Class: Primary Five
Term: First Term
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme:
Previous lesson: The British Rule in Nigeria
Topic: British Rule in Nigeria: Protectorate and Amalgamation
Content/Learning Area: What is a protectorate?, British Protectorates in Nigeria, What is Amalgamation?, Amalgamation of the Protectorates in 1914, consequences of british Rule in Nigeria
Time Allocation: 40 minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain:
- Explain what a protectorate is and identify the British protectorates in Nigeria.
- Define amalgamation and describe the amalgamation of the northern and Southern protectorates in 1914.
- List at least five consequences of british rule in Nigeria, with key dates and facts.
- Affective Domain:
- Show interest in learning about Nigerian history.
- Appreciate the impact of British rule on nigeria.
- Psychomotor Domain:
- Actively participate in class discussions.
- Take notes on key concepts.
- Social Domain:
- Work collaboratively with peers.
- Respect diverse viewpoints.
Reference Materials
9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
Abuja Educational Resource Center Scheme of Work
NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
Online Details
Relevant Textbooks
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
whiteboard or chart paper
Markers or pens
Pictures or maps of nigeria during the colonial period
Relevant textbooks
Rationale for the Lesson
This lesson is crucial for understanding Nigeria’s history and the lasting impact of colonialism. It provides context for future lessons on independence and nation-building.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
The teacher will begin by asking pupils what they remember from the previous lesson on the British occupation of Nigeria. A brief review will be conducted,followed by introducing the topic of protectorates and amalgamation.
Lesson Content
British Rule in Nigeria: Protectorate And Amalgamation
The British government established protectorates in Nigeria to strengthen their control. In 1914, these were merged to form Nigeria.

What is a Protectorate?
A protectorate is a territory governed and protected by a stronger country. The British controlled Nigerian regions while allowing some local rulers to maintain some authority.
British Protectorates in Nigeria
The British established two major protectorates. They are:
- The Northern Protectorate (1900): Established after the British took over from the Royal Niger Company. Treaties were signed with local rulers.
- The Southern protectorate (1906): Formed by merging the Lagos Colony with the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria. Critically crucial for trade.

What is Amalgamation?
Amalgamation is combining territories into one.In Nigeria, it was the unification of the Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914, overseen by Lord Frederick Lugard, who became the first Governor-General.

Amalgamation of the Protectorates in 1914
The amalgamation, effective january 1, 1914, aimed to simplify governance. Key points include:
- Unified the Northern and Southern Protectorates.
- Retained the name “Nigeria,” coined by Flora Shaw in 1897.
- Lugard believed it would create a stronger colony.

Consequences of British Rule in nigeria
British rule had critically important impacts. These include:
- Introduction of western Education: Schools like CMS Grammer School (1859) were established.
- Progress of Infrastructure: Railways (e.g., Lagos-Kano railway, completed in 1912) and ports were built.
- Economic Exploitation: Nigerian resources were exported to benefit britain.
- Loss of Autonomy: Customary rulers lost power.
- Introduction of a New Legal System: The Supreme Court of Lagos (1863) was established.
- Religious Influence: Christian missionaries introduced Christianity.
- Regional Imbalance: uneven development occurred.
- Creation of New Boundaries: Artificial boundaries combined diverse groups.
- Foundation for Nationalism: Political parties like the NNDP (1923) fostered nationalism.
- Introduction of Cash Crops: Encouraged the cultivation of crops like cocoa and groundnuts for export.
- Urbanization: Led to the growth of cities like Lagos and Port Harcourt due to increased trade and administrative activities.
- Changes in Land Tenure Systems: Traditional land ownership practices were altered to accommodate British interests.
teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Lecture, Discussion, Question and answer, Use of visual aids
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction
time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Review previous lesson, introduce the topic of protectorates and amalgamation.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer questions, listen attentively.
Step 2: Explanation of Key Concepts
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining, defining
Teacher’s Activity: Define protectorate and amalgamation, using examples.
Pupils’ Activity: listen, take notes.
step 3: Presentation/Guided Practice
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Modeling, guiding
Teacher’s Activity: Show maps, pictures, and explain the establishment of protectorates and amalgamation.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe,ask questions.
Step 4: Autonomous practice
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Monitoring, assisting
Teacher’s Activity: Pupils work individually or in pairs to answer questions.Pupils’ Activity: answer questions, discuss with peers.
Step 5: Note-Taking
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing, guiding
Teacher’s Activity: guide pupils in summarizing key points.
Pupils’ Activity: Take notes, summarize.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Questioning, assessing
Teacher’s Activity: Ask evaluation questions.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer questions.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarizing, concluding
Teacher’s Activity: Summarize the key points, emphasizing the meaning of understanding Nigeria’s colonial past. Assign a short homework activity related to the lesson.
pupils’ Activity: Listen, ask questions, and note homework.
Lesson Keywords
Protectorate – A territory governed and protected by a stronger country.
Amalgamation – Combining territories into one.
Colonialism – The policy or practice of acquiring full or partial political control over another country, occupying it with settlers, and exploiting it economically.
Nationalism – Patriotic feeling, principles, or efforts.
Infrastructure – The basic physical and organizational structures and facilities (e.g., buildings, roads, power supplies) needed for the operation of a society or enterprise.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- What is a protectorate?
- Name the two major British protectorates in Nigeria and their establishment years.
- What is amalgamation?
- When did the amalgamation of the protectorates occur?
- who was the first Governor-General of Nigeria?
- List five consequences of British rule in Nigeria, including key dates.
- how did British rule impact education in Nigeria?
- Explain one way British rule affected Nigeria’s economy.
Assignment/Homework
- Research and write a short paragraph on Lord Frederick Lugard’s role in the amalgamation of nigeria.
- List three positive and three negative impacts of British rule in Nigeria.
- Draw a map of Nigeria showing the Northern and Southern Protectorates before amalgamation.
Differentiation
For slower learners: Provide one-on-one assistance and simplified explanations.
For advanced learners: Encourage further research and in-depth analysis.
* For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use visual aids, discussions, and hands-on activities to cater to different learning styles.
Note for Teachers
Ensure to use visual aids such as maps and pictures to enhance understanding. Encourage class participation and discussion to make the lesson interactive. Provide additional support to pupils who need it and challenge advanced learners with more in-depth questions.
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