1

HISTORY FOR JUNIOR SECONDARY

SCHOOL TWO
 2

SCHEME OF WORK

WEEKS TOPICS

WEEK 1 Revision

WEEK 2 Non-Centralised states in Semi/Guinea/Middle belt /Confluence

Savannah Peoples in Pre-Colonial Nigeria –the TIV.

WEEK 3 Non-Centralised states in Pre-Colonial Nigeria. Semi Savannah

peoples, Idoma

WEEK 4 Non-centralized states in Pre-colonial Nigeria Ebira

WEEK 5 Non –centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria Forest zone -the Ibo
[Igbos] In Nigeria

WEEK 6 Non-centralised states in pre-colonial Nigeria Coastal zone -the

Urhobo/Isokos, in Nigeria.

WEEK 7 MID TERM BREAK

WEEK 8 Non-Centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria Coastal zone-the Oro

(Oron) in Nigeria

WEEK 9 Non-Centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria Coastal zone-the Ibibio

in Nigeria

WEEK 10 Non-Centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria Coastal zone- the

Annangs in Nigeria.

WEEK 11 Non-Centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria Coastal zone the Egun

or Ogu (Lagos State) Nigeria.

WEEK 12 Non-Centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria Coastal zone, the Ijo

(Ijaw) in Nigeria

WEEK 13 Revision & Examination

 3
WEEK ONE
REVISION
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson; students should be
able to;
General Revision of all learning objectives
used during the JSS 1 session.
WEEK TWO
NON-CENTRALISED STATES IN
SEMI/GUINEA/MIDDLE BELT /CONFLUENCE
SAVANNAH PEOPLES IN PRE-COLONIAL
NIGERIA –THE TIV.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson; students should be
able to;
1. Discuss the Concept- Non-Centralised
state, mention some Non Centralised
peoples in Nigeria, and describe their
features etc.
2. Relate the origin, religion, economic
and the socio-political organization of
the Tivs in the Pre-Colonial times, etc
3. Examine the Concept inter group
relations between the Tivs and their
neighbors in Nigeria today
4. Describe the various Innovations and
Creativities of the Tivs in Nigeria I e
the Tswage –Snake dance steps, etc.
CONTENT
A non-centralized state is the one in which
political power is distributed among various
units of government, power is not
concentrated at the Centre, In this form of
government, small governing authorities or
bodies exist to share power in governance, it
is also known as decentralized state. The Igbo
society was a typical example of non
centralized state during the pre-colonial era.
CHARACTERISTICS OF NON-CENTRALISED
STATES
1. POWER DISTRIBUTION; Power is
shared among the units of
government, it is not concentrated
on a particular unit
2. SINGLE CONSTITUTION; only one
constitution is used to govern all
the units of government, they all
derive their powers and functions
from it.
3. WRITTEN CONSTITUTION; The
body of law governing the society
is written in a single document, it
can be referred to from time to
time by leaders and citizens.
4. RIGID CONSTITUTION; The
constitution is difficult to change,
this prevents from changing it for
selfish reasons.
5. SINGLE JUDICIARY; The supreme
court exist and has the final
decision on any legal matter in the
states that has been decided by
lower courts.
6. DIFFERENT EXECUTIVE
BODIES; each units of government
has its own executives but the one
 4
at central units is the most
powerful.
7. DIFFERENT LEGISLATIVE HOUSES;
different units of government have
its own body of legislature to make
its laws.
8. FREEDOM TO MAKE POLITICS; the
existing political units are free to
make politics for the smooth
running of their government.
The following are some of the characteristics
of non-centralized states in pre-colonial era in
Nigeria :
1. Different governing units existed
in the states: there were different
bodies that helped in the
administration of these states,
each state had its peculiar
governing structure.
2. Age grade systems were used in
most of the state: This was very
common in the Igbo and some
Niger Delta –city states.
3. decision making was in the hands
of elders: The elders most often
took major decisions in many of
these states.
4. power distribution: political
powers were distributed among
various units such as age grade,
council of elders, secret societies,
etc., in most cases the king did not
have final say in decision making.
5. Existence of secret societies and
cults: In many of the pre-colonial
states secret societies and cults
played significant roles in political
administration
ADVANTAGES OF NON-CENTRALISED STATES
1. It prevents misuse of power
2. it encourages everyone to
participate in government
3. it brings government close to the
people
4. it gives people at the grassroots
sense of belonging
5. it grooms people at the grassroots
for future leadership role.
DISADVANTAGES OF NON- CENTRALIZED
STATES
1. It increases cost of governance
2. corrupt politicians at the grass
roots may mismanage funds
3. it may bring about tribalism and
ethnicity
4. it may retard growth of areas with
immature and inexperienced
political leaders
5. The entire nation may become
weak politically
EXAMPLES OF NON-CENTRALIZED STATES IN
PRECOLONIAL NIGERIA
1. TIV
2. IDOMA
3. EBIRA
4. IGBO
5. URHOBO,
6. IJO(IJAW)
7. ORO(ORON)IBIBIO
8. ANAANG
TIV PEOPLE
 5
Tiv (or Tivi) is an ethno-linguistic group or
ethnic nation in West Africa. The group
constitutes approximately 3.5% of Nigeria’s
total population, and number about 6.5
million individuals throughout Nigeria
and Cameroon. The TIV language is spoken by
about 7 million people in Nigeria with a few
speakers in Cameroon. Most of the
language’s Nigerian speakers are found
in Benue, Taraba and Nasarawa States. The
language is a branch of Benue–Congoand
ultimately of the Niger–Congo phylum. In
precolonial times, the Fulani ethnic group
referred to the TIV as “Munchi” (also
sometimes written Munshi e.g. Duggan
1932), a term not accepted by TIV people.
They depend on agricultural produce for
commerce and life.
A GROUP OF TIV ELDERS
HISTORY OF THE TIV
The TIV say they emerged into their present
location from the southeast. It is claimed that
the TIV wandered through southern, south-
central and west-central Africa before arriving
at the savannah lands of West African Sudan
via the River Congo and Cameroon
Mountains. “Coming down,” as they put it,
they met the Fulani, with whom they still
recognize a joking relationship. The earliest
recorded European contact was in 1852,
when TIV were found on the banks of
the Benue.
In 1879 their occupation of the riverbanks
was about the same as in 1950. British
occupying forces entered TIV land from the
east in 1906, when they were called in to
protect a Hausa and Jukun enclave that the
TIV had attacked. The TIV said in 1950 that
they had defeated this British force, then
later invited the British in. The southern area
was penetrated from the south; what
southern TIV call “the eruption” of the British
there occurred in 1911.
The TIV came into contact with European
culture during the colonial period. During
November 1907 to spring 1908, an expedition
of the Southern Nigeria Regiment led by
Lieutenant-Colonel Hugh Trenchard came
into contact with the TIV. Trenchard brought
gifts for the tribal chiefs. Subsequently, roads
were built and trade links established
between Europeans and the TIV. But before
construction of roads began, a missionary
named Mary Slessor went throughout the
region seeing to the people’s needs.
CULTURE AND TRADITION OF THE TIV
Culture is generally refers to the way of life of
people. The people of TIV have some of the
most unique cultures in Nigeria. Their
traditions have been passed from one
generation to another. I would be considering
some of these under the following
subheading:
 6

 Marriage MUSIC & DANCE

 Dressing
 Music
Music is part of the culture of the TIV people.
 Food
They have being able to advance a form of
Marriage
communication that blends music intricately
Marriage in TIV land is rooted in the rich
with it. This communication promotes the use
culture of the Tiv people. There are four ways
of various traditional musical instruments
marriage is sealed in TIV land;
such as;

 Marriage by exchange
Kakaki: An instrument which is used to pass
 Marriage by capture
important messages to the community. This
 Marriage by purchase
 Marriage by bride price message could be the crowning of the King,
the birth of the King’s son, the marriage of
Mariage by exchange (yamshe): In this type
the King’s son or during an attack by opposing
of marriage, the man looking for a wife simply
community. Members of the community are
approaches another man looking for a wife
told to gather at the village square.
also. The marriage will only come to fruition
Ilyu: This is an instrument made of light
when both parties have women to exchange;
wooden material which is also used to gather
such as daughters or wives.
elders for a meeting with the King. It is also
Marriage by capture (kwase-ngohol): Here a
used to announce the death of someone in
woman is forcefully snatched from her
the community.
husband during travel. This type of marriage
Indyer: This is a special musical instrument
was rampant during the early Tiv migration
made from mahogany trunk. It is used during
and it was responsible for majority of the
festivals such as the Yam Festival to pass
inter-clan wars. Another form of marriage by
information as regards the festival to the
capture occurs when a man visits another
people. It is also used to announce the
country to lure a woman away from the
success of a good harvest year.
country.
Gbande: This is a large musical instrument
When the man visits another country he stays
played by young men of the community
in the house of a man whose mother is also
during festival. The gbande produces strong
from his country. He then sends his friends or
rhythms when played and it beats carry with
relatives to look for unmarried girls for him.
it messages to the people. It is significant
After he selects the girl he likes, he would
then visit the house of the girl.
 7
during occasion like coronation and death of
the King.
INTRODUCING THE TIV PRE-COLONIAL
POLITICAL ADMINISTRATION
Historical traditions are all in agreement that
the man called TIV was the patriarch of the
Tiv of central Nigeria. TIV is a son to
TAKURUKU ANYAM AZENGA, the claim which
is based on the traditional announcement of
the death of an old person, man or woman.
The long wooden drum announced the death
of a person. Another view suggests that
AWANGE was the father of TIV. Tiv
people occasionally make reference to TIV
AWANGE, this is the basis for the idea that Tiv
had a father called AWANGE.
In a different context, TIV Awange is also
rendered as Tiv mba sha Awange which
means Awange was a place where TIV settled
temporary during migration. TIV had two sons
ICHONGO and IPUSU. The TIV family
multiplied and became a racial nation with a
homogenous language. The family
was dwindling genealogically to establish
political units each to be organised
and governed by a council of elders whose
representatives were automatically elected
according to seniority in old age.
SOCIO-POLITICAL ORGANIZATION
TIV like the Igbo, was a stateless society
without strong centralized administrative and
judicial systems. Three major factors
determined leadership, these were age,
influence and affluence, leaders duties
included settling of disputes among the
people within their lineage, maintaining good
behavior among them, sitting on kmoots and
leading their people in internal and in
precolonial days, TIV society had segmentary
lineages in which every TIV was a member,
the smallest of these was Ityo, the pre-
colonial administrative system had the
following components;
1) The Orya: Orya means head, each
compound was named after its head, senior
male members of the compounds usually
formed a council which looked into the
administration of the compound. The Oryas
as the head of the council performed the
following duties;
1. ensuring the wellbeing of every
member of the compound,
2. ensuring peaceful co-existence
among people in the compound,
3. ensuring peaceful co-existence
among people in the compound
4. settling disputes
To carry out his functions the head was given
powers to;
1. administer justice within the
compound,
2. determine sites for new buildings,
3. distributes farmlands,
4. identify burial ground
5. admit, entertain and expel visitors
as the case may be.
 8
2) The Ityo: This body was supreme and
patrilineage ,it discharge its duties according
to tradition of the land ,it was made of
representatives of difficult families ( sub
lineage) that made up particular lineage, its
decision was binding on every member of the
group .
3) The kwav (age trade) here, there were
different age grades or group or groups, the
age groups assisted in fighting against
witchcraft, helping each other in farming, the
kur, he was the Tiv military head, his
responsibilities were; to lead people in war,
to defend people against external aggression,
4) The drum chief ( Tor-agbana) he was in
charge of drum group ,he had no political or
control.
5) Igba ( maternal clan); this was the woman
in charge of protecting young girls or ladies in
times of sickness and death,
EVALUATION
1. Explain non-centralized states
2. identify three characteristics of non
centralized state
3. Mention FIVE characteristics of non
centralized states in pre-colonial
period
4. state three advantages of non-
centralized states
5. state two disadvantages of non-
centralized states
6. mention six examples of non-
centralized states in pre-colonial
Nigeria
7. Trace the origin of the TIV
8. Mention at least three main leaders in
TIV society in pre-colonial days.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 9
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
____________
ASSIGNMENT
Identify the location of TIV on the map of
Nigeria
 10
WEEK THREE
NON-CENTRALISED STATES IN PRE-COLONIAL
NIGERIA.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the
lesson; students should be able to;
1. Explain the Origin, title of the Idoma ruler,
their main town of the Idoma’s
2. Relate the Idoma socio-political, and
economic organization in the pre-colonial
times
3. Describe the various Idoma Innovation to
Nigeria.
4. Examine the diverse Idoma inter-group
relations in Nigeria today, etc.
CONTENT
The origin of Idoma can be traced to Apa
capital of kwararafa confederacy, the Idoma
people, according to history migrated from
Apa along with Igala ,Ebira,and other people,
this was necessary because of wars and
insecurity in the kingdom, it eventually
established itself in the present location at
th
about 18 century.
According to history, iduah was the father of
the Idoma, the names of his children were
AMANAWOOGENO, OLINAOGWU, IDUM,
AGABI, EJE, EBEIBI, EDEH and ODE . All these
children established different areas of Idoma
land.
SOCIO-POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF IDIOMA
1) FAMILY UNIT (OLE); this was the smallest
unit in Idoma political structure ,the head of
the family unit was called Adole. His major
duty was to settle disputes among the family
members.
2) OJILA; this was the highest organ of
government and final authority in Idoma
political system. It was the general body of all
adult men in Idoma land, but most often the
elders used to dominate discussions and
decisions making.
3) OCHE( The king) Oche in Idoma land acted
as both the king and religious leader of the
community ,he was usally chosen
democratically through the central ojila,
different lineages would present candidates
and out of all these one person would
eventually emerge as the king.
Oche was the highest officer in Idoma land ,
he was the chief priest and president of all
cults in the land, he was regarded as mediator
between the people and their ancestors. The
position of Oche used to be rotated among
specific number of lineages, this method
prevented monopoly of power by a particular
lineage, besides, Oche was the custodian of
the law of the land, he ensured the laws were
enforced and obeyed, he also acted as the
chief judge of court officer of appeal. Oche
 11
also used to perform executive functions and
was equally the chief external officer.
4) Age group; The Idoma land also had age-
group as important parts of its political
structure.
CLASSWORK
1. Locate the Idoma on Nigeria map
2. trace the origin of Idoma
3. mention any two major officers in
the political structure of Idoma in
pre-colonial days
4. state any two function of the king
in Idoma during pre-colonial days,
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
______________________
 12
WEEK FOUR
NON-CENTRALIZED STATES IN PRE-COLONIAL
NIGERIA EBIRA
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson; students should be
able to;
1. Relate the Origin of the Ebiras [Igbirra]
in Nigeria, Ebira[Igbirra],main Anebira
town, title of Anebira ruler etc.
2. Discuss the socio-political
organization, and economic activities
,of the Anebiras in Nigeria etc.
3. Explain the impacts of geography on
the Anebiras in Nigeria, etc.
4. Describe the Innovations and
Creativities of the Anebiras in Nigeria
and the effects on Nigeria today
CONTENT
EBIRA TRADITIONS OF ORIGIN;
According to oral tradition, Ebira origin can be
traced to WUKARI which was part of
kwararafa confederacy In 1680AD. The Ebira
migrated from wukari due to chieftaincy
dispute, they were together with the Igala for
about 300 years before they parted ways. The
father of the Ebira Tao was itaazi who had
five sons and one daughter,he led the Ebira
tao to the present Ebira land .
The five sons of Taazi later spread and
founded the various districts in Ebira land.
SOCIO-POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF EBIRA
Ebira had no central administrative structure,
the clan head was called Otaru, it consisted of
community of kindred lineage
The clan head (Otaru) used to be conferred
on the oldest male within the clan ,the clan
had little political influence, he presided over
meetings, he however, made judgments
based on the consensus opinion of the elders
in the clan he also also performed religious
and disciplinary duties which were limited by
his family, Otaru also had the responsibility of
keeping the income from the clan, all the clan
heads in the communities of Ebira land were
under the control of the chief priest ,the
elders and influential individuals
MILITARY
The Ebira had strong military force, they
waged wars and resisted invaders form Nupe
(1865-1900), The Nupe army was resisted and
chased away under Ebira military leaders
Attah Omadiri
CLASSWORK
1. locate Ebira on Nigeria map
2. trace the origin of the Ebira
3. mention the major leaders in Ebira
in the pre-colonial days
4. describe the socio-political
structure of Ebira
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 13

_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ ______________________
_____________________________________
ASSIGNMENT
_____________________________________
_____________________________________ Briefly narrate the origin of the IGBOS
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 14
WEEK FIVE
NON –CENTRALIZED STATES IN PRE-
COLONIAL NIGERIA FOREST ZONE -THE IBO
[IGBOS] IN NIGERIA
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson; students should be
able to;
1. Describe the various tradition’s of
Origin of the Igbos.
2. Outline the socio-political
organization of the Igbo’s in the pre-
colonial times etc.
3. Relate the factors that Unite’s the
non-centralized Igbo’s in the pre-
colonial times and the impact Igbo
society today.
4. Examine the significance of Age grade
in pre-colonial Igbo society and the
various Igbo innovations, etc.
CONTENT
EARLY HISTORY
Even though not much was known of the Ibos
speaking people, before the advent of
Europeans into the west coast of Africa,
history has revealed that they migrated into
their present location hundreds of years ago.
It has been suggested that they migrated with
the Ibibio but soon became the dominant
tribe in eastern Nigeria, due to their dogged
industry, they overshadowed the Ibibio and
others that arrived later.
The Igbo are close neighbours of the Ibibio
who migrated with them to their present
location, along with the Ijaw and the itsekiri
of the NIGER delta.
THE POLITICAL AND SOCIAL STRUCTUIRES OF
THE IGBO.
One of the developments that distinguished
the Igbo in the pre-colonial era was that while
states and empire already discussed had
people who lived in large and urban
communities , the Igbo had scattered pattern
of settlements( i.e. They lived in villages and
villages groups)
Also, unlike other states and empire, the Igbo
had no traditional rulers or kings, this was
why they were referred to as ‘stateless
society’’
The political structure of the Igbo was
regarded as subtle and complex, this is
because it was based on the principle of
village democracy, it is democratic because
every male adult had the right to the decision
making process, each village was architect of
own fortune, members of each village were
bound together in their strict belief in the
common descendant or ancestor (i.e
umunna).
The village council
The actual organ of government at the village
was level the village council consisting of
leaders of the various families. These elders
 15
were their compound’s mouthpiece as well as
the earthly representative of each family
ancestor. The village council was responsible
for voicing out laws already sanctioned by the
ancestors. These included laws for
misbehavior which were accompanied by the
highest punishment in the land.
In the southern part of the Ibo land, there
were villages and villages councils that
comprised of heads of the different lineage
and some wealthy individuals, for examples
the okpara (the head of a lineage) kept the
ofo title which represented the symbol of
their common ancestor.
Age Group
The system of government recognized the
institution of the age group social life, each
age group was responsible for certain duties
as stipulated by law, for example, the senior
age group looked after the maintenance of
peace and order as well as providing army
commander off external aggressions. The
junior age-group took care of the sanitation
related matters, while the most junior age
group catered for other issues not mentioned
above,
CLASSWORK
1. Locate the position of the Igbo on
the map of Nigeria
2. why were the Igbo regarded as a
stateless society
3. describe the socio political
structure of igbo people
4. What are the functions of the age
group in the socio political
structure of igbo people
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 16

_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ ___________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________ ASSIGNMENT
_____________________________________ NARRATE THE HISTORY OF URHOBO
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 17
WEEK SIX
NON-CENTRALISED STATES IN PRE-COLONIAL
NIGERIA COASTAL ZONE -THE
URHOBO/ISOKOS, IN NIGERIA.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson; students should be
able to;
1. Examine the diverse traditions of
Urhobo origin’s, title of their ruler,
main Urhobo /Isoko towns, etc.
2. Discuss the socio-political and
economic activities in pre-colonial
Urhobo /Isoko society, etc.
3. Explain the impacts of geography to
the survival and development of the
Urhobos /Isokos in Nigeria today.
4. Highlight the creativities, of the
Urhobos/Isokos inter group relations,
and the effects on Urhobo society
today.
CONTENT
The Urhobo speaking people of Nigeria can be
found in the present delta state of
Nigeria ,stories about their origin have been
linked to the ijo-speaking people of Niger
delta in which five clans were identified.
The first, UGHELLI clan which was said to
have been founded by one ogele, two of his
brothers namely; ogo and Agbarha later
founded settlements named after them . The
above three settlements of ughelli,ogo and
Agbarha became the owha clan.
Other clans such as ughienvwe and Ewu were
founded by both ughienvwe and ogobiri,
these two brothers were said to have left
ogobiri after a misunderstanding with their
kinsmen, they moved through the creeks
towards bomadi where they settled moved
through the creeks towards bomadi where
they settled for a while before they later
established ughienvwe and ewu clans.
Another tradition of origin identified benin as
their ancestor, this tradition which claimed
that a benin man was the father of uwherun
with his two brothers who were the first to
settle in eastern part of niger delta,from here
uwherun moved to established a settlement
called Urhobo clan.
Furthermore, other cans such as the Urhobo
clan of effurun ( uvwie) founded by a mixed
group,Evhro-oto founded by a GROUP of
migrants from Agbon that traced their origin
to Benin.
POLITICAL AND SOCIAL STRUCTURES OF THE
URHOBO
1. Like the Igbo,the political and social
structures of the Urhobo were
based on the structure of the
village in which the compound was
the smallest units,for examples,the
father was the head of the
compound who was responsible
for the maintenance of law and
 18
order as well as the promotion of
the welfare of each family,
2. There were clans which exercised
authority of ovie among the
Urhobo
CLASSWORK
1. Mention the various clans from
which the Urhobo traced their
origin
2. lists the various activities of the
age-grades among Urhobo
3. describe the origin of the Urhobo
people
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 19

_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
___________________________
ASSIGNMENT
Narrate the history of the IJAW (IJO)

WEEK SEVEN

MID TERM BREAK

 20
WEEK EIGHT
Non-Centralized states in pre-colonial
Nigeria Coastal zone-the Oro (Oron) in
Nigeria
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the
lesson; students should be able to;
1. Explain the migratory history of the
Oro, major town title of their rulers
etc.
2. Relate the socio-political organization
and the economic activities of the Oro
peoples in Nigeria today, etc.
3. Examine the significance of secret
societies, festivals and masquerades in
Oron socialization.
4. Mention the various Oron innovation
and creativities and the impacts on
Nigeria today.
CONTENT
TRADITIONS OF ORIGIN OF ORON
Unlike many Niger delta tribesmen did not
have a dependable history to trace its origin,
It is believed that it had settled in the present
location by 2370BC, after Noah’s deluge.
However, Oron folklore revealed that Abang a
great wrestler in Oron was overpowered by
slaves traders and was sent to Egypt.
He escaped from Egypt and found his way
back to Oron having established his presence
in Cameroon,
SOCIO POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF ORON
Oron had non-centralised political structure,
the following were some of the major organs
that featured in her political structure;
1. The head was known as ‘Ahta
oroM, He ruled with other chiefs.
2. Council of priests; This also helped
in the administration of the Oron
society by making important
decisions for the people.
3. Secret societies and association;
These played the role of executing
the decisions of council of priests,
4. Age grade group; They also helped
the council of priest in enforcing
their decisions
CLASSWORK
1. Locate Oron on Nigeria map
2. trace the origins of Oron
3. Name two major leaders in Oron
political structure
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 21

_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ ___________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 22
WEEK NINE
NON-CENTRALIZED STATES IN PRE-COLONIAL
NIGERIA COASTAL ZONE-THE IBIBIO IN
NIGERIA
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson; students should be
able to;
1. Discuss the origin of the Ibibio,
mention Ibibio main towns, title of
their rulers, etc.
2. Examine the socio-political
organization and the Ibibio economic
activities, etc.
3. Relate the importance of secret
societies Ibibio society on Nigeria
today, etc.
4. Mention and discuss the creativities
and innovations of the Ibibios and the
effects of the Nsibidi symbols, writings
on Nigeria today.
CONTENT
THE IBIBIO
TRADITIONS OF ORIGIN
The Ibibio group of people that could be
found mostly in Akwa-ibom state and also in
some parts of Cross Rivers in the south-south
geo-political zone of Nigeria
The traditions of origin of the Ibibio like that
of some ethnic groups in Nigeria are not clear
of reports of different versions.
The Ibibio said that they actually came from a
place called Ibom, their legend story of origin
stated that they first settled in a location
between Arochukwu in the north, Ika in the
west and Oron in the south,from this
location, they later migrated to Uyo and
Abak.
Another tradition of origin had it that old
calabar was the home of early Ibibio settlers
that settled at the mouth of calabar river, by
the 13th century, the Ibibio spread out to
establish other settlements,
Even though the Ibibio have affinity with the
Efik in terms of language and culture, they
have been able to maintain their tribal
identity.
THE POLITICAL AND SOCIAL STRUCTURES OF
THE IBIBIO
The Ibibio before colonial rule was one of the
non-centralized states in Nigeria because
politically, they practiced segmentary system
of government, this means they were not
united under a single authority in which there
were no rules as in empires and kingdoms, in
view of the above, the Ibibio had the
following political and social arrangements,
1. The Ibibio were formed and
developed into village groups with
each having an elder as the head,
the village was the political life of
the Ibibio,
2. The Ibibio had village councils
where every members of the
 23
society played his role to
contribute to the discussion that
will lead to the overall
developments of each village,
therefore, the village council was
the decision making of each village,
3. The elders who were regarded as
the head of each village group
provided leadership at the village
councils, His symbol of authority
rested on the title holder like the
‘OFO’ title holders among the Igbo.
There was also a senior title holder
whose position was more or less
ceremonial
CLASSWORK
1. Who are the Ibibio?
2. How related are the Ibibio and the
Anang speaking peole of Nigeria?
3. Identify an area of similarity in the
socio-political life of the Ibibio and
that of the Igbo.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 24

_____________________________________
___________
ASSIGNMENT
Who are the Oron and Anang?

_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
________________________________
 25
WEEK TEN
TOPIC: NON-CENTRALIZED STATES IN PRE-
COLONIAL NIGERIA COASTAL ZONE- THE
ANNANGS IN NIGERIA.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson; students should be
able to;
1. Relate the migratory origin of the
Annang’s major towns, title of their
rulers, etc.
2. Explain the socio-political organization
and economic activities of the
Annangs.
3. Examine the innovative family unity in
Annang society.
4. Highlight the significance of
Masquerades in the Annang society.
CONTENT
TRADITION OF ORIGIN OF ANANG
Anang people were believed to have
originated from Egypt,
Their movement from Egypt started in
7500BC, they first settled in Ghana before
finally settling in their present place,
Another oral version of their history said their
ancestors were Israelites of the Northern
Kingdom who settled in Egypt. It is believed
that the Anang were products of Marriages
between the Egyptians and the Israelites,
They later migrated to their present location
Nigeria
SOCIO POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF ANANG
Like many Niger delta city states, Anang had
non-centralised structure of administration in
pre-colonial days,
The following featured in the political
administration of Anang in the pre-colonial
days;
1. Obong; this was the head of the
executive arm, He was the chief of
the village or clan. He performed
the role of the leader or ruler.
2. Afe Isong;; These were the elderly
men in the society, they performed
legislative functions among the
Anang.
3. Association; In the pre-colonial
days, Anang had societies and
association for men and
women,The women organizations
were, ABIDE, ISONG IBANG,
NYAAMA, ETC
CLASSWORK
1. Locate Ananng on Nigeria map
2. trace the origins of Ananng
3. Name two major leaders in Ananng
political structure
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 26

_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ ___________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 27

WEEK ELEVEN Whydah, Allada and Weme, which are now

NON-CENTRALIZED STATES IN PRE-
COLONIAL NIGERIA COASTAL ZONE THE
EGUN OR OGU (LAGOS STATE) NIGERIA.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the
lesson; students should be able to;
1. Examine the migratory origin of the
Egun in Nigeria.
2. Describe the socio political and
economic activities in Egun society
today.
3. Relate the significance of Egun
traditional birth control on Nigeria
today, etc.
4. Outline the importance
Masquerades to the growth and
development in the Ogu society, etc.
part of the Republic of Benin. This is as a
result of the Dahomean war that occurred
during the 18th century. The people were
said to have migrated to Badagry as early as
the 15th century due to the need for security.
Badagry served as the auction point for slaves
captured during the inter-village warfare.
Language: Although the people belong to the
Yoruba tribe of Southwest Nigeria, they speak
a distinct language from the main Yoruba
spoken in its land. They have varieties of
dialects which include Thevi, Xwela, Seto and
Toli. Gun is the main language spoken by the
indigenes.
of
EGUN CULTURAL TROUPE

CONTENT

The Egun people are an ethnic group located

majorly in Badagry, Lagos and some parts of
Ogun state (SouthWest Nigeria). The people
account for about 15 percent of the
indigenous population of Lagos state. The
Eguns who live in Lagos state are majorly in SOCIOPOLITICAL STRUCTURE
Badagry, a coastal town situated between the
Tribal leaders of the Egun tribe
city of Lagos, and the border with Benin at
Seme.

The Egun people are also referred to as Ogu.

They are also found in neighboring West
African countries, notably the Republic of
Benin and Togo.

Oral history puts it that the people were

settlers in the Old Dahomey, presently known
as the Republic of Benin. They are The people of Egun have an established
descendants of those who migrated from monarchical institution. They call their
 28
traditional rulers Akran. This has its root from
its historical migration from ketu kingdom in
the 15th century. From the previous De
Wheno Aholu Akran Gbafoe down to the
present De Wheno Aholu Akran Menu Toyi I,
the stool has produced 17 Akrans.
The town is divided into eight quarters. Each
quarter is manned by each of the seven white
cap chiefs while the eight quarter, from
where the De Wheno Aholu comes from, is
administered directly by the crown.
The adjoining mainland districts are
administered by their respective traditional
rulers some of which are of oba status which
are Alapa of Apa, Onilogbo of Ilogbo-Eremi,
Aholu Gbedite, Ayaton of Ajido, Oniworo of
Iworo and Oba of Ibereko.
TRADE AND OCCUPATION
An Egun fisherwoman
Due to their location of coastal lagoons and
creeks, fishing remains their main occupation.
This contributes significantly to the economy
and nutrition of the Egun people, with buyers
coming from Lagos metropolis and Yoruba
hinterland.
EDUCATION
The first primary school in Nigeria, Badagry
The Egun people could be regarded as those
who held the cradle of western civilization
because of the introduction of Christianity to
Badagry in 1842. This birthed the
establishment of the first known school for
western education in the country in 1843; a
primary school established by the Wesleyan
mission (Methodist Church) named ‘Nursery
of Infant Church’. The school later became St.
Thomas’ Anglican Nursery and Primary School
founded by Rev. Golmer of the Church
Missionary Society (CMS) in 1845, inside the
first storey building in Badagry.
The first secondary school was built for the
people in Badagry over one hundred years
later and was called Badagry Grammar School
but in 1955 due to misunderstanding the
natives chased away the missionaries
unceremoniously.
EVALUATION
1. Describe the migratory origin of Egun
people
2. Describe the socio political structure
of the Egun people
3. The Egun people main occupation is
_______________
4. Briefly describe Egun as the cradle of
western civilization
 29
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 30

_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
________________________________
 31
WEEK TWELVE
NON-CENTRALIZED STATES IN PRE-COLONIAL
NIGERIA COASTAL ZONE, THE IJO (IJAW) IN
NIGERIA.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES: At the end of the
lesson; students should be able to;
1. Relate the tradition of origins of the
Ijaw, mention the various Ijaw groups,
title of the Ijo nrulers, main Ijaw town
etc.
2. Discuss the Ijaw socio-political and
economic activities etc.
3. Outline the importance of Rivers to
the growth and development of the
Ijaw’s today.
4. Outline the various fish innovations of
the Ijaw’s in Nigeria and the impacts
on Nigerian health today.
CONTENT
TRADITIONS OF ORIGIN
The Ijaw were one of the ethnic groups found
today in the Niger Delta region of Nigeria.in
the earliest time, the Ijaw were identified
with three settlements of Bonny, Nembe and
Kalabari.
According to history, the Ijaw like many other
tribes, had many traditions of origin, The first
being the one that claimed three men were
involved. These were OLODIA,ONYO and
OBOLO. They were said to have come from
Benin.
The second set of immigrants were led by
Ogidigba, who was a descendant of Ginuwa,
the founder of the Itsekeri kingdom, while
the third group of immigrants founded the
coastal ports of Akassa and Twon.
Another version of the origin of the Ijaw
linked it to some Nemne rulers,in which the
mostly remembered was Kala-Ekule through
which seven rulers were identified, The last
ruler was Busua who after his death,
succession disputes arose between his two
sons; Ogbodo and Mingi, This later led to a
civil war which resulted into two lines of
kingship in Nembe (brass).
SOCIO POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF THE IJAW
The Ijaw speaking people developed a system
of administration known as the house system
as it was with other Niger Delta city states,
This system made people to be grouped into
households and ward. These were composed
of families and village heads who became
closer to their families in each house than any
other groups, the government was mainly in
the hands of a group of elders while the
house heads had powers of life and death
over the households,
Houses were based on localized groups that
were homogenous in their composition,
consisting of group members, their wives and
children,
 32
Moreover, different house heads saw to the
welfare of its people by the 18th century,
when trade in slaves took control of the
economic activities of the Ijaw, the house
system developed into ‘canoe house system’
under this situation, slaves and how status
freemen could rise to the office of canoe
house head in any of the Ijaw city states as
long as they maintained their socio-economic
status of being wealthy,
The Ijaw canoe houses were made up of
organizations of kinsmen, slaves and
strangers that came together for the purpose
of participating in the Atlantic slave trade,
The number of canoe that a house had was a
proof of its strength and prosperity.
CLASSWORK
1. Locate the Ijaw on the map of
Nigeria
2. highlight the traditions of origin of
Ijaw
3. explain the house system
administration of the Ijaw in pre-
colonial period.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 33

_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ __________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 34

SECOND TERM

SCHEME OF WORK

WEEKS TOPICS

WEEK ONE REVISION

WEEK TWO INTER RELATIONSHIP OF SOME CENTRES OF CIVILIZATION IN PRE-

COLONIAL NIGERIA : KANEM- BORNO AND HAUSA STATES

WEEK THREE- FOUR INTER RELATIONSHIP OF SOME CENTRES OF CIVILIZATION IN PRE-

COLONIAL NIGERIA : ILE IFE AND BENIN

WEEK FIVE- SIX INTER RELATIONSHIP OF SOME CENTRES OF CIVILIZATION IN PRE-

COLONIAL NIGERIA : NIGERIA IGBO AND NIGER DELTA CITY STATES

WEEK SEVEN MID TERM BREAK

WEEK EIGHT – NINE DESCRIBE SIMILARITIES THAT EXISTED BETWEEN VARIOUS CENTRES
OF PRE CIVILIZATION IN PRECOLONIAL NIGERIA

WEEK TEN- ELEVEN DIFFERENCES THAT EXISTED BETWEEN DIFFERENT CENTRES OF

CIVILIZATION IN PRE- COLONIAL NIGERIA

WEEK TWELVE REVISION

WEEK THIRTEEN EXAMINATION

 35
WEEK ONE
REVISION
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson; students should be
able to;
General Revision of all learning objectives
used during the First term.
WEEK TWO
INTER RELATIONSHIP OF SOME CENTRES OF
CIVILIZATION IN PRE- COLONIAL NIGERIA :
KANEM- BORNO AND HAUSA STATES
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson; students should be
able to;
1. Explain the meaning of centres of
civilization
2. Explain the relationship between the
features and origin of relationship
from different centres of civilization in
pre colonial Nigeria , Borno , Hausa
state , festival and war
3. Relate the effect of the intergroup
relationship
CONTENT
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN KANEM-BORNO
EMPIRE AND HAUSA STATES
The following are the differences between
Kanem-Borno Empire and Hausa states;
1. Kanem Borno origin can be traced
to the Maghumi people while that
of the Hausa states to bayajidda.
2. Kanem-brono people speak kanuri
language while people of hausa
states speak hausa
3. Islam was introduced to Kanem
Borno around the 11th century
while it was introduced to hausa
states in the 15th century,
4. Kanem-Borno empire was located
in the North-east of the present
Nigeria while Hausa states were
located in the North west of
Nigeria
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN KANMEN-BORNO
EMPIRE AND HAUSA STATES
1. both practiced centralized system
of government
2. Islam became the state religion of
both Kanem Borno Empire and
Hausa states
3. both had specific system of
administering justice before the
advent of Islam
4. both engaged in trans-Saharan
trade across the Sahara Desert to
booth their economy.
CLASSWORK
1. State the differences between
Kanem-Borno and Hausa states.
2. mention the similarities between
Kanem –Borno and Hausa states.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 36

_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _
_____________________________________
ASSIGNMENT
_____________________________________
_____________________________________ State two differences between Igbo and Niger
_____________________________________ delta
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 37

WEEK THREE AND FOUR

INTER RELATIONSHIP OF SOME CENTRES OF

CIVILIZATION IN PRE- COLONIAL NIGERIA :

ILE-IFE AND BENIN

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the lesson; students should be BENIN ARTIFACTS

able to; Area of discovery: It was first discovered in
1897 at the king’s palace, when British
1. Describe Ile ife and Benin ancient
Soldiers conquered and gained access to the
centre of civilization
palace of oba Ovoranwen.The 'Benin Bronzes'
2. Mention the various artifacts
discovered in Ile- ife and Benin and (made of brass and bronze) are a group of
the respective main archeologists sculptures which include elaborately
3. Discuss the differences and similarities decorated cast plaques, commemorative
between Ile Ife and Benin ancient heads, animal and human figures, items of
centre of civilization and relate the royal regalia, and personal ornaments.
impact on Nigeria today
Media: It is majorly composed of cast bronze,
CONTENT carved ivory, and wood.

IFE ARTIFACTS Dating: It can be dated back to the 14th—

15th century.
Ife art was brought to international attention
in 1910 when Leo Frobenius, a German
ethnographer, discovered bronze and
terracotta heads at Ife. The discovery
changed people's perception of African Art,
but Frobenius had a misconception about its
origin. With great disbelief that they were
made by an African, Frobenius maintained a
theory that it was from the lost city of
Atlantis, an ancient mythical Greek colony.

Art discovered in the Kingdom of Ife so far

includes terracotta and bronze heads and
busts, stone sculpture, stools and religious
pieces carved in quartz, monumental granite
monoliths, as well as statues of humans and
animals.
 38
DIFFERENCES AND SIMILARITIES BETWEEN
IFE AND BENIN KINGDOM
The differences between the two ethnic
group include the following;
1. Ife had no direct army to prosecute
wars while Benin kingdom had a
very strong army that fought her
battles.
2. Ife did not engage in so many wars
but Benin empire engaged in so
many wars and conquered so many
territories,
3. Ife people speak Yoruba language
while people of Benin Empire
speak Edo as their major language.
4. Ife was ruled by oduduwa the
father of the Yoruba while Benin
kingdom had ogisos as their set of
rulers
5. Ife was known for bronze art works
while Benin kingdom was known
for bothe bronze and brass art
works
6. Ife was regarded as the cradle of
human existence while Benin was
not ,
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN IFE AND BENIN
EMPIRE
The following are the similarities between Ife
and Benin Empire;
1. They both depended on myths and
legends in tracing their origins, so
there were controversies among
historians about their origins
2. Both had respected and popular
work of arts
3. both had established cultures that
listed for centuries
4. both had centralized system of
government
5. Artifacts of both Ife and Benin were
very significant in Nigeria history,
CLASSWORK
1. State the differences between Ife
and Benin kingdom in the pre-
colonial period
 39

2. state the similarities between Ife _____________________________________

and Benin kingdom in the pre-
colonial period, _____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
__________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 40
WEEK FIVE AND SIX
INTER RELATIONSHIP OF SOME CENTRES OF
CIVILIZATION IN PRE- COLONIAL NIGERIA :
NIGER DELTA STATES AND NIGERIA IGBO
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson; students should be
able to;
1. Explain the location of Igbo land and
Niger Delta areas in Nigeria
2. Mention various artifacts in Igbo land
– Igbo Ukwu findings and Niger Delta
areas i.e Igbo ukwu bronze chambers
3. Relate the differences and similarities
between the ancient centres in Igbo
land and Niger Delta areas and their
impact on Nigeria today
CONTENT
IGBO UKWU ARTIFACTS
Almost all of Igbo Ukwu bronze art objects
were made around the 9th century A.D.
The first, called Igbo Isaiah, was uncovered in
1938 by Isaiah Anozie, a local villager, who
found the bronze works while digging beside
his home. Five bronze artefacts from the
original excavation are now in the British
Museum‘s collection.*4+ They include a small
staff, a head of a ram, a large manilla, an
intricately designed crescent-shaped vessel
and a small pendant in the shape of a tribal
chief’s head with tattoo marks on the
face.Formal excavations by the archaeologist
Thurstan Shaw in 1959 at the request of the
Nigerian government, resulted in the
discovery of two other sites, Igbo Richard and
Igbo Jonah, containing the remains of an
ancient culture.
NIGER DELTA CITY STATES ARTIFACTS
Sculptural shrines, called ifiri (or iphri) by the
Western Ijo, are found among the diverse
communities of peoples living in the Niger
Delta region of coastal Nigeria. The creation
and use of ifiri are informed by the warrior
ethos of the Ijo, who proudly regard
themselves as warlike people.
 41
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN IGBO AND NIGER
DELTA CITY STATES
The following are the differences between
Igbo and Niger Delta city states.
1. They are in south-south on map of
Nigeria.
2. The Igbo had age groups as part of
their administrative structure while
not all Niger delta states had such
structure.
3. The Igbo people had Igbo as their
language while Niger delta city
states had different languages.
4. The Igbo had similar culture but
Niger delta states had different
cultures.
5. The Igbo geographically were in the
forest region while Niger delta city
states were in the coastal area.
6. The Igbo had purely non-
centralized system of
administration while some Niger
delta city states had either
centralized or non-centralized
system of administration while
some Niger Delta city states had
either centralized or non-
centralized structure.
SIMILARITIES BETWEEN IGBO AND NIGER
DELTA CITY STATES
The following are the similarities between
Igbo and Niger delta city states;
1. both engaged in slave trade,
2. both had trade relations with each
other, for example sea foods
among the Niger delta city states in
exchange for food crop with the
Igbo.
3. They both worshipped different
gods and deities before
Christianity,
4. both had the Europeans influencing
their culture through Christianity
CLASSWORK
1. State three difference between
Igbo and Niger delta city states
2. mention two similarities between
Igbo and Niger Delta city states
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 42

_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ ________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
WEEK SEVEN
_____________________________________
_____________________________________ MID TERM BREAK
_____________________________________
_____________________________________ WEEK EIGHT AND NINE
_____________________________________
_____________________________________ THE SIMILARITIES BETWEEN VARIOUS
_____________________________________ CENTRES OF CIVILIZATION IN PRE COLONIAL
_____________________________________ NIGERIA
_____________________________________
_____________________________________ LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
 43
At the end of the lesson; students should be
able to;
1. Discuss the similarities between the
various centres of civilization
2. Relate the origin , structure , reasons
and effects of these similarities of the
centres of civilization
3. Highlights the consequences of these
similarities on various centres of
civilization
CONTENT
AREAS IN INTERACTION AMONG PEOPLE OF
CENTRES OF CIVILIZATION IN PRE-COLONIAL
NIGERIA
It is clear fact that all people of pre-colonial
major centres of civilization interacted with
themselves in various areas, the following are
the major areas of interaction of these cities,
1. TRADE AND COMMERCE; There were
strong trade and commercial
interactions among the people in pre-
colonial period. first, the Hausa
brought their hides and skins, cows,
horses and leather works to Oyo
empire to get Kolanut and other
agricultural produce,
Second, the Igala and Igbo people also
had strong trade interaction with the
help of river Niger.
Furthermore, people from Oyo Empire
bough slaves from Nupe while people
of Yoruba land exchanged their palm
kernal, yam,etc,for Nupe brasswork,
cereals, bangles,etc, .
Moreover, the Igbo people exchanged
agricultural produce for bonny, ijaw,
and okrika’s fish and salt. Trade
relations made Hausa to settle in
Yoruba land, Igala settled in Igbo,and
so no
2. Marriage; Intermarriage was so
common among the people of pre-
colonial Nigeria . The marriage
relationship served different
purposes, to some of these people,
they serve the purpose of seeking
refuge while to others, they helped in
reducing conflict and encouraging
friendship among the tribes.
3. Festival; festivals created
opportunities for people of
precolonial days to interact, for
instances, the Igunnu and Egungun
festivals which came from Nupe
people later became important
festivals in the Yoruba land.
4. Religion;;; religion was a major avenue
through which pre-colonial people
interacted ,Islamic region brought
strong interaction among the Hausa,
etc
5. War: Pre-colonial people did not only
interact peacefully but also through
violent way like war. war was common
in the pre-colonial days, this occurred
 44
due to the strong passion of some
tribes to dominate, suppress and take
over land and resources of other
tribes due to benefits to be derived
wars, though negative and violent,
helped major tribes and ethnic groups
to interact with one another, the
conquerors way of life.
6. Slave trade: slaves trade also
promoted and encouraged interaction
among the precolonial Nigerian
people.
7. Diplomatic activities: sometimes
before some protracted wars ended,
warring parties needed to send
emissaries to sign treaties, this
happened in 1650 when Hausa states
of keno and Katina signed a treaty to
end series of wars.
8. Migration: Migration of people in the
precolonial days could be due to
displacement by war, disaster, famine,
and desire for greener pastures
people of pre-colonial Nigeria
migrated from one place to the other.,
CLASSWORK
1. Explain how precolonial centres
interacted through trade and
commerce
2. explain how pre-colonial centres
interacted through marriage
3. Explain how pre-colonial centres
interacted festivals
4. Explain how war helped
interactions among centres of
civilization
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 45

_____________________________________ _____________________________________
_____________________________________ __________________________
_____________________________________
ASSIGNMENT
_____________________________________
_____________________________________ State two areas of interaction among people
_____________________________________ of centres civilization pre-colonial in Nigeria
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________ WEEK TEN AND ELEVEN
_____________________________________
_____________________________________ DIFFERENCES THAT EXISTED BETWEEN
_____________________________________ VARIOUS CENTRES OF CIVILIZATION IN PRE
_____________________________________ COLONIAL NIGERIA
_____________________________________
_____________________________________ LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
_____________________________________
_____________________________________ At the end of the lesson; students should be
_____________________________________ able to;
_____________________________________
_____________________________________ 1. Examine the origin , structure ,
_____________________________________ reasons and effects of these
_____________________________________ differences of the centres of
civilization
 46
2. Analyse the differences between the
centres, merits and limitations on
Nigeria today
3. Examine the consequences of these
differences on the centres of
civilization in Nigeria today
CONTENT
DIFFERENCES IN POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF
DIFFERENT CENTRES OF CIVILIZATION IN
PRE-COLONIAL NIGERIA
MEANING OF POLITICAL STRUCTURES
Political structure implies the mode or
method of governance used by a society or a
state, The following are noticeable
differences in the political structures of these
pre-colonial centres.
1. centralized and non-centralized
system of government; centralized
systems were used by empires and
kingdoms, like Oyo empire, Nupe
kingdom, Benin empire, Hausa
states and so on, on the other
hand,non centralized mode of
governance was used by Igbo, the
idoma, and some Niger delta states
like the Anang,Urhobo, etc
2. Distribution of power; In a non
centralized states like Igbo there
was power sharing, the different
groups had power to carry out
their function, power was not
concentrated at the centre but in
centralized system such as Hausa
states, Oyo empire, Benin empire,
Nupe kingdom power was
concentrated at the centre, The
king or the ruler controlled other
arms of government with little or
no power for people assisting him
in lower levels of government,
3. Enthronement of rulers;; Different
methods were used in installing
kings on the throne in the pre-
colonial states ,empire and
kingdom, in Benin empire for
instance, the Uzamas ahad the
responsibility of installing the
eldest son of the late Oba as the
new king, the Oyo Mesi in Oyo
empire had similar function of
enthroning kings [the Alaafins] but
also had power to deposed them
whenever necessary, in some
centres, the throne was
inherited ,while in others it was
rotated among selected royal
families, some did not have clear
rules for the enthronement of new
leaders.
4. Hierarchy in government; while
some of these pre-colonial centres
had good hierarchical structures
particularly among the centralized
states ,the hierarchy in most non-
centralised states was not so clear
5. degree of participation in
government; In centralized
centres,like Benin empire, Oyo
empire, Nupe kingdom for
instances, power was in the hands
of few individuals but in non
centralized states ,power was
shared among individuals
DIFFERENCES IN CULTURE AND CUSTOMS OF
DIFFERENT CENTRES OF CIVILIZATION
MEANING OF CULTURE AND CUSTOM
Culture and customs are other major area
where there were a lot of differences of
civilization in Nigeria such difference was very
clear in the following:
 47
1. Marriage; Each major centres had
different ways of contracting
marriage or forming the new
families, among the Hausa state,
marriage process was conducted
using traditional methods and
much later Islamic, but in Oyo
Empire and some other centres the
marriage process went according
to the customs of the community.
2. language; The languages of
virtually all the centres were
different. In Hausa states, Hausa
language was the dominant
language while in the places like
Oyo Empire and Ife ,Yoruba was
dominant. The Niger delta city-
states like Urhobo Anang,Ibibio and
so on had their different languages,
The Igbo had a common language
called Ibo though not without slight
difference but they could still
understand themselves.
3. Dressing; Each centre had different
ways of dressing, this was
applicable to the rulers, regalias,
the regalia of an Oba of Benin was
different from that of Etsu of Nupe,
The same applied to Alaafin of Oyo
Empire in Yoruba land and Obong
of Calabar in the Niger Delta,
furthermore, the dressing of
Yoruba men and women was
different from that of men and
women from Hausa states,
4. Songs;Each centre had peculiar
songs and music for different
occasions like installation of kings,
rulers, naming, marriage and burial
ceremonies, etc
5. musical instruments; centres of
civilization in Nigeria had different
musical instruments for different
occasions; The musical instrument
in the Hausa states included
kakaki,goje and so on, The Oyo
Empire also has musical
instruments like ,Iya ilu, Omle,
Dundu,etc, The Igbo had musical
instruments such as udu, ogene,
Ekwe, etc.
6. Greetings; each centre had ways of
greeting themselves, in old Oyo
empire, the subjects used to
prostate themselves, in old Oyo
empire, the subjects used to
prostrate for their king. And when
the younger men were greeting
their elders. In Hausa states men
would bend low to greet facing
each other, shaking hands and
touching chest particularly people
of the same age, Among the Igbo,
greeting was by handshake or
bowing down
DIFFERENCES IN TRADE AND ECONOMY
1. Differences in commodities sold:
Each centre had different
commodities they sold, this
depended majorly on their
geographical locations,
2. Differences in Exchange systems:
some of them used cowry shells
and salt as means of exchange,
3. Differences in market: most of the
centres had market days, some had
daily market while some fixed
theirs at intervals of specific days.
4. difference in weights and
measures: Each had different ways
of measuring quantity of
commodities to be exchanged for
money or other goods, some
 48
commodities were measure in
bags.
5. differences in foreign trade
partners: The coastal city states
traded mainly with the Portuguese
and the British, Benin empire also
traded with the Europeans
exchanging slaves for foreign goods
like gun, mirrors, etc. The Hausa
states and Kanem Borno traded
with the Arabs through trans-
Atlantic trade. They also traded
with people from Libya, Mali, etc.
DIFFERENCE IN RELIGIOUS BELIEFS WILL BE
EXPLAINED IN THE FOLLOWING AREAS
1. Place of worship: Almost all the
pre-colonial centres of civilization
had different places of worship.
Those who worshipped river
goddess did it near rivers, the three
worshippers worshipped around
the tree and son on kingdom
conquered through Islamic jihad
changed their worship centre to
mosques, while Niger delta states
and Benin empire which later
embraced Christianity worshipped
in churches or their houses.
2. Deities: each centre of civilization
had the gods they worshipped, The
worship of Ogun, Sango, Obatala
were common in old Oyo Empire,
in Nupe, they worshipped Egungun
and Igunnu at different places or
shrines, Niger delta city states like
Oron and Anang also had their
different places of worship for their
gods,
3. Priest: As the worship of deities
differed, so was the priest that
conducted and led the worship,
each deity had its own priest who
was conducting and leading
worshippers each time, it was time
to worship the deity.so there were
priests and chief priests of these
deities in different centres of
civilization.
4. Consultation of oracles: In many
centres of civilization, some critical
decisions were taken by consulting
oracles, each centre had a ways of
doing this, in old Oyo
Empire ,sometimes ,the choice of
the king from a royal family was
based on result of consultation of
Ifa Oracle, other communities in
Nigeria in precolonial days also had
different ways of making decisions
through their deity,
CLASSWORK
1. Identify two major areas of
differences in religious beliefs among
pre-colonial people of Nigeria
2. Identify two major areas of
differences in culture and customs of
pre-colonial people of Nigeria
3. Identify two major areas of
differences in political structures of
pre-colonial people of Nigeria.
4. EXPLAIN culture and CUSTOMS
5. Identify two major areas of
differences in trade and economy of
pre-colonial people of Nigeria.
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 49
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 50
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_______
ASSIGNMENT
1. State some areas of interaction among
people of centres of civilization in pre-
colonial Nigeria
2. STATE two differences in trade and
economy
3. State two differences in religious
beliefs.
 51

THIRD TERM

SCHEME OF WORK

WEEKS TOPICS

WEEK ONE REVISION

WEEK TWO - THREE EMPIRES AND KINGDOMS IN PRECOLONIAL WEST AFRICA AND
WESTERN SUDAN
 52

WEEK FOUR - FIVE OLD GHANA EMPIRE IN WESTERN SUDAN AND WEST AFRICA

WEEK SIX MALI EMPIRE IN WESTERN SUDAN AND WEST AFRICA

WEEK SEVEN MID TERM BREAK

WEEK EIGHT – NINE SONGHAI EMPIRE IN WESTERN SUDAN AND WEST AFRICA

WEEK TEN- ELEVEN REVISION

WEEK TWELVE REVISION

WEEK THIRTEEN EXAMINATION

WEEK ONE AND WESTERN

SUDAN
REVISION
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
WEEK TWO AND THREE
At the end of the lesson; students should be
EMPIRES AND KINGDOMS IN PRECOLONIAL
able to;
WEST AFRICA
 53
1. Describe the concept Empire ,
Emperor , Empress and features of an
Empire
2. Give reasons for the rise of Empires
and Kingdoms in Western Sudan and
West Africa
3. Explain the factors that led to the
factors , fall , decline of Empires and
Kingdoms in Western Sudan and West
Africa
CONTENT
DEFINITION OF EMPIRE
An empire is a political unit , made up of
several territories and peoples, usually
created by conquest , and divided between a
dominant center and surbordinate.
The purpose of historical empires was to
create and secure an economic zone. Empires
were not about the acquisition of land, much
less looting. It just extended a unified
political and legal system over new territory
and provided means to defend it against
criminal and foreign predation.
Titles are important when defining an empire.
Titles like Emperor, King, Empress, or Queen
can be used as the main authority figure of an
empire
FEATURES OF EMPIRES
Strong central government : Empires were
very large, so they needed strong
governments. Usually the government
consisted of a strong leader, an emperor, who
had complete power. The emperor typically
ruled from the capital city which was located
in the heartland or "center" of the empire. He
appointed governors of to rule and manage
the different provinces, but they were under
the emperor's control.
Bureaucracy : Non-elected government
workers who manage people, resources, and
land. The bureaucracy consists of all the
people who are employed to do the day-to-
day running of the government. They are not
politicians.
Militarism : Empires used their militaries
aggressively to get what they wanted. This
usually involved conquest in order to expand
their territory
"Global" trade networks : Trade networks
cross world zones in this era. Trade routes
connected empires and regions. The entire
known world (Europe, Middle.East, North
Africa, Central Asia, South Asia, East Asia, and
the East Indies) were connected by both land
and sea routes.
Standardization : Having a single calendar,
currency, system of weights and measures,
and set of laws for the whole empire. Running
an empire does not work well if people are
using different systems for these things.
Infrastructure : Public works such as roads,
aqueducts, canals, irrigation systems,dams,
bridges, etc. These items are constructed with
the use of tax money.
Unification strategy : Empires were large and
had diverse populations (many cultures,
religions, within one empire). People who had
been conquered were now ruled by people of
 54
a different culture, so empires needed to put
strategies in place to bring people together
and make them feel a part of the empire
Meet the world's first emperor. King Sargon
of Akkad—who legend says was destined to
rule—established the world's first empire
more than 4,000 years ago in Mesopotamia.
His name meant “true king,” and Sargon of
Akkad (unknown–2279 B.C.) took advantage
of that presumed legitimacy to establish the
world’s first empire around 2330 B.C. in
Mesopotamia, the fertile land between the
Tigris and Euphrates Rivers. He and his
successors bequeathed to the world a
concept of power that involved more than
military strength. They commanded
obedience not simply by winning battles and
striking fear in their foes, but also by
imposing order, dispensing justice, and
serving as earthly representatives of gods
their subjects dreaded and revered.
According to legend, Sargon of Akkad was
born in secret to a priestess mother who set
him adrift on a river, where he was found by
the common laborer who raised him. In his
youth, Sargon was visited by Ishtar—goddess
of desire, fertility, storms, and warfare—who
loved him. Inspired by her, he rose from
obscurity and took the world by storm. The
story seems clearly intended to show that
Sargon was entitled to rule Mesopotamia,
however humble his origins.
Reasons for the Rise Of Empires
1. An increase in the demand for West
African gold corresponded with the
rise of these empires.
2. The spread of Islam and rise of new
states along the North African coast
and in Europe gave the biggest boost
to the demand for gold
3. An intricate system of silent trade,
transport, safe passage for merchants,
and control over a vast array of tribes
facilitated the countries success in
trade.
ASSIGNMENT
MAKE A RESEARCH ON THE FALL AND
DECLINE OF EMPIRES AND KINGDOMS IN
WESTERN SUDAN AND WEST AFRICA
WEEK FOUR AND FIVE
OLD GHANA EMPIRE IN WESTERN SUDAN
AND WEST AFRICA
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson; students should be
able to;
1. Describe the location of Old Ghana
Empire in Western Sudan and West
Africa
 55
2. Explain the origins , reasons for the
rise , capital ,socio- political and
economic structure , people of the Old
Ghana Empire in Pre colonial times
3. Highlights the reasons for the Old
Ghana Empire and impacts on Nigeria
and west Africa
CONTENT
EARLY HISTORY OF GHANA EMPIRE
Ghana empire was one of the earliest known
negro empires recorded by historians, it was
first mention by an Arab geographer, Al-
fazari, in Ad773 in his book Al-masudi, where
he referred to it as a land of gold.
According to Al-Bakri an Arab traveller in his
writing in AD 1067, reveals that the name;
Ghana was the title of the Soninke king called
Auokar which means war chief,
It was not certain how and when Ghana was
founded, but from Arab sources, particularly
the Tariskh al Sudan, it appears to have been
founded by a Soninke dynasty between AD
300-400.
Early history of Ghana empire also revealed
that it was situated on the grasslands North
of the rivers Senegal and Niger, its capital
Kumbi Saleh is said to have ben founded by
Kaya Maghan, who is credited to have over
thrown the immigrant minority and Negro
indigenes in about AD700 and established
purely Soninke dynasty.
By AD1000, the sonnike kingdom had
extended it territory, in the west to the river
Senegal and south to Bambuk town of
Audoghast of the sahara desert, by the
middle of the 11th control over area covering
most of the modern states of Senegal, Mali
and Territories of roughly 650,000 square
kilometres.
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF GHANA EMPIRE
1. Geographical location
2. location around trade route
3. expansion factors
4. large army
5. good government
SOCIO POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF GHANA
EMPIRE
In expressing the socio political structure of
Ghana empire, is a description of how it was
organized and governed, These involved
primarily describing the government at the
centre, the provinces, the vassal states and
the army
1. The king
2. council of Advisers and ministers
3. provincial Governors
4. District chiefs
5. Trade
6. The Army
FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF GHANA
EMPIRE
 56
The decline and fall of Ghana Empire were
internal and external
1. INTERNAL FACTORS
2. The size of the Empire
3. Political instability
4. The social and culture heterogeneity
of the empire;
 EXTERNAL FACTORS;
 Increasing pressures and Attacks
 Revolts
 Invasion of Kumbi saleh
CLASSWORK
1. What were the factors responsible for
the rise of Ghana Empire?
2. briefly describe the socio political
structure of Ghana empire
3. What role did trade play in rise of
Ghana Empire?
4. explain the factors for the decline and
fall of Ghana empire
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 57

_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
WEEK SIX
_____________________________________
_ MALI EMPIRE IN WESTERN SUDAN AND
WEST AFRICA

LEARNING OBJECTIVES:

At the end of the lesson; students should be

able to;
 58

1. Locate Mali on the map of Africa 3. Good political environment

today 4. Strong successors to Sundiata: In

2. Relate the origins , reasons for the rise
, capital ,socio- political and economic
structure in Pre colonial Mali.
3. Identify the factors that led to the
collapse of Mali Empire in pre-
colonial era
CONTENT
5. Islamic religion factor
EARLY HISTORY OF MALI EMPIRE
addition to the political role played by
sundiata to the rise of mali empire
were the caliber of kings that reigned
after him, for examples ,kings such as
Mansa Uli [1255-1270],Mansa Musa
[1312-1337],who continued the
expansionist policy started by
sundiata and also made the empire to
be known to the outside world.

The empire which came to be known as Mali FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF MALI
originated from the little Malinke Kingdom EMPIRE
called Kangaba,Mali envolved from the
1. INTERNAL FACTORS
unification of a number of small villages
known as Dugu and ruled by local chieftains 1. overexpansion of Mali
called Dugutigi.it is likely that the fusion of
2. weak rulers
the villages were motivated by the desire of
the people to present a united front against 3. inadequate communication
enemies and also to participate more in the
2. EXTERNAL FACTORS
trans-saharan trade
Constant attack by enemies
The early king of kangaba were not known to
historians, however, according to one sheikh CLASSWORK
uthman, a muslim scholar and writer, the first
1. State the factors that led to the rise of
king of kangaba to be converted to Islam in
Mali Empire
the middle of the 11th century was
2. Give reasons for the fall of Mali
Baramendana 9 i.e, AD 1050] unlike Ghana,
Empire
Mali became a muslim state from very early
3. Explain briefly the history of Mali
stage of its existence as an empire.
__________________________________
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF MALI EMPIRE __________________________________
__________________________________
1. political factors for the rise of Mali
empire __________________________________
__________________________________
2. Geographical location __________________________________
 59

__________________________________ __________________________________
__________________________________ _______________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________
__________________________________ WEEK SEVEN
__________________________________ MID TERM BREAK
__________________________________
__________________________________ 1. WRITE BRIEFLY ON SONGHAI EMPIRE
__________________________________
__________________________________ WEEK EIGHT - NINE
__________________________________
__________________________________ SONGHAI EMPIRE IN WESTERN SUDAN AND
WEST AFRICA
 60
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
At the end of the lesson; students should be
able to;
1. Describe the location of Songhai
Empire on the map of Africa
2. Examine the origin, reasons for the
rise , success of charismatic leaders ,
socio-political and economic structure
of Songhai Empire – Western Sudan
and West Africa
CONTENT
HISTORY OF SONGHAI EMPIRE
Before the people of Songhai settled in Gao,
it is believed that their original home was
around Dendi and Bassa,they later migrated
to Gao from the above places when they
discovered that Gao was an important cross
roads in west Africa
According to oral tradition,Kossi took Gao
from the sorko and established the Songhai
empire, Also many historians had the opinion
that Songhai had its organization beginning in
the region of Dendi and that her civilization as
it was in Ghana and Mali Empires
FACTORS FOR THE RISE OF SONGHAI EMPIRE
1. Geographical factor
2. political factors
3. military prowess
4. religious factors
5. Economic factor
FACTORS FOR THE FALL OF SONGHAI EMPIRE
1. The communication system was poor
and inadequate, also there were no
natural frontiers to protect the empire
2. Ethnic diversity,religious differences
and levels of civilization combined to
make it difficult for the em pire to
sustain its unity.
3. The situation in Songhai became worst
after the death of Askia Mohammed I
in 1528 when the empire lost its
stability owing to the rebellion put
forward by the eldest son Askia.
4. lack of good leadership, ineffective
central government and the revolts by
vassal states led to the weakness of
Songhai army
CLASSWORK
1. Briefly explain the early history of
Songhai before the reign of sonni Ali
2. Mention three factors that led to the
rise of Songhai Empire
3. Mention factors that led to the fall of
Songhai empire
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
 61

_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
_____________________________________
____________________________________
ASSIGNMENT

State the contribution of Askia Mohammed 1

to the greatness of songhai