Class: Primary 6
Term: Third Term
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme:
Previous Lesson:
Topic: Oil Economy
Content/Learning Area: Crude Oil, Crude Oil Exploration in Nigeria
Time Allocation: 40 Minutes
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Define crude oil and state what it is used for, mention the year crude oil was discovered in Nigeria and the first place it was found, recall key dates in Nigeria’s oil history.
- Affective Domain: Show interest in learning about Nigeria’s natural resources, appreciate the role of crude oil in national development, demonstrate respect for how oil-producing communities contribute to Nigeria.
- Psychomotor Domain: Locate oil-producing areas in Nigeria on a map or chart, participate in group tasks such as labeling oil exploration stages or drawing related diagrams.
- Social Domain: Work in pairs or groups to discuss and share facts about crude oil, cooperate with others during map activities or classroom discussions.
Reference Materials
- Nigeria primary School history book 6
- Relevant charts and maps of Nigeria showing oil-producing areas.
- 9 Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will employ the help of the following materials: Charts showing crude oil exploration, maps of Nigeria indicating oil-producing regions, and pictures of oil refineries.
Rationale for the Lesson
Understanding the oil economy is crucial for pupils to appreciate Nigeria’s economic landscape and it’s impact on national progress.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have basic knowledge of Nigeria’s natural resources and economic activities.
Lesson Content
Oil Economy
The oil economy refers to the economic activities centered around the production, refining, and sale of crude oil, which substantially contributes to Nigeria’s revenue and overall economic development.
What is Crude Oil?
Crude oil, also called petroleum, is a thick, dark liquid found deep under the ground. It was formed millions of years ago from the remains of dead plants and animals. Crude oil is a natural resource used to make fuels like petrol and diesel, and other products like plastic, paint, and medicine. It must be refined (cleaned and processed) before it can be used.
Discovery of Crude Oil in Nigeria
Nigeria became an oil-producing country after the discovery of crude oil in the Niger Delta region.
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First Discovery: Crude oil was first found in Oloibiri (in today’s Bayelsa State) in 1956 by Shell-BP.
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First Export: In 1958, Nigeria exported crude oil for the first time.
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Before oil was found, Nigeria’s economy was based mostly on farming and trading.
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The discovery of oil changed Nigeria’s economy and placed the country on the global oil map.
Important Dates in Nigeria’s Oil History
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1908 – First oil exploration attempt by a German company (unsuccessful).
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1956 – Successful discovery of crude oil in Oloibiri by Shell-BP.
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1958 – Nigeria begins exporting crude oil.
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1971 – Nigeria joins OPEC (Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries).
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Clarification, Visual Aids, Question and Answer.
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
Step 1: Introduction (The Teaching Skill for this step MUST be “Set Induction”)
Time: 5 minutes
teaching Skill: Set Induction
Teacher’s Activity: Asks pupils about their knowledge of natural resources in Nigeria.
Pupils’ Activity: Respond to the teacher’s questions.
Step 2: defining Crude Oil
Time: 10 minutes
Teaching skill: Clarification
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils to explain what crude oil is and its importance.
Pupils’ Activity: Explain the meaning of crude oil and its importance.
Step 3: Exploration of Crude Oil in Nigeria
Time: 10 minutes
teaching Skill: Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: Leads a discussion on crude oil exploration in Nigeria, highlighting key areas and companies involved.
Pupils’ Activity: participate in the discussion, sharing their knowledge and asking questions.
Step 4: Visual Aids presentation
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Visual Presentation
Teacher’s Activity: Shows charts and maps of Nigeria indicating oil-producing regions.
Pupils’ Activity: Observe and ask questions about the visual aids.
Step 5: Note-Taking
time: 5 minutes
Teaching skill: Writing
Teacher’s Activity: Guides pupils to summarize the main points in their notebooks.
pupils’ Activity: Write down the key points in their notebooks.
Step 6: Evaluation/Review
Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Assessment
Teacher’s Activity: asks questions to assess pupils’ understanding of the lesson.
Pupils’ Activity: Answer the teacher’s questions.
Step 7: Conclusion
Time: 2 minutes
Teaching Skill: Summarization
Teacher’s Activity: Summarizes the lesson and assigns homework.
Pupils’ activity: Listen to the summary and note the homework.
Lesson Keywords
- Crude Oil – Unrefined petroleum product.
- Exploration – The process of searching for oil.
- Niger Delta – The primary oil-producing region in Nigeria.
- Oil economy – Economic activities related to oil production.
- Refining – The process of converting crude oil into usable products.
Lesson Evaluation
To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:
- What is crude oil?
- Name the primary region for oil exploration in Nigeria.
- mention two products derived from crude oil.
- Why is the oil economy important to Nigeria?
Assignment/Homework
- Research and write a short note on the environmental impact of oil exploration in Nigeria.
- List three major companies involved in crude oil exploration in Nigeria.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Provide simplified notes and one-on-one assistance.
- For advanced learners: Encourage them to research and present on the economic benefits and challenges of oil exploration in Nigeria.
- 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 real-life examples and current news articles to make the lesson more engaging and relevant to the pupils.

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