History - Junior Secondary 1 - Nupe kingdom

TERM: 3^RD TERM

WEEK: 1 and 2

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 1

AGE: 12 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC: Nupe Kingdom

SPECIFIC OBJECTIVES: At the end of the lesson, the learners should be able to

1. ) Locate the Nupe Kingdom
2. ) Discuss the origin of Nupe
3. ) Describe the rise and organization of the Nupe kingdom
4. ) State the economic activities of the Nupe people

INSTRUCTIONAL TECHNIQUES: Identification, explanation, questions and answers, demonstration, story-telling, videos from source

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Basic History for Junior Secondary Schools 1 by Ijeoma E.O

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

WEEK 1

NOTE

NUPE KINGDOM

The Nupe Kingdom is located in the central part of Nigeria, mainly in present-day Niger State, with some parts extending into Kwara and Kogi States. The kingdom lies along the banks of the Niger River, which has been a vital source of trade and agriculture for the Nupe people.

Origin of the Nupe People
The Nupe people, also known as the Tapa by neighboring ethnic groups, have a diverse and rich history. Oral traditions suggest that the Nupe originated from an ancient group of people who settled in the Niger Valley. They established themselves as a powerful entity with organized leadership structures. Some sources link their origins to Bini (Edo) migrants, who contributed to the formation of the kingdom, while others point to indigenous development within the Niger Valley itself. The Nupe people have remained culturally distinct, preserving their unique language and traditions.

EVALUATION:   

1. Describe the geographic location of the Nupe Kingdom within Nigeria. Why is its position along the Niger River significant?
2. Identify the present-day Nigerian states where the Nupe Kingdom is primarily located. How does this location contribute to the Nupe people’s economic activities?
3. Summarize the main theories about the origin of the Nupe people. Which origin story seems most credible, and why?
4. Explain the historical significance of the Niger River to the development of the Nupe Kingdom. How has this natural feature influenced their trade practices?
5. Discuss the cultural uniqueness of the Nupe people. How have they managed to preserve their language and traditions over time?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 2

NOTE

NUPE KINGDOM

Rise and Organization of the Nupe Kingdom
The Nupe Kingdom rose to prominence around the 15th century under the leadership of powerful rulers known as the Etsu. The kingdom’s strategic location along the Niger River facilitated its growth as a hub for trade, linking the north and southern regions of Nigeria. The Etsu, or king, wielded significant power and organized the kingdom into administrative units, each led by district heads who reported to him. The kingdom was further organized into guilds and age grades, which played specific roles in governance, military, and social activities. The expansion of the Nupe Kingdom was also influenced by wars, alliances, and diplomatic efforts, which allowed it to establish dominance in central Nigeria.

Economic Activities of the Nupe People
The economy of the Nupe people has historically been diverse, encompassing agriculture, trade, and craftsmanship. Key economic activities include:

• Agriculture: They are known for cultivating crops such as millet, rice, sorghum, and yams due to fertile soil around the Niger River.
• Fishing: The proximity to the Niger River makes fishing a common livelihood for many Nupe people.
• Craftsmanship: Nupe artisans are skilled in weaving, pottery, wood carving, and blacksmithing. Their craft products are well-regarded and traded widely.
• Trade: The Nupe Kingdom historically served as a trading link between northern and southern Nigeria, fostering the exchange of goods like salt, kola nuts, and handmade crafts.

EVALUATION:   

1. Analyze the role of the Etsu in the governance and organization of the Nupe Kingdom. How did this position contribute to the kingdom’s stability and expansion?
2. Describe the administrative structure of the Nupe Kingdom. How did the district heads and guilds contribute to the kingdom’s organization?
3. Explain how the strategic location of the Nupe Kingdom along trade routes influenced its rise and economic prosperity.
4. Identify and discuss the main agricultural products of the Nupe people. How do these products reflect the natural resources of the region?
5. Evaluate the significance of craftsmanship in the Nupe economy. How did their skills in weaving, pottery, and blacksmithing impact their trade and cultural identity?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively