History - Junior Secondary 3 - British contact with Nigeria

TERM: 2^ND TERM

WEEK: 5 and 6

CLASS: Junior Secondary School 3

AGE: 14 years

DURATION: 40 minutes

DATE:

SUBJECT: History

TOPIC:  British contact with Nigeria

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

1. ) Narrate British contact with Nigeria as missionaries

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

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Basic History for Junior Secondary Schools 3 by Ijeoma E.O

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES:

WEEK 5

NOTE

BRITISH CONTACT WITH NIGERIA AS MISSIONARIES

British Contact with Nigeria as Missionaries

British contact with Nigeria as missionaries began in the early 19th century, driven by a combination of religious zeal, humanitarian concerns, and colonial interests. The efforts of British missionaries significantly influenced Nigeria's religious landscape, education, and social reform.

Key Developments

1. Early Missionary Efforts:
   • The first significant missionary activity in Nigeria was initiated by the Church Missionary Society (CMS) in 1842, with the arrival of Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a former slave who became the first African bishop in Nigeria. His work focused on converting local populations to Christianity and translating the Bible into indigenous languages.
2. Expansion of Missionary Activities:
   • Throughout the 19th century, various missionary societies, including the Roman Catholic Church and the Wesleyan Missionary Society, established missions across Nigeria. They built schools, churches, and hospitals, promoting Western education and healthcare alongside Christian teachings.
3. Education and Literacy:
   • Missionaries played a crucial role in establishing formal education systems in Nigeria. They set up schools that taught reading, writing, and arithmetic, often using the Bible as a primary text. This emphasis on education contributed to increased literacy rates and the emergence of an educated elite in Nigerian society.
4. Cultural Exchange and Adaptation:
   • While missionaries aimed to spread Christianity, they also encountered local beliefs and practices. Many adapted their approaches to integrate aspects of indigenous culture, leading to a unique blend of Christianity that resonated with local communities. This cultural exchange influenced the development of African Independent Churches.
5. Social Reform and Advocacy:
   • British missionaries often advocated for social reforms, including the abolition of harmful practices such as human sacrifices and the slave trade. They worked to improve the status of women and promote education for girls, contributing to broader social changes within Nigerian societies.
6. Political Influence:
   • The missionary presence in Nigeria was intertwined with British colonial interests. While many missionaries focused on spiritual matters, their activities often supported colonial policies, as education and conversion were seen as ways to 'civilize' the local population. This relationship sometimes led to tension between missionaries and local leaders.
7. Resistance and Conflict:
   • Missionary efforts faced resistance from traditional rulers and religious leaders who viewed Christianity as a threat to indigenous beliefs and authority. Conflicts occasionally arose, highlighting the challenges missionaries faced in their quest to convert local populations.

EVALUATION:

1. What were the primary objectives of British missionaries when they first arrived in Nigeria, and how did these objectives shape their interactions with local communities?
2. In what ways did British missionaries contribute to the spread of Christianity in Nigeria, and what were the challenges they faced in this endeavor?
3. How did the activities of British missionaries influence the education system in Nigeria, and what legacy did they leave in this regard?
4. Discuss the impact of British missionaries on social reforms in Nigeria, particularly regarding traditional practices and the status of women.
5. What role did British missionaries play in the establishment of healthcare services in Nigeria, and how did this contribute to public health improvements?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively

WEEK 6

NOTE

British Missionaries in Nigeria

Notable British Missionaries

1. Samuel Ajayi Crowther (1809–1891):
   • Background: Born in what is now Nigeria, Crowther was captured and sold into slavery before being freed by the British. He later became a prominent figure in missionary work.
   • Achievements: As the first African bishop of the Anglican Church in Nigeria, Crowther played a crucial role in translating the Bible into Yoruba and other Nigerian languages. He established churches and schools, significantly contributing to education in Nigeria.
   • Legacy: Crowther is celebrated as a pioneer of African Christianity and has left a lasting impact on the Yoruba language and literature. His efforts in education laid the foundation for future generations of Nigerian scholars and leaders.
2. Thomas J. Bowen (1824–1893):
   • Background: A missionary of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, Bowen arrived in Nigeria in 1842.
   • Achievements: He focused on missionary work in Lagos and was instrumental in establishing schools and churches. Bowen also translated religious texts into Yoruba.
   • Legacy: His work helped to promote education and literacy among the Yoruba people and contributed to the spread of Methodism in Nigeria.
3. Mary Slessor (1848–1915):
   • Background: A Scottish missionary with the United Presbyterian Church, Slessor arrived in Calabar (now part of southeastern Nigeria) in 1876.
   • Achievements: She is best known for her advocacy against traditional practices such as human sacrifices and for promoting women's rights and education. Slessor worked to improve the lives of women and children in the region.
   • Legacy: Slessor is remembered as a strong advocate for social justice and is revered for her compassion and dedication to the people of Calabar. She is often referred to as "the white queen" by the local population.
4. James Frederick McCaskie (1845–1920):
   • Background: A missionary from the Church Missionary Society who worked primarily in the Niger Delta.
   • Achievements: McCaskie contributed to the establishment of schools and churches, as well as engaging in social reform by opposing the slave trade.
   • Legacy: His work helped to enhance literacy and education in the Niger Delta, promoting social change and the spread of Christianity.
5. Isaac D. Williams (1862–1930):
   • Background: A missionary from the Anglican Church who worked in various parts of Nigeria.
   • Achievements: Williams played a significant role in developing educational institutions and was involved in translating biblical texts into local languages.
   • Legacy: His contributions to education and translation helped bridge the gap between Western and indigenous cultures.

Achievements and Legacies of British Missionaries

1. Spread of Christianity:
   • British missionaries successfully established a strong Christian presence in Nigeria, leading to the formation of numerous churches and religious communities. Their efforts resulted in a diverse Christian landscape, including various denominations such as Anglican, Methodist, and Roman Catholic.
2. Education and Literacy:
   • Missionaries founded schools that provided formal education, which significantly increased literacy rates in Nigeria. They focused on teaching reading, writing, and arithmetic, often using the Bible as a primary text. This emphasis on education created a foundation for future educational systems in Nigeria.
3. Cultural Exchange and Adaptation:
   • Missionaries often adapted their teachings to fit local cultures, leading to the emergence of African Independent Churches. This blending of Christian beliefs with indigenous practices resulted in a unique expression of faith that resonated with many Nigerians.
4. Social Reform:
   • Missionaries advocated for social reforms, including the abolition of harmful practices such as human sacrifices and the slave trade. They worked to improve the status of women and promoted education for girls, contributing to broader social changes and the empowerment of women in Nigerian society.
5. Health Care Initiatives:
   • Many missionaries established clinics and hospitals, providing essential healthcare services to local communities. Their work in healthcare contributed to improvements in public health and increased access to medical care.
6. Legacy of Tolerance and Dialogue:
   • The interaction between missionaries and local communities fostered dialogue and understanding. Despite some tensions, their efforts led to increased cultural exchange and mutual respect between different religious and cultural groups in Nigeria.

EVALUATION:

1. Identify and describe the contributions of key British missionaries in Nigeria, highlighting their specific achievements and areas of focus.
2. How did the work of British missionaries influence local cultures and religious practices in Nigeria? Provide examples of cultural adaptations that occurred as a result.
3. Discuss the significance of education initiatives established by British missionaries in Nigeria and their long-term effects on literacy and social development.
4. Evaluate the relationship between British missionaries and local communities. What were the factors that contributed to successful partnerships, and where did conflicts arise?
5. What are the lasting legacies of British missionaries in Nigeria today, particularly in the areas of religion, education, and social justice?

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher marks their books and commends them positively