Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 1

TERM – 2^ND TERM

WEEK ONE

Class: Senior Secondary School 1

Age: 15 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: HISTORY

Topic: KANEM AND BORNU TO 1800.

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

I.) Identify the main stages of the state formation process in kanem and Bornu.

 II.) Describe the socio-political institutions of these States.

III.) Describe the coming of Islam into Kanem and Bornu.

IV.) Identify important rulers of Kanem and Bornu and mention their main achievements.  

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

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Videos, loud speaker, textbook, pictures, maps

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

NOTE

KANEM AND BORNU TO 1800.

Kanem-Bornu, African trading empire ruled by the Sef (Sayf) dynasty that controlled the area around Lake Chad from the 9th to the 19th century. Its territory at various times included what is now southern Chad, northern Cameroon, northeastern Nigeria, eastern Niger, and southern Libya.

State Formation Process in Kanem and Bornu

1. Early Settlements and Tribal Societies: The region was initially inhabited by various tribal groups engaging in subsistence agriculture, fishing, and pastoralism.
2. Formation of Kanem-Bornu: Kanem-Bornu was probably founded about the mid-9th century, and its first capital was at Njimi, northeast of Lake Chad. Toward the end of the 11th century, the Sef mai (king) Umme (later known as Ibn ʿAbd al-Jalīl) became a Muslim, and from that time Kanem-Bornu was an Islamic state. Because of its location, it served as a point of contact in trade between North Africa, the Nile River valley, and the sub-Sahara region.

Socio-political institutions of Kanem and Bornu

1. Hierarchy: The societies of Kanem and Bornu were structured hierarchically, with the ruling elite at the top, followed by nobles, commoners, and slaves.
2. Administrative Structure: Military and administrative officials were appointed to govern various regions, maintaining law and order and overseeing taxation and resource allocation.

Coming of Islam into Kanem and Bornu

1. Through Trade Routes: Islam entered the region through trade routes, primarily from North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.
2. Gradual Adoption: Initially, Islam was adopted by the ruling elite and then gradually spread throughout society, influencing governance, law, and culture.

Important Rulers and Their Achievements

1. Mai Idris Alooma of Bornu (1571–1603): Known for his military conquests, Alooma expanded the borders of the Bornu Empire and implemented administrative reforms. He also established a system of fortified settlements to defend the empire against external threats.
2. Mai Dunama Dabbalemi of Kanem (ca. 1221–1259): Credited with expanding the territory of the Kanem Empire and strengthening its institutions. He is also known for promoting Islamic education and fostering trade relations with North African states.

EVALUATION: 1. Briefly discuss the formation of Kanem and Bornu.

2. Identfy and discuss the socio-political institutions of the Kanem and Bornu
3. Mention 2 prominent rulers of Kanem and Bornu and state the major achievements.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively