Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 2

TERM – 1^ST TERM

WEEK THIRTEEN

Class: Senior Secondary School 2

Age: 16 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: HISTORY

Topic: THE AMALGAMATION OF NIGERIA AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

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

I.) Examine the background to the amalgamation.

II.)  Discuss the factors which encouraged the merging of various administrative units under one political control.

III.) Describe the administrative arrangements that went with amalgamation.

IV.) Examine the significance of amalgamation for Nigeria

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

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

INSTRUCTIONAL PROCEDURES

PERIOD 1-2

NOTE

THE AMALGAMATION OF NIGERIA AND ITS SIGNIFICANCE

Background to the Amalgamation

The amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 was a significant event that brought together the diverse territories and peoples of Nigeria under one political entity. The decision to amalgamate the separate administrative units was influenced by a combination of political, economic, and strategic factors.

Before the amalgamation, Nigeria was divided into several separate colonial territories, including the Colony of Lagos, the Niger Coast Protectorate, and the Northern and Southern Nigeria Protectorates. These territories were governed separately, each with its own administrative structures, policies, and priorities.

Factors Encouraging Amalgamation

Several factors encouraged the merging of the various administrative units under one political control:

1. Economic Considerations: Nigeria's diverse territories possessed complementary economic resources, including agricultural products, minerals, and natural resources.
2. Political Consolidation: The amalgamation of Nigeria was also motivated by a desire to consolidate British control and authority over the territory.
3. Security Concerns: The amalgamation was driven in part by security concerns, particularly in the northern region where resistance to colonial rule persisted.
4. Administrative Efficiency: Managing multiple separate administrative units was seen as inefficient and costly.

Administrative Arrangements of Amalgamation

The amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 resulted in the creation of a single administrative entity known as the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. The territory was divided into three administrative regions: Northern, Western, and Eastern Nigeria, each with its own administrative capital and governmental structures.

The Governor-General of Nigeria, based in Lagos, served as the chief executive and representative of the British colonial government. He was supported by a team of colonial officials, including Resident Commissioners and District Officers, who oversaw the administration of the regions and implemented colonial policies.

Significance of Amalgamation for Nigeria

The amalgamation of Nigeria had profound and lasting significance for the country:

1. Amalgamation laid the foundation for the modern Nigerian state, creating a unified political entity out of diverse territories and peoples.
2. The amalgamation streamlined governance and administration, facilitating the implementation of colonial policies and the provision of public services across the entire territory.
3. Amalgamation promoted economic integration and development by facilitating trade, investment, and infrastructure development across the entire territory.
4. Despite its unifying intentions, the amalgamation also exacerbated existing ethnic and regional tensions within Nigeria.

EVALUATION: 1. Identify and discuss 3 factors which encouraged the merging of various administrative units under one political control.

2. Describe the administrative arrangements that went with amalgamation.
3. Identify 4 significance of amalgamation for Nigeria

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively