, and take notes.
Learning Point: Pupils learn about King Jaja as an early nationalist and his role in resisting British economic control.

Step 5: Awujale of Ijebuode and Oba Ovonramwen’s Resistance

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Narration/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher discusses the resistance of Awujale of Ijebuode and Oba Ovonramwen of Benin, highlighting their efforts to protect their kingdoms from British intrusion and the outcomes of their resistance.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe pictures, and compare the resistance efforts of these leaders.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the resistance efforts of the Awujale and Oba Ovonramwen against British territorial and political control.

Step 6: Discussion and Clarification

Time: 4 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning/Facilitation
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher facilitates a brief discussion on the common motives and challenges faced by these early resistance leaders and answers any remaining questions.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils participate in the discussion, ask questions, and contribute their insights.
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 nationalism.
Mention three early Nigerian leaders who resisted British colonial rule.
Briefly describe the nature of resistance offered by King Jaja of Opobo.
Explain one reason why these leaders resisted British rule.

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 points of the lesson, reiterating the definition of nationalism and the significance of early resistance leaders. The teacher also gives an assignment: “Research other early Nigerian leaders who resisted British rule and write a short paragraph about one of them.”
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the assignment.
Learning Point: Pupils review the lesson content and prepare for further study.

Lesson Keywords

Nationalism – A strong feeling of love and loyalty to one’s own country, often accompanied by a desire for self-governance.
Resistance – The act of opposing or fighting against something, in this context, against British colonial rule.
Jaja of Opobo – An influential merchant prince and king who resisted British economic control in the Niger Delta.
Awujale of Ijebuode – The traditional ruler of Ijebu Kingdom who resisted British territorial and trade encroachment.
Ovonramwen of Benin – The Oba of Benin who resisted British imperial ambitions, leading to the Benin Expedition of 1897.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research and present on other early resistance movements. For pupils needing more support, the teacher can provide simplified notes or pair them with stronger pupils for collaborative learning and discussion.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Teachers should ensure to use engaging visuals like maps and historical images to make the lesson more vivid and relatable for pupils. Encourage critical thinking about the motives and outcomes of the resistance movements. Emphasize the long-term impact of these early struggles on the development of Nigerian nationalism.