HomePrimary 5HistoryAmalgamation of Nigeria British rule in Nigeria History Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6

Amalgamation of Nigeria British rule in Nigeria History Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6

History Primary 5 First Term Lesson Notes Week 6

Subject: History
Class: Primary 5
Term: First Term
Week: 6
Age: 10 years
Topic: British Rule in Nigeria 3 – Amalgamation of Nigeria
Sub-topic: Meaning of Amalgamation, Who Amalgamated Nigeria, Reasons for Amalgamation, Various Phases of Amalgamation, Positive and Negative Effects
Duration: 1 hour

Behavioural Objectives

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

  1. Define amalgamation.
  2. Identify who amalgamated Nigeria.
  3. Discuss the reasons for Nigeria’s amalgamation.
  4. Describe the various phases of Nigeria’s amalgamation.
  5. Examine the positive and negative effects of the British amalgamation of Nigeria.

Keywords

Amalgamation, Nigeria, British, phases, effects

Set Induction

Begin with a question about how different regions or states might join together to form a larger entity. Connect this to the concept of amalgamation.

Entry Behaviour

Pupils should understand basic concepts of British colonization in Nigeria and have some knowledge about historical changes in governance.

Learning Materials

  • Maps showing Nigeria before and after amalgamation
  • Historical documents and images
  • Textbooks on Nigerian history

Instructional Materials

  • Maps of Nigeria
  • Charts showing phases of amalgamation
  • Historical documents

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

Review the concept of British colonization and the reasons for establishing control over Nigeria, leading into the specific topic of amalgamation.

Embedded Core Skills

  • Analytical thinking
  • Understanding historical processes
  • Evaluating historical impacts

Learning Materials

  • Historical maps
  • Textbooks
  • Charts

Reference Books

  • Lagos State Scheme of Work for History
  • Nigerian History textbooks

Content

  1. Meaning of Amalgamation:
    • Definition: Amalgamation refers to the process of combining two or more entities into one. In this context, it means uniting the northern and southern parts of Nigeria under a single administration.
  2. Who Amalgamated Nigeria:
    • Lord Frederick Lugard: The British colonial administrator who amalgamated Nigeria in 1914.
  3. Reasons for Nigeria’s Amalgamation:
    • Administrative Efficiency: To streamline governance and reduce administrative costs.
    • Economic Interests: To enhance economic management and resource utilization.
    • Political Control: To consolidate British control and manage diverse ethnic groups more effectively.
  4. Various Phases of Nigeria’s Amalgamation:
    • Pre-Amalgamation: Separate administration of Northern and Southern Nigeria.
    • Amalgamation (1914): Unification of Northern and Southern Nigeria.
    • Post-Amalgamation: Adjustments and reorganization of administrative structures.
  5. Positive and Negative Effects of Amalgamation:
    • Positive Effects:
      • Administrative Unity: Simplified governance with a single administration.
      • Economic Integration: Improved economic management and infrastructure development.
    • Negative Effects:
      • Ethnic Tensions: Increased conflicts among diverse ethnic groups.
      • Centralized Control: Loss of autonomy for regional administrations.

Evaluation

  1. What does amalgamation mean? a) Division
    b) Combination
    c) Isolation
    d) Segregation
  2. Who was responsible for the amalgamation of Nigeria? a) Sir George Taubman Goldie
    b) Lord Lugard
    c) Queen Victoria
    d) Sir Richard Burton
  3. Why was Nigeria amalgamated? a) To promote regional autonomy
    b) For administrative efficiency and economic management
    c) To increase regional disputes
    d) To reduce British control
  4. What was one phase of Nigeria’s amalgamation? a) Independence
    b) Pre-Amalgamation
    c) Regional Disintegration
    d) De-colonization
  5. What was a positive effect of amalgamation? a) Increased ethnic conflicts
    b) Administrative unity
    c) Loss of economic resources
    d) Decreased British control
  6. What was a negative effect of the amalgamation? a) Improved infrastructure
    b) Ethnic tensions
    c) Enhanced regional autonomy
    d) Increased economic growth
  7. When did the amalgamation of Nigeria occur? a) 1900
    b) 1914
    c) 1920
    d) 1930
  8. How did amalgamation impact Nigeria’s administration? a) It created separate administrations
    b) It combined Northern and Southern administrations
    c) It eliminated British control
    d) It promoted regional independence
  9. What was a key reason for the economic aspect of amalgamation? a) To isolate economic activities
    b) To consolidate economic resources and management
    c) To promote regional trade conflicts
    d) To divide economic benefits
  10. What was a key feature of the post-amalgamation period? a) Regional autonomy
    b) Centralized administration
    c) Regional segregation
    d) Decentralized control
  11. What was one goal of administrative efficiency in amalgamation? a) Increase regional power
    b) Simplify governance
    c) Decrease economic management
    d) Promote ethnic division
  12. What impact did amalgamation have on regional governance? a) Enhanced regional power
    b) Loss of regional control
    c) Increased regional governance
    d) Strengthened regional autonomy
  13. How did amalgamation affect ethnic groups in Nigeria? a) Reduced ethnic tensions
    b) Increased ethnic tensions
    c) Promoted ethnic unity
    d) Isolated ethnic groups
  14. What role did Lord Lugard play in Nigeria’s history? a) He founded the Royal Niger Company
    b) He led military campaigns
    c) He amalgamated Nigeria
    d) He negotiated treaties with local rulers
  15. How did amalgamation affect Nigeria’s infrastructure? a) It decreased infrastructure development
    b) It improved infrastructure development
    c) It isolated infrastructure projects
    d) It eliminated infrastructure needs

Class Activity Discussion

  1. Define amalgamation in the context of Nigerian history.
    • Answer: The process of combining Northern and Southern Nigeria under one administration.
  2. Who was responsible for amalgamating Nigeria?
    • Answer: Lord Frederick Lugard.
  3. Discuss the reasons for Nigeria’s amalgamation.
    • Answer: Administrative efficiency, economic interests, and political control.
  4. Describe the various phases of Nigeria’s amalgamation.
    • Answer: Pre-Amalgamation, Amalgamation (1914), and Post-Amalgamation.
  5. Examine the positive and negative effects of amalgamation.
    • Answer: Positive – administrative unity, economic integration. Negative – ethnic tensions, centralized control.
  6. How did amalgamation affect Nigeria’s administrative structure?
    • Answer: It unified the administration of Northern and Southern Nigeria.
  7. What were the economic impacts of amalgamation?
    • Answer: Improved management and infrastructure development, but also centralization of resources.
  8. Discuss the ethnic implications of amalgamation.
    • Answer: Increased tensions among diverse ethnic groups due to centralized control.
  9. How did amalgamation change Nigeria’s governance?
    • Answer: It streamlined governance by merging different regions into a single administration.
  10. What were the key benefits and drawbacks of amalgamation?
    • Answer: Benefits included unity and improved management; drawbacks included increased ethnic conflicts and loss of regional autonomy.

Presentation

  1. Step 1: Review the previous lesson on the British Royal Niger Company and its impacts.
  2. Step 2: Introduce the new topic: “This week, we will explore the amalgamation of Nigeria, its phases, and the effects it had on the country.”
  3. Step 3: Engage pupils in a discussion about the concept of amalgamation and its relevance to Nigeria’s history.

Teacher’s Activities

  1. Explain the meaning and significance of amalgamation.
  2. Discuss who amalgamated Nigeria and the reasons behind it.
  3. Outline the phases of amalgamation and its effects.

Learners’ Activities

  1. Participate in discussions and answer questions.
  2. Review maps and historical documents related to amalgamation.
  3. Complete evaluation and class activity discussions.

Assessment

  • Observe participation in discussions.
  • Review responses to evaluation and class activity questions.

Evaluation Questions

  1. Define amalgamation in Nigerian history.
  2. Who was responsible for amalgamating Nigeria?
  3. What were the reasons for Nigeria’s amalgamation?
  4. Describe the phases of Nigeria’s amalgamation.
  5. What were the positive effects of amalgamation?
  6. What were the negative effects of amalgamation?
  7. When did amalgamation occur?
  8. How did amalgamation impact Nigeria’s administration?
  9. What was a key economic reason for amalgamation?
  10. How did amalgamation affect Nigeria’s ethnic groups?

Conclusion

The teacher will summarize the key points of the lesson, address any remaining questions, and mark pupils’ work. Discuss the significance of amalgamation in shaping modern Nigeria.

More Useful Links 

“Understand the amalgamation of Nigeria, including its meaning, phases, and the impacts of British unification.”

Further Reading 

Amalgamation:

  1. Amalgamation means joining or bringing different things or parts together to form one whole.
  2. In history, it refers to when different regions or territories are united to become one country.
  3. An important amalgamation took place in Nigeria in 1914 when the British colonial government joined the Northern and Southern regions to create the country we know today.
  4. This joining of regions helped to make Nigeria a single nation with a shared government, even though there were different regions with their own traditions and cultures.
  5. So, amalgamation is like when you mix different colors to create a new color, but in this case, it’s about combining different regions to form a new country.

 

Who Amalgamated Nigeria:

  1. Nigeria was amalgamated by Lord Frederick Lugard.
  2. Lord Frederick Lugard was a British colonial administrator who worked in Nigeria during the early 20th century.
  3. He was the one who helped unite the Northern and Southern regions of Nigeria in 1914.
  4. This amalgamation was done to make it easier for the British colonial government to rule Nigeria as a single country.
  5. So, it was Lord Lugard who played a big role in bringing Nigeria together into one nation.

Reasons for Nigeria’s Amalgamation:

  1. Easier Control: Amalgamation made it easier for the British government to rule Nigeria as one nation instead of separate regions.
  2. Efficient Governance: It helped in governing the country more efficiently because there was a single central government.
  3. Economic Benefits: It made trade and business easier between different regions, which was good for the British economy.
  4. Improved Security: Amalgamation was seen as a way to have a stronger military presence and better security in Nigeria.
  5. Development: It allowed for better planning and development of infrastructure like roads and railways.
  6. Common Laws: Amalgamation helped in having common laws and rules for the entire country.
  7. Unification: It aimed to bring different groups and cultures together as one nation.
  8. Unified Policies: It made it possible to have consistent policies and administration across Nigeria.
  9. Resource Access: It allowed the British to access the resources in both the Northern and Southern regions.
  10. Reduced Conflicts: By uniting the regions, it was hoped to reduce conflicts between different groups.

So, Nigeria’s amalgamation had various reasons, including making governance more efficient and improving economic opportunities.

 

Evaluation

  1. Nigeria’s amalgamation made it easier for the British government to rule the country as __________ nation. a) a single b) two c) many d) a divided
  2. One reason for amalgamation was to have a __________ central government. a) weaker b) regional c) stronger d) distant
  3. What benefits did amalgamation bring to trade and business? It made it __________ between regions. a) more challenging b) less profitable c) easier d) illegal
  4. One of the reasons for amalgamation was to have better __________ in Nigeria. a) wildlife b) music c) security d) festivals
  5. Amalgamation helped in the development of __________ like roads and railways. a) waterfalls b) mountains c) infrastructure d) deserts
  6. What kind of laws and rules did amalgamation aim to have for the entire country? __________ laws. a) different b) inconsistent c) common d) ancient
  7. Uniting different groups and cultures into one nation was a way to promote __________ in Nigeria. a) diversity b) conflicts c) division d) unification
  8. Nigeria’s amalgamation made it possible to have consistent policies and __________. a) confusion b) administration c) disagreements d) isolation
  9. Amalgamation allowed the British to access the resources in both the __________ regions. a) Central and Southern b) Northern and Eastern c) Western and Southern d) Northern and Southern
  10. What was one aim of amalgamation in Nigeria? To reduce conflicts between __________. a) British and Nigerians b) regions and villages c) different groups d) animals and humans

Positive Effects:

  1. Unity: Amalgamation brought different regions together, creating a sense of national unity.
  2. Stronger Military: It allowed for a stronger military presence to protect the country.
  3. Infrastructure Development: There was improved development of infrastructure like roads and railways.
  4. Economic Growth: It made trade and business easier between regions, leading to economic growth.
  5. Common Laws: Nigeria adopted common laws and rules, providing consistency.

Negative Effects:

  1. Cultural Disruption: Some traditional cultures and practices were disrupted by the amalgamation.
  2. Conflict: It also led to conflicts and tensions between different ethnic groups.
  3. Loss of Autonomy: Regions lost some autonomy in governing themselves.
  4. Economic Exploitation: British rule sometimes led to economic exploitation and resource extraction.
  5. Social Inequality: There was social inequality, with some groups benefiting more than others.

So, while amalgamation brought positive effects like unity and development, it also had negative consequences, including cultural disruption and conflicts.

Evaluation:

  1. What is one positive effect of the British amalgamation of Nigeria? a) Cultural preservation b) Economic growth c) Increased conflicts d) Autonomy for regions
  2. Why did amalgamation lead to a stronger military presence? a) To promote conflicts b) To protect the country c) To create economic growth d) To disrupt cultures
  3. What positive outcome did infrastructure development bring? a) Economic exploitation b) Improved transportation c) Loss of autonomy d) Social inequality
  4. What is a negative effect of amalgamation related to culture? a) Economic growth b) Cultural preservation c) Cultural disruption d) Autonomy for regions
  5. Why did the adoption of common laws and rules provide consistency? a) To create social inequality b) To disrupt cultures c) To promote conflicts d) To ensure uniformity
  6. What was one negative effect of British rule in Nigeria? a) Increased autonomy for regions b) Stronger military presence c) Economic growth d) Economic exploitation
  7. Which of the following is a positive outcome of amalgamation? a) Conflict between ethnic groups b) Improved infrastructure c) Loss of autonomy d) Cultural preservation
  8. What is a common negative consequence of social inequality? a) Conflict b) Autonomy c) Economic growth d) Cultural preservation
  9. What was a primary reason for economic exploitation during British rule? a) Autonomy for regions b) Social inequality c) Improved infrastructure d) Loss of autonomy
  10. Which of the following is NOT a negative effect of British amalgamation in Nigeria? a) Economic exploitation b) Cultural preservation c) Increased conflicts d) Loss of autonomy
  11. Ask students to write a short paragraph about one positive and one negative effect of British rule in Nigeria.
  12. Conduct a class discussion to assess understanding.

This lesson plan aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the positive and negative effects of British amalgamation in Nigeria during the colonial period.

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