### Lesson Plan: The Amalgamation of Nigeria and Its Significance
#### Subject:
History
#### Grade Level:
Senior Secondary 2
#### Duration:
1 Hour
#### Topic:
The Amalgamation of Nigeria and Its Significance
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### Objectives:
By the end of this lesson, students will be able to:
1. Explain the concept of amalgamation in the context of Nigeria.
2. Understand the historical circumstances leading to the amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914.
3. Analyze the immediate and long-term consequences of amalgamation on Nigeria's socio-economic and political landscape.
4. Evaluate the significance of the amalgamation in contemporary Nigeria.
### Materials Needed:
- Textbooks
- Projector and screen
- Interactive Whiteboard or Chalkboard
- Handouts detailing the 1914 amalgamation of Nigeria
- Video clips documenting the history of Nigeria (optional)
- Map of Nigeria (pre- and post-1914)
### Lesson Procedure:
#### Introduction (10 minutes):
1. **Hook/Engagement:**
- Display a map of Nigeria pre-1914 and post-1914.
- Ask students: "What differences do you observe between these two maps?"
- Encourage them to guess why these changes might have occurred.
2. **Objective Sharing:**
- Explain that today’s lesson will focus on the amalgamation of Nigeria and its significance.
- Highlight the primary objectives that will be covered.
#### Instruction (20 minutes):
1. **Background Information:**
- Provide a brief overview of Nigeria before the amalgamation. Discuss the Northern and Southern Protectorates and Lagos Colony.
- Introduce key figures such as Lord Frederick Lugard.
2. **Detailed Explanation:**
- Explain the concept of amalgamation. Define it as the merging of two or more entities into one.
- Discuss the reasons behind the British decision to amalgamate Nigeria in 1914, such as administrative convenience, economic benefits, and political control.
- Present a short video clip or documentary (3-5 minutes) to visually emphasize the historical context.
3. **Key Events:**
- Describe the processes and negotiations that occurred leading up to the amalgamation.
- Highlight significant dates and documents, such as the Nigeria Protectorate Order in Council 1913.
#### Guided Practice (15 minutes):
1. **Group Activity:**
- Divide students into small groups.
- Provide each group with handouts discussing different aspects of the amalgamation (e.g., economic reasons, administrative changes, social impacts).
- Ask each group to summarize their section and then share their findings with the class.
2. **Class Discussion:**
- Facilitate a discussion on the immediate outcomes of the amalgamation. Encourage students to consider perspectives from different regions and ethnic groups in Nigeria.
#### Independent Practice (10 minutes):
1. **Critical Thinking Questions:**
- Ask students to individually write a brief essay (1-2 paragraphs) on the following question: "Was the amalgamation of Nigeria beneficial or detrimental to its development? Support your argument with historical facts."
#### Conclusion (5 minutes):
1. **Summary:**
- Recap the major points covered during the lesson.
- Re-emphasize the significance of the 1914 amalgamation in shaping modern Nigeria.
2. **Exit Ticket:**
- Ask students to write down one fact they learned today and one question they still have about the amalgamation of Nigeria.
### Assessment:
- Participation in group activities and class discussions.
- Evaluation of the critical thinking essay.
- Review of exit tickets to gauge understanding and identify areas for further clarification.
### Homework/Extension:
- Assign students to read a chapter from the textbook related to the post-amalgamation era in Nigeria and prepare for a class presentation on how the amalgamation impacted Nigeria's independence movement.
### Additional Resources:
- "A History of Nigeria" by Toyin Falola and Matthew M. Heaton
- BBC History Online - The Story of Africa: Nigeria
- National Archives, UK – Colonial Administration Records
### Notes for Teachers:
- Ensure understanding by checking in frequently with students during activities.
- Be prepared for sensitive discussions around colonialism and its impacts.
- Adapt the lesson as needed to fit within the available time and resources.
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This lesson plan aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the amalgamation of Nigeria and its significance, fostering critical thinking and engagement with historical events.