Class: Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS 3 / JS3)
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 10
Age: 14 years
Duration: 45 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: Nigerian History (Pre-Colonial and Colonial Period)
Previous Lesson: Merits And Demerits Of British Colonization: Association, Direct Rule, Indirect Rule And Resistance.
Topic: THE EVOLUTION OF THE NIGERIAN STATE: THE HISTORY OF NIGERIA TO THE ADVENT OF THE BRITISH.
Subject Matter: Prehistoric settlers and early habitation since 1100BC, Berlin Treaty and its significance, abolition of slave trade outcomes, Nigeria as a British protectorate and timeline to 1960, origin of the name Nigeria coined by Flora Shaw from the Niger River, Royal Niger Company rule 1886–1899 under George Taubman Goldie.

Specific Objectives

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

Cognitive Domain:

Explain early habitation and the diversity of tribes and languages in Nigeria.
Describe the Berlin Treaty and state its significance for Africa.
Discuss the outcomes of the abolition of the slave trade.
Outline the timeline of Nigeria as a British protectorate up to 1960.
Identify the origin of the name Nigeria and state who coined it.
Describe the governance and role of the Royal Niger Company between 1886 and 1899.

Affective Domain:

Appreciate the diverse historical origins of the Nigerian people.
Value the historical events that shaped the formation of Nigeria.
Participate actively in discussions about Nigeria’s early history.

Psychomotor Domain:

Take clear and concise notes during the lesson.
Discuss research findings effectively during history lessons.

Collaborate with peers to understand and discuss historical facts.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

9 Years Basic Education Curriculum for History.
State Unified Scheme of Work for Junior Secondary School History.
Adebayo, A. (2018). Comprehensive History for Junior Secondary Schools 3. Ibadan: University Press PLC.
History textbooks.
Newspapers (historical articles).
Internet resources (for historical facts).

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

History textbooks.
Historical maps of Africa and Nigeria.
Whiteboard and markers.
Pictures of historical figures like Flora Shaw and George Taubman Goldie.

Rationale for the Lesson

This lesson helps pupils understand the foundational events and processes that led to the formation of Nigeria as a state. Understanding these early historical developments is important for pupils to appreciate their national identity and the complex journey of nation-building.

Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have a basic understanding of historical events and concepts, as well as general knowledge of Nigeria’s geography.

Lesson Content/Board Summary

THE EVOLUTION OF THE NIGERIAN STATE: THE HISTORY OF NIGERIA TO THE ADVENT OF THE BRITISH.

Prehistoric Settlers and Early Habitation (Since 1100 BC)

Nigeria has been inhabited by various groups of people for thousands of years. Early settlements and cultures include the Nok culture (around 500 BC – AD 200), Igbo-Ukwu (9th century AD), and Ife (AD 1100 – 1400). These early inhabitants developed complex societies, art, and political structures long before European arrival. Nigeria is known for its rich diversity of ethnic groups and languages, which reflects its long history of different migrations and interactions.

The Berlin Treaty (1884-1885) and its Significance

The Berlin Treaty, also known as the Berlin Conference, was a meeting of European powers in Berlin, Germany, from 1884 to 1885. Its purpose was to regulate European colonization and trade in Africa during the New Imperialism period. It formalized the ‘Scramble for Africa’ by setting rules for claiming territory.

The significance of the Berlin Treaty includes:

It led to the arbitrary division of Africa among European powers without regard for existing African political or ethnic boundaries.
It intensified the colonization of Africa, as European nations rushed to claim territories to avoid losing out.
It laid the groundwork for the modern political boundaries of many African nations, including Nigeria.

Abolition of Slave Trade and its Outcomes

The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, which transported millions of Africans to the Americas, was gradually abolished by European powers starting in the early 19th century. Britain abolished its slave trade in 1807 and slavery itself in 1833.

The outcomes of the abolition of the slave trade include:

Increased British presence and naval patrols along the West African coast to suppress illegal slave trading.
Shift from slave trade to ‘legitimate trade’ in goods like palm oil, groundnuts, and timber.
Establishment of British consular presence and later protectorates to protect trade routes and British interests.
Return of freed slaves to West Africa, leading to the founding of settlements like Freetown (Sierra Leone) and settlements in Lagos.

Origin of the Name ‘Nigeria’

The name ‘Nigeria’ was coined by Flora Shaw, a British journalist, in 1897. She suggested the name in an essay published in The Times newspaper.

The origin of the name is from:

The Niger River, which is the most prominent geographical feature in the region.
‘Area’ at the end of the name, meaning the area around the Niger River.

Flora Shaw later married Frederick Lugard, who became the first Governor-General of Nigeria.

Nigeria as a British Protectorate and Timeline to 1960

Britain gradually established control over various territories that would later form Nigeria.

The timeline of Nigeria becoming a British protectorate and moving towards independence includes:

1861: Lagos was annexed as a British colony.
1884: Oil Rivers Protectorate (later Niger Coast Protectorate) was declared over the coastal areas.
1900: The Southern Nigeria Protectorate and Northern Nigeria Protectorate were established after the Royal Niger Company’s charter was revoked.
1906: Lagos Colony and the Southern Nigeria Protectorate were amalgamated to form the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria.
1914: Lord Lugard amalgamated the Northern and Southern Protectorates to form the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria.
1946: Richard’s Constitution introduced regionalism.
1951: Macpherson Constitution provided for a larger role for Nigerians in governance.
1954: Lyttleton Constitution established a true federal system.
1960: Nigeria gained full independence from British rule on October 1st.

Royal Niger Company Rule (1886–1899) under George Taubman Goldie

The Royal Niger Company was a British trading company chartered in 1886 under the leadership of George Taubman Goldie. It was granted administrative powers by the British government to govern and control trade in the Lower Niger River region.

Key aspects of its rule include:

The company established trading posts and signed treaties with local chiefs, often through coercion or misunderstanding.
It maintained its own armed forces (the Royal Niger Company Constabulary) to enforce its monopoly and suppress resistance.
Its primary objective was profit-making through trade, particularly in palm produce.
The company’s often harsh and exploitative rule led to conflicts with local communities, such as the Brass disturbances in 1895.
In 1900, the British government revoked the Royal Niger Company’s charter and took over direct administration of its territories, forming the Northern and Southern Nigeria Protectorates.

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 know about the origin of their country, Nigeria. The teacher then introduces the topic, “The Evolution of the Nigerian State: The History of Nigeria to the Advent of the British,” and states the lesson objectives.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils respond to the teacher’s questions and listen attentively to the introduction.
Learning Point: Pupils are introduced to the lesson and its objectives.

Step 2: Prehistoric Settlers and Early Habitation

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explanation/Illustration
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that the land now known as Nigeria has been inhabited for thousands of years, highlighting early cultures like Nok, Igbo-Ukwu, and Ife. The teacher emphasizes the early diversity of tribes and languages.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions for clarification.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the ancient history and diverse origins of Nigerian habitation.

Step 3: The Berlin Treaty and Abolition of Slave Trade

Time: 10 minutes
Teaching Skill: Explaining/Facilitating Discussion
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains the purpose and outcomes of the Berlin Treaty, emphasizing its impact on the division of Africa. The teacher then discusses the abolition of the slave trade and its consequences, including the shift to legitimate trade and increased British presence.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, read assigned textbook sections on the Berlin Treaty, and discuss its impact as well as the outcomes of the abolition of the slave trade.
Learning Point: Pupils grasp the significance of the Berlin Treaty and the effects of slave trade abolition.

Step 4: Origin of the Name ‘Nigeria’

Time: 5 minutes
Teaching Skill: Information Giving
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher explains that the name ‘Nigeria’ was coined by Flora Shaw in 1897, deriving it from the Niger River. The teacher mentions her later marriage to Frederick Lugard.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen and note down the origin of the name and the person who coined it.
Learning Point: Pupils learn how Nigeria got its name and by whom.

Step 5: Royal Niger Company Rule (1886–1899)

Time: 8 minutes
Teaching Skill: Description/Analysis
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher describes the Royal Niger Company’s establishment under George Taubman Goldie, its administrative powers, its role in trade and governance, and the reasons for the revocation of its charter in 1900.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, take notes, and ask questions about the company’s activities.
Learning Point: Pupils understand the role and impact of the Royal Niger Company in early colonial Nigeria.

Step 6: Nigeria as a British Protectorate and Timeline to 1960

Time: 7 minutes
Teaching Skill: Outlining/Sequencing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher outlines the key stages of British colonial expansion, from the annexation of Lagos to the amalgamation of Northern and Southern Protectorates in 1914, and the subsequent constitutional developments leading to independence in 1960.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen, observe the timeline, and ask questions to clarify the sequence of events.
Learning Point: Pupils can trace the evolution of Nigeria under British rule to independence.

Step 7: Evaluation/Review

Time: 5 minutes

Teaching Skill: Questioning/Assessment

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

Who coined the name ‘Nigeria’ and what is its origin?
State two significant outcomes of the Berlin Treaty.
Mention three outcomes of the abolition of the slave trade.
Describe the main role of the Royal Niger Company under George Taubman Goldie.
State the year Nigeria gained its independence.

Pupils’ Activity: Pupils answer orally and in writing.

Learning Point: Pupils demonstrate understanding of the lesson.

Step 8: Conclusion

Time: Optional (integrated)
Teaching Skill: Summarizing
Teacher’s Activity: The teacher summarizes the key points of the lesson, reiterating the historical journey of Nigeria from early habitation to the eve of independence. The teacher assigns homework: research more about the cultural contributions of the Nok people.
Pupils’ Activity: Pupils listen to the summary and copy down the homework.
Learning Point: Pupils consolidate their learning and are given follow-up tasks.

Lesson Keywords

Prehistoric – Refers to the period before written records existed.
Habitation – The act of living in or occupying a place.
Berlin Treaty – An agreement by European powers in 1884-1885 to regulate colonization and trade in Africa.
Abolition – The act of formally ending a system, practice, or institution, especially slavery.
Protectorate – A state that is controlled and protected by another, stronger state.
Flora Shaw – The British journalist who coined the name ‘Nigeria’.
Royal Niger Company – A British chartered company that administered and traded in the Niger Delta region from 1886-1899.
George Taubman Goldie – The founder and governor of the Royal Niger Company.

Differentiation

For pupils who grasp concepts quickly, the teacher can encourage them to research and present additional facts about specific early Nigerian cultures or the impacts of the Berlin Treaty. For pupils who need more support, the teacher will provide simplified notes and use more visual aids like maps and timelines to explain complex historical sequences.

Note for teachers using this lesson plan

Ensure to engage pupils with visual aids such as maps of Africa showing the partition and historical images where available. Encourage active participation and critical thinking about the long-term effects of these historical events on modern Nigeria. Emphasize that history is not just about dates but about understanding the causes and consequences of events.