Living Without a King: Exploring Nigeria’s Non-Centralized States History JSS 2 First Term Lesson Notes Week 1

History Lesson Plan: Major Non-Centralized States in Pre-Colonial Nigeria

1. Subject: History
2. Class: JSS 2
3. Term: First Term
4. Week: 1
5. Age: 12-13 years
6. Topic: Major Non-Centralized States in Pre-Colonial Nigeria
7. Sub-Topic: Meaning, Definition, and Characteristics of Non-Centralized States
8. Duration: 40 Minutes
9. Behavioral Objectives:
   By the end of this lesson, students should be able to:
   1. Define non-centralized states.
   2. Identify examples of non-centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria.
   3. List the characteristics of non-centralized states.
   4. Explain how these states functioned without a central authority.
10. Keywords: Non-centralized, decentralized, autonomous, kinship, consensus.
11. Set Induction:
    The teacher will ask, “Have you ever seen a group of friends making decisions without a leader? How do they manage?” This will introduce students to the idea of societies functioning without central authority.
12. Entry Behavior:
    Students already know about the concept of traditional communities and local leadership roles.
13. Learning Resources and Materials:

• Maps showing the locations of non-centralized states.
• Pictures or illustrations of village assemblies in pre-colonial Nigeria.

14. Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge:
    Students have previously studied centralized states like the Oyo and Benin empires, which were governed by powerful kings. This lesson contrasts those with decentralized systems.
15. Embedded Core Skills:

• Critical thinking
• Communication skills
• Collaborative learning

16. Reference Books:

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

17. Instructional Materials:

• Whiteboard/Marker
• Charts showing characteristics of non-centralized states

Content

Meaning and Definition of Non-Centralized States

• Non-centralized states refer to communities or societies that did not have a single ruler or central authority. Instead, power was distributed among families, clans, or elders.
• These states functioned through collective decision-making, consultation, and consensus.

Examples of Non-Centralized States in Pre-Colonial Nigeria

1. Tiv
2. Igbo (in some areas)
3. Ibibio
4. Idoma

Characteristics of Non-Centralized States

1. Absence of a central authority: No single king or ruler governed the entire community.
2. Clan or family-based leadership: Leadership was distributed among elders from different families or clans.
3. Consensus decision-making: Important decisions were made collectively by elders or in village assemblies.
4. Autonomy of communities: Villages or groups were largely independent of one another.
5. Use of age grades and secret societies: Age groups and cultural organizations helped maintain order and discipline.
6. Small population sizes: These communities were typically small, making it easier to govern without a central authority.
7. Kinship ties: Relationships based on family and kin were very important in maintaining peace and stability.

Evaluation

1. A non-centralized state functions without a ______.
   a) Parliament b) Central ruler c) Elders d) Community
   Answer: b) Central ruler
2. The Tiv people are an example of a ______ state in pre-colonial Nigeria.
   a) Centralized b) Non-centralized c) Colonial d) Democratic
   Answer: b) Non-centralized
3. In non-centralized states, leadership was based on ______.
   a) Elections b) Wealth c) Family and clans d) Military power
   Answer: c) Family and clans
4. The Igbo people are known for using ______ in decision-making.
   a) Consensus b) Force c) Laws d) Kings
   Answer: a) Consensus
5. ______ played a major role in maintaining discipline in non-centralized states.
   a) Armies b) Age grades c) Councils of ministers d) Police forces
   Answer: b) Age grades
6. Non-centralized states were often ______ in size.
   a) Large b) Small c) Giant d) Expansive
   Answer: b) Small
7. Decisions in non-centralized states were usually taken by ______.
   a) Kings b) Chiefs c) Elders d) Soldiers
   Answer: c) Elders
8. ______ societies helped to enforce cultural values in non-centralized states.
   a) Secret b) Foreign c) Political d) Religious
   Answer: a) Secret
9. The ______ people are known for their non-centralized system of governance.
   a) Oyo b) Igbo c) Benin d) Hausa
   Answer: b) Igbo
10. Non-centralized states had ______ autonomy.
    a) Complete b) No c) Limited d) Partial
    Answer: a) Complete

Class Activity Discussion

1. What is a non-centralized state?
   A state without a single ruler or centralized government.
2. How were decisions made in non-centralized states?
   Through consensus among elders or clans.
3. Name one example of a non-centralized state in Nigeria.
   Tiv.
4. Did non-centralized states have kings?
   No, they did not have kings.
5. What role did elders play?
   Elders made decisions and guided the community.
6. Why were age grades important?
   They maintained order and discipline.
7. How were disputes settled?
   Through discussions and consensus.
8. What is the difference between centralized and non-centralized states?
   Centralized states have a single ruler; non-centralized states do not.
9. Did non-centralized states use armies?
   No, they relied on social structures for security.
10. Were these states large?
    No, they were usually small.

Presentation Steps

1. Step 1: Revising the previous topic on centralized states (e.g., Oyo Empire).
2. Step 2: Introducing the new topic on non-centralized states with examples like Tiv and Igbo.
3. Step 3: Allowing pupils to contribute their understanding and correcting them as necessary.

Teacher’s Activities

• Explain the meaning of non-centralized states.
• Show maps and pictures of non-centralized communities.
• Guide students to list the characteristics of these states.

Learners’ Activities

• Participate in discussions.
• Identify non-centralized states on the map.
• Answer questions during the lesson.

Assessment

• List two examples of non-centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria.
• Describe two characteristics of non-centralized states.

Evaluation Questions

1. What is a non-centralized state?
2. Give two examples of non-centralized states in Nigeria.
3. How were decisions made in these states?
4. What role did elders play?
5. Name a group that maintained order in non-centralized states.
6. Why did non-centralized states not need armies?
7. How were disputes resolved?
8. Explain the importance of kinship in these states.
9. What is the main difference between centralized and non-centralized states?
10. Why were non-centralized states usually small?

Conclusion

The teacher will summarize the topic by revisiting the meaning, examples, and characteristics of non-centralized states. Any areas of difficulty will be addressed, and students’ work will be marked.