The Igbo: A Non-Centralized Society in Nigeria History JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 4

History Lesson Plan: Non-Centralized States – The Igbo

1. Subject: History
2. Class: JSS 2
3. Term: First Term
4. Week: 4
5. Age: 12-13 years
6. Topic: Non-Centralized States – The Igbo
7. Sub-Topic: Geographical Location, Culture, and Political Organization of the Igbo
8. Duration: 40 minutes
9. Behavioral Objectives:
   By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
   1. Identify the geographical location of the Igbo people.
   2. Describe the cultural practices of the Igbo.
   3. Explain the political organization of the Igbo people.
10. Keywords: Igbo, consensus, kinship, elders, decentralized, lineage
11. Set Induction:
    The teacher will ask, “Have you ever heard of the Igbo people? What are some things they are known for?” This will spark interest in the topic.
12. Entry Behavior:
    Students are already familiar with non-centralized political systems from previous lessons.
13. Learning Resources and Materials:

• Map showing the location of the Igbo people
• Photos of Igbo cultural attire and artifacts

14. Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
    In the previous lesson, students studied the Idoma people. This lesson will further explore non-centralized societies by examining the Igbo people.
15. Embedded Core Skills:

• Map reading
• Critical thinking
• Participation in discussions

16. Reference Books:

• Lagos State Scheme of Work for History
• History for Junior Secondary Schools

17. Instructional Materials:

• Map of Nigeria showing the Igbo region
• Pictures of Igbo artifacts and traditional ceremonies

Content

Geographical Location of the Igbo People

• The Igbo people are located mainly in the southeastern region of Nigeria.
• States with large Igbo populations include Anambra, Imo, Enugu, Abia, and Ebonyi.
• The area is known for its hilly landscapes and rainforests, with rivers like the Niger passing through.

Culture of the Igbo People

1. Language: The Igbo people speak Igbo and its dialects.
2. Occupation: They are known for farming, trading, and craftsmanship.
3. Marriage: Marriage involves paying a bride price, and it emphasizes the importance of family involvement.
4. Festivals: Important festivals include the New Yam Festival, which celebrates harvest and unity.
5. Religion: Traditional Igbo people believe in a supreme god called Chukwu and revere ancestors. Christianity is also widely practiced.

Political Organization of the Igbo People

• The Igbo political system is non-centralized and based on kinship and family units.
• Council of Elders: Decisions are made by elders from different lineages through consensus.
• Village Assemblies (Ama-ala): The community participates in decision-making through village meetings.
• Age Grades: Age groups are responsible for community services, including security and labor.
• Priests and Diviners: Religious leaders play roles in conflict resolution and rituals.
• Title Systems: Men and women can acquire titles like the Ozo title through achievements, symbolizing leadership and respect.

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options

1. The Igbo people are located in the ______ region of Nigeria.
   a) Northern b) Southeastern c) Southwestern d) Central
   Answer: b) Southeastern
2. States with large Igbo populations include ______.
   a) Anambra and Imo b) Lagos and Ogun c) Borno and Yobe d) Kano and Katsina
   Answer: a) Anambra and Imo
3. The main occupation of the Igbo people is ______.
   a) Fishing b) Farming c) Mining d) Military service
   Answer: b) Farming
4. An important Igbo festival is the ______ Festival.
   a) Durbar b) Egungun c) New Yam d) Osun-Osogbo
   Answer: c) New Yam
5. The Igbo political system is ______.
   a) Centralized b) Decentralized c) Federal d) Monarchical
   Answer: b) Decentralized
6. Traditional Igbo religion believes in a supreme god called ______.
   a) Chukwu b) Ogun c) Amadioha d) Aondo
   Answer: a) Chukwu
7. The ______ title is an important achievement in Igbo society.
   a) Eze b) Emir c) Ozo d) Igwe
   Answer: c) Ozo
8. The Igbo use ______ to settle disputes in the community.
   a) Courts b) Police c) Council of elders d) Soldiers
   Answer: c) Council of elders
9. ______ play significant roles in Igbo rituals and conflict resolution.
   a) Warriors b) Priests and Diviners c) Traders d) Teachers
   Answer: b) Priests and Diviners
10. Age grades in Igbo society are responsible for ______.
    a) Political leadership b) Communal services c) Warfare d) Trade regulations
    Answer: b) Communal services

15 FAQs with Answers

1. Where are the Igbo people located?
   In southeastern Nigeria.
2. What are the main occupations of the Igbo?
   Farming, trading, and craftsmanship.
3. What is the New Yam Festival?
   It is a festival celebrating the harvest and unity.
4. What is the Igbo word for their supreme god?
   Chukwu.
5. What type of political system do the Igbo use?
   A non-centralized system.
6. How do the Igbo make important decisions?
   Through discussions and consensus in village assemblies.
7. What is the role of the Ozo title in Igbo society?
   It symbolizes leadership and respect.
8. How are disputes settled among the Igbo?
   By elders or religious leaders.
9. What are age grades in Igbo society?
   Groups of young people performing community services.
10. What crops do the Igbo cultivate?
    Yam, cassava, and vegetables.

Presentation Steps

1. Step 1: Review the previous lesson on the Idoma.
2. Step 2: Introduce the Igbo, focusing on their location, culture, and political organization.
3. Step 3: Engage students with questions and allow them to contribute.

Teacher’s Activities

• Display a map of southeastern Nigeria, identifying the Igbo region.
• Explain Igbo cultural practices, including the New Yam Festival.
• Lead a discussion on the importance of consensus in decision-making.

Learners’ Activities

• Identify the Igbo region on the map.
• Participate in class discussions on Igbo culture.
• Answer questions during the lesson.

Assessment

• Describe the geographical location of the Igbo people.
• List two important cultural practices of the Igbo.
• Explain the political organization of the Igbo people.

10 Evaluation Questions

1. Where are the Igbo people located in Nigeria?
2. What is the significance of the New Yam Festival?
3. How are decisions made in Igbo society?
4. What is the role of elders in the Igbo community?
5. What crops are commonly grown by the Igbo?
6. What title can be acquired for leadership in Igbo society?
7. What is the Igbo belief in Chukwu?
8. What is the function of age grades in the Igbo community?
9. How do priests help in Igbo society?
10. What is the role of family in Igbo marriage?

Conclusion

The teacher will summarize the lesson by reviewing the key points about the geographical location, culture, and political organization of the Igbo. Students’ responses will be marked, and feedback will be provided.

Captivating Title

“The Igbo: A Non-Centralized Society in Nigeria”

Focus Keyphrase

Igbo non-centralized state

SEO Title

“The Igbo – Geography, Culture, and Political Organization”

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Meta Description

Explore the geographical location, culture, and political organization of the Igbo people. Ideal for JSS 2 History lessons.