Lesson Notes By Weeks and Term - Senior Secondary 2

TERM – 1^ST TERM

WEEK FOURTEEN

Class: Senior Secondary School 2

Age: 16 years

Duration: 40 minutes of 5 periods each

Date:

Subject: HISTORY

Topic: COLONIAL RULE AND ITS IMPACT

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

I.) Explain the reasons for the establishment of indirect rule in Northern Nigeria.

 II.) Discuss why it was imposed in Southern Nigeria.

III.) Explain how indirect rule policy perpetuated disunity in 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

COLONIAL RULE AND ITS IMPACT

Reasons for the Establishment of Indirect Rule in Northern Nigeria

1. Pre-existing Indigenous Governance Structures: The British recognized the effectiveness of these indigenous systems and saw indirect rule as a way to co-opt and utilize them for colonial governance.
2. Limited British Administrative Capacity: Indirect rule allowed them to govern through local rulers and chiefs, reducing the need for a large number of British officials on the ground.
3. Respect for Islamic Law and Culture: Indirect rule in Northern Nigeria was influenced by the recognition of Islamic law (Sharia) and the cultural practices of the predominantly Muslim population.
4. Desire to Avoid Direct Confrontation: The British were cautious about antagonizing the powerful Muslim rulers and religious leaders in the north.

Reasons for the Imposition of Indirect Rule in Southern Nigeria

1. Diverse Ethnic and Cultural Landscape: The British believed that indirect rule would be more effective in governing the region, as it allowed for greater flexibility in accommodating diverse local customs and traditions.
2. Resistance to Colonial Rule: Unlike the relatively centralized political structures in the north, southern Nigeria was characterized by decentralized and often fragmented political authority. The imposition of direct rule would have faced greater resistance from the various indigenous groups, making indirect rule a more pragmatic option for the British.
3. Economic Exploitation: Southern Nigeria was rich in natural resources such as palm oil, cocoa, and rubber, which were of great interest to the British colonial administration. Indirect rule allowed for the exploitation of these resources while minimizing the need for direct colonial intervention in local affairs.
4. Missionary Influence: Christian missionary activity was more prevalent in the south, particularly among the Igbo and Yoruba ethnic groups. The British government, influenced by missionary interests, sought to promote Christian values and education through indirect rule, using indigenous chiefs as intermediaries in the process.

How Indirect Rule Perpetuated Disunity in Nigeria

1. Indirect rule reinforced existing ethnic divisions within Nigeria by governing each region separately through its own traditional rulers and chiefs.
2. The implementation of indirect rule varied between the northern and southern regions, leading to disparities in governance, development, and access to resources.
3. Indirect rule perpetuated a lack of centralized authority at the national level, making it difficult to implement cohesive policies and address common challenges facing the entire country.
4. British colonial officials often manipulated indigenous rulers and chiefs to serve their own interests, exacerbating rivalries and conflicts between different ethnic and regional groups.

EVALUATION: 1. Give 5 reasons for the establishment of indirect rule in Northern Nigeria.

2. Describe why the indirect rule was imposed in Southern Nigeria. Give 3 reasons.
3. Explain with 3 reasons how indirect rule policy perpetuated disunity in Nigeria.

CLASSWORK: As in evaluation

CONCLUSION: The teacher commends the students positively