Kanem-Bornu and Hausa: Empires of Influence and Trade History JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 8

History Lesson Plan: Relationship Between People from Different Centers of Civilization in Pre-Colonial Nigeria – Kanem-Bornu and Hausa Empire

1. Subject: History
2. Class: JSS 2
3. Term: First Term
4. Week: 8
5. Age: 12-13 years
6. Topic: Relationship Between People from Different Centers of Civilization – Kanem-Bornu and Hausa Empire
7. Sub-Topic: Political, Cultural, and Economic Relationships
8. Duration: 40 minutes

Behavioral Objectives

By the end of the lesson, students should be able to:

1. Explain the political relationship between Kanem-Bornu and the Hausa city-states.
2. Identify the cultural exchanges that occurred between these civilizations.
3. Describe the economic connections and trade activities between Kanem-Bornu and the Hausa states.

Keywords: Kanem-Bornu, Hausa, trade, alliance, diplomacy, culture

Set Induction

The teacher will ask, “What do you know about the Hausa and Kanem-Bornu Empires?” to spark interest and introduce the lesson.

Entry Behavior

Students are aware of the Kanem-Bornu Empire and the Hausa city-states from previous lessons.

Learning Resources and Materials

• Map of pre-colonial Nigeria showing the locations of Kanem-Bornu and Hausa city-states.
• Pictures of ancient artifacts from the two regions.

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students have learned about the political structure of the Kanem-Bornu and Hausa Empires. This lesson builds on that knowledge by focusing on their interactions.

Embedded Core Skills

• Map reading
• Critical thinking
• Analytical discussion

Reference Books

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

Instructional Materials

• Maps, charts, and images representing the Kanem-Bornu and Hausa empires.

Content

Political Relationship Between Kanem-Bornu and Hausa Empires

• The Kanem-Bornu Empire, located in the northeastern region of Nigeria, had diplomatic ties with the Hausa city-states.
• The two empires cooperated to ensure stability and security, often engaging in alliances and peace agreements.
• Some Hausa rulers sought military support from Kanem-Bornu to resolve internal conflicts.

Cultural Connections Between Kanem-Bornu and Hausa Empires

1. Religion: Both regions embraced Islam, which influenced governance, education, and social practices.
2. Architecture: The two regions shared similar architectural designs, especially in mosques and city gates.
3. Language and Scholarship: Scholars from both empires contributed to the spread of Arabic and Islamic education.

Economic Exchanges Between Kanem-Bornu and Hausa Empires

• Kanem-Bornu and the Hausa states engaged in long-distance trade across the Sahara, exchanging goods like salt, leather, textiles, and horses.
• The Hausa city-states, such as Kano and Katsina, served as major trading centers, facilitating commerce with Kanem-Bornu and North Africa.
• Trade routes between Kanem-Bornu and the Hausa regions strengthened their economic interdependence.

Evaluation

1. The Hausa city-states were located in the ______ part of Nigeria.
   a) Northeast b) Northwest c) Southeast d) Southwest
   Answer: b) Northwest
2. The Kanem-Bornu Empire is located in ______ Nigeria.
   a) Southwestern b) Southeastern c) Northeastern d) Northwestern
   Answer: c) Northeastern
3. The main religion shared by both empires was ______.
   a) Christianity b) Islam c) Traditional worship d) Judaism
   Answer: b) Islam
4. Scholars from both regions promoted the use of the ______ language.
   a) Swahili b) Arabic c) English d) Hausa
   Answer: b) Arabic
5. A key item traded by the Hausa city-states was ______.
   a) Salt b) Cocoa c) Gold d) Palm oil
   Answer: a) Salt
6. The Kanem-Bornu Empire often provided ______ support to Hausa rulers.
   a) Military b) Educational c) Medical d) Agricultural
   Answer: a) Military
7. Hausa city-states were known for producing ______ goods.
   a) Leather b) Cotton c) Sugar d) Oil
   Answer: a) Leather
8. Trade between Kanem-Bornu and Hausa city-states relied on ______ routes.
   a) Air b) Water c) Desert d) Rail
   Answer: c) Desert
9. A key architectural similarity between both regions was found in ______.
   a) Palaces b) Mosques c) Warehouses d) Castles
   Answer: b) Mosques
10. Islam influenced the establishment of ______ in both regions.
    a) Banks b) Islamic schools c) Railroads d) Hospitals
    Answer: b) Islamic schools

Class Activity Discussion

1. What was the political relationship between Kanem-Bornu and the Hausa city-states?
   They formed alliances and cooperated for stability.
2. What religion did both empires practice?
   Islam.
3. What role did Kanem-Bornu play in Hausa politics?
   It provided military support to Hausa rulers.
4. What language did scholars from both regions promote?
   Arabic.
5. What items did the Hausa trade with Kanem-Bornu?
   Salt, leather, and textiles.
6. What was a major cultural exchange between the two empires?
   Similar architectural designs in mosques.
7. How did Kanem-Bornu and the Hausa connect economically?
   Through long-distance trade across the Sahara.
8. What were some important Hausa trading centers?
   Kano and Katsina.
9. What influence did Islam have on education in both regions?
   It led to the establishment of Islamic schools.
10. Why were the Hausa city-states important in trade?
    They served as key trading centers in the region.

Presentation Steps

1. Step 1: Review the location and political structure of Kanem-Bornu and Hausa empires.
2. Step 2: Introduce the relationships between the two civilizations, focusing on politics, culture, and trade.
3. Step 3: Encourage students to discuss the significance of their interactions.

Teacher’s Activities

• Display a map showing Kanem-Bornu and the Hausa city-states.
• Explain the cultural and economic ties between the two regions.
• Provide examples of traded goods and shared practices.

Learners’ Activities

• Locate Kanem-Bornu and Hausa states on the map.
• Participate in discussions about their interactions.
• Answer questions about their political, cultural, and economic exchanges.

Assessment

• Explain the political relationship between Kanem-Bornu and the Hausa states.
• List two cultural similarities between the two regions.
• Describe the trade connections between Kanem-Bornu and the Hausa city-states.

Evaluation Questions

1. What role did Kanem-Bornu play in Hausa politics?
2. Name two key Hausa trading centers.
3. What language was promoted by scholars from both regions?
4. What type of goods did the Hausa trade with Kanem-Bornu?
5. What religion was common in both regions?
6. How did Kanem-Bornu and Hausa states connect economically?
7. Name one architectural similarity between the two empires.
8. What was a key influence of Islam on education?
9. How did the Hausa benefit from their relationship with Kanem-Bornu?
10. What were the desert routes used for between the two regions?

Conclusion

The teacher will summarize the lesson, highlighting the political, cultural, and economic interactions between Kanem-Bornu and the Hausa city-states. Students’ responses will be marked, and feedback will be given.