European Contact With Nigeria

European Contact With Nigeria

JSS 2

HISTORY

THIRD TERM

WEEK 3

European Contact With Nigeria

Jss 2 Second  Term

As you may already know, Nigeria is a country located in West Africa. Many years ago, before Nigeria became a country, there were different groups of people living in different parts of the region. These groups had their own unique cultures, traditions, and ways of life.

Around the 15th century, European explorers started traveling to different parts of the world, including Africa. One of the first Europeans to reach Nigeria was a Portuguese explorer named Rui de Sequeira. In 1472, he landed in what is now known as Lagos, which was then a small fishing village.

Over time, other European countries such as Britain, France, and Germany started to show an interest in Nigeria. They wanted to trade with the people living there and establish their own colonies.

One of the main reasons why Europeans were interested in Nigeria was because of its natural resources such as palm oil, rubber, and cocoa. These resources were very valuable and could be sold for a lot of money back in Europe.

In 1861, the British annexed Lagos and declared it a British colony. They went on to establish more colonies in other parts of Nigeria, which eventually led to the formation of the country we know today.

One of the effects of European contact with Nigeria was the introduction of Christianity. Missionaries from Europe came to Nigeria to spread the Christian religion and build churches. Today, Christianity is one of the major religions in Nigeria, along with Islam and traditional African religions.

Another effect of European contact was the introduction of new technologies and ideas. For example, Europeans brought new agricultural methods, new medical knowledge, and new forms of transportation such as trains and steamships. These changes helped to modernize Nigeria and make it more connected to the rest of the world.

In summary, early European contact with Nigeria had a significant impact on the country’s history and development. It brought about changes in religion, technology, and trade that have shaped Nigeria into the country it is today

Key points 

  1. European explorers started traveling to Nigeria in the 15th century.
  2. The Portuguese explorer Rui de Sequeira was one of the first Europeans to land in Nigeria.
  3. Europeans were interested in Nigeria because of its natural resources, such as palm oil, rubber, and cocoa.
  4. European countries like Britain, France, and Germany established colonies in Nigeria in order to trade and extract resources.
  5. The British annexed Lagos in 1861 and declared it a British colony, which led to the establishment of more colonies in Nigeria.
  6. European contact led to the introduction of Christianity to Nigeria, which is now one of the major religions in the country.
  7. Europeans brought new technologies and ideas to Nigeria, such as new agricultural methods, medical knowledge, and transportation like trains and steamships.
  8. European contact also had negative effects, such as the slave trade, which involved capturing Africans and selling them into slavery in other parts of the world.
  9. The impact of European contact has shaped Nigeria’s history and development, leading to changes in religion, technology, and trade

Evaluation

  1. What century did European explorers start traveling to different parts of the world including Africa? a) 12th century b) 15th century c) 19th century
  2. Who was one of the first European explorers to land in Nigeria? a) Christopher Columbus b) Vasco da Gama c) Rui de Sequeira
  3. Europeans were interested in Nigeria because of its ___________ resources. a) technological b) cultural c) natural
  4. Which European country declared Lagos a British colony in 1861? a) Portugal b) Britain c) France
  5. Christianity was introduced to Nigeria by ____________. a) African missionaries b) European missionaries c) Native Nigerians
  6. New technologies and ideas brought to Nigeria by Europeans included all of the following EXCEPT: a) new medical knowledge b) new agricultural methods c) new types of music
  7. The slave trade involved capturing Africans and selling them into slavery in other parts of the world, which was a ____________ effect of European contact. a) positive b) negative c) neutral
  8. What was one of the major religions introduced to Nigeria by Europeans? a) Hinduism b) Christianity c) Buddhism
  9. Europeans brought new forms of transportation to Nigeria, such as ____________. a) camels b) steamships c) bicycles
  10. The impact and effects of early European contact with Nigeria have shaped Nigeria’s ___________ and development. a) language b) history c) geography

Lesson Presentation

Lesson plan presentation for the topic of Early European Contact with Nigeria for Junior Secondary School 2:

Lesson Title: Early European Contact with Nigeria

Objective: Students will learn about the early European contact with Nigeria, the reasons why Europeans were interested in Nigeria, and the impact and effects of European contact on Nigeria’s history and development.

Materials Needed:

  • Whiteboard and markers
  • Pictures and maps of Nigeria
  • Handouts with key points and discussion questions

Introduction:

  • Greet the students and ask them what they know about Nigeria’s history.
  • Introduce the topic of early European contact with Nigeria and explain why it is an important part of Nigeria’s history

Body:

  • Discuss the reasons why European countries were interested in Nigeria, such as its natural resources and potential for trade.
  • Introduce key European explorers who landed in Nigeria, such as Rui de Sequeira.
  • Explain how European contact led to the introduction of new technologies and ideas, such as new agricultural methods and forms of transportation.
  • Discuss the impact of European contact on Nigeria’s political structure, such as the creation of new political systems and the eventual formation of Nigeria as a country.
  • Introduce the negative effects of European contact, such as the slave trade and exploitation of natural resources.
  • Discuss the introduction of Christianity to Nigeria and its impact on religion in the country.

Conclusion:

  • Summarize the key points of the lesson.
  • Ask students to reflect on what they have learned and how it has affected their understanding of Nigeria’s history and development.
  • Answer any questions and provide handouts for further reading and discussion.

Assessment:

  • Quiz on the key points and effects of early European contact with Nigeria.
  • Class discussion and reflection on what they have learned and how it has impacted their understanding of Nigeria’s history.