Social Studies JSS 1 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 8

Topic: Cultural Differences Among Nigerians

Subject: Social Studies

Class: JSS 1

Term: Second Term

Week: 8

Age: 10 – 12 years

Duration: 40 Minutes

Behavioral Objectives

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

Define cultural differences and explain their significance.
Identify and discuss cultural differences among Nigerians.
Give examples of cultural practices that differ across ethnic groups.
Explain the importance of understanding and respecting cultural differences.

Keywords

Culture
Differences
Ethnic groups
Traditions
Customs
Beliefs
Diversity

Set Induction

The teacher will ask students if they have noticed differences in dressing, language, or food between people from different parts of Nigeria. This will lead to a discussion on cultural differences.

Entry Behavior

Students have learned about cultural similarities among Nigerians in the previous lesson.

Learning Resources and Materials

Lagos State Scheme of Work
Pictures of traditional Nigerian attires, food, and ceremonies
Videos showing different cultural practices
Flashcards with cultural symbols

Building Background/Connection to Prior Knowledge

The teacher will remind students of cultural similarities among Nigerians and introduce the idea that, despite similarities, each ethnic group has unique cultural practices.

Embedded Core Skills

Communication skills
Critical thinking
Social awareness
Cultural appreciation

Reference Books

Lagos State Unified Scheme of Work
Social Studies for Junior Secondary Schools (UBE Edition)
Essential Social Studies for JSS 1

Lesson Content

1. Meaning of Cultural Differences

Cultural differences refer to the unique customs, beliefs, and traditions that distinguish one ethnic group from another. These differences are reflected in aspects such as language, dressing, food, religion, festivals, and social practices.

2. Examples of Cultural Differences Among Nigerians

i. Language

Nigeria has over 500 languages spoken by different ethnic groups.
Example: The Yoruba speak Yoruba, the Igbo speak Igbo, and the Hausa speak Hausa.

ii. Dressing

Different ethnic groups have unique traditional attires.
Example: The Yoruba wear Agbada and Buba, the Igbo wear Isi Agu, and the Hausa wear Babban Riga.

iii. Food and Eating Habits

Nigerian ethnic groups have different staple foods and ways of preparing them.
Example: The Yoruba enjoy Amala and Ewedu soup, the Igbo eat Fufu and Oha soup, while the Hausa eat Tuwo Shinkafa and Miyan Kuka.

iv. Religion and Beliefs

While many Nigerians practice Islam or Christianity, some still practice traditional religions.
Example: The Yoruba worship Olodumare, the Igbo believe in Chukwu, while the Hausa-Fulani are mostly Muslims.

v. Marriage Customs

Marriage rites differ across ethnic groups.
Example: The Igbo perform elaborate bride price ceremonies, while the Hausa often have arranged marriages, and the Yoruba include traditional engagement ceremonies.

vi. Festivals and Celebrations

Different ethnic groups celebrate unique festivals.
Example: The Yoruba celebrate the Osun-Osogbo Festival, the Igbo celebrate the New Yam Festival, and the Hausa celebrate Durbar.

vii. Naming Ceremonies

The way names are given to newborns varies.
Example: The Yoruba hold naming ceremonies on the 8th day, the Igbo name a child after family members, and the Hausa often name children after Islamic leaders.

viii. Greeting Customs

The way people greet varies across cultures.
Example: The Yoruba kneel or prostrate, the Igbo shake hands, and the Hausa bow slightly.

ix. Traditional Leadership Systems

Each ethnic group has a unique way of governing itself.
Example: The Yoruba have Obas, the Igbo have elders and chiefs, and the Hausa-Fulani have Emirs.

x. Music and Dance

Different ethnic groups have unique music and dance styles.
Example: The Yoruba have Bata dance, the Igbo have Atilogwu dance, and the Hausa have Koroso dance.

Week 8: Cultural Differences Among Nigerians

15 Fill-in-the-Blank Questions with Options

One major cultural difference among Nigerians is their _______.
a) Language
b) Eye color
c) Height
d) Blood type
The three major ethnic groups in Nigeria are _______.
a) Hausa, Igbo, and Yoruba
b) Tiv, Ibibio, and French
c) Indian, Chinese, and Hausa
d) Edo, Gwari, and Urhobo
The Yoruba people are known for their traditional greetings, where younger people _______ to show respect.
a) Shake hands
b) Hug
c) Prostrate or kneel
d) Shout
The Igbo people are famous for their _______ system, where wealth is shared among family members.
a) Religious
b) Economic
c) Education
d) Political
The Hausa-Fulani are mostly known for their _______ way of life.
a) Fishing
b) Farming
c) Nomadic and cattle rearing
d) Swimming
One major cultural difference between ethnic groups in Nigeria is their style of _______.
a) Dressing
b) Walking
c) Sleeping
d) Driving
The traditional Yoruba attire for men is called _______.
a) Agbada
b) Kaftan
c) Suit
d) Jeans
The Igbo people mostly celebrate the _______ festival.
a) Ojude Oba
b) New Yam
c) Argungu
d) Durbar
The Hausa people are known for their _______ festival, which showcases beautiful horses.
a) Durbar
b) Eyo
c) Calabar Carnival
d) Osun-Osogbo
Different Nigerian ethnic groups have unique _______ that help identify their culture.
a) Food, music, and dressing
b) Cars and airplanes
c) Handwriting and height
d) Phone numbers
The Igbo, Hausa, and Yoruba languages belong to different _______ families.
a) Language
b) Political
c) Medical
d) Transport
The major difference in traditional Nigerian religions is their form of _______.
a) Worship
b) Eating
c) Greeting
d) Dressing
While many Nigerians practice Christianity and Islam, some still follow _______ religions.
a) Traditional
b) Western
c) Asian
d) Scientific
The Hausa people are known for their rich leather works, while the Igbo are famous for their _______.
a) Trading and business
b) Farming
c) Hunting
d) Swimming
A major difference between Nigerian cultures is the way they conduct _______ ceremonies.
a) Naming, marriage, and burial
b) Driving tests
c) Science experiments
d) Football matches

Class Activity Discussion (FAQs & Answers)

What are cultural differences?
- Cultural differences are the unique customs, traditions, and practices that distinguish ethnic groups.
Give three examples of cultural differences among Nigerians.
- Language, dressing, and food.
How do Yoruba and Igbo traditional attires differ?
- The Yoruba wear Agbada and Buba, while the Igbo wear Isi Agu.
Mention one major festival celebrated by each of the three main ethnic groups.
- Yoruba: Osun-Osogbo Festival, Igbo: New Yam Festival, Hausa: Durbar Festival.
How do marriage customs differ among Nigerians?
- The Igbo emphasize bride price, the Hausa practice arranged marriages, and the Yoruba perform engagement ceremonies.
What is a major difference in greeting customs?
- Yoruba people kneel or prostrate, the Igbo shake hands, and the Hausa bow slightly.
What are some Nigerian staple foods?
- Amala (Yoruba), Fufu (Igbo), Tuwo Shinkafa (Hausa).
How does religion differ among ethnic groups?
- The Hausa-Fulani are mostly Muslims, while the Yoruba and Igbo have both Christians and traditional worshippers.
What type of leadership is common among the Igbo?
- The Igbo practice a system of elders and community chiefs.
Why is it important to respect cultural differences?

It promotes peace, understanding, and national unity.

Presentation Structure

Step 1: Introduction of the Topic

The teacher introduces the topic by asking students about differences they have observed among ethnic groups.

Step 2: Group Discussion

Students discuss cultural differences and provide real-life examples.

Step 3: Explanation and Correction

The teacher explains key points, corrects misconceptions, and answers questions.

Teacher and Learner Activities

Teacher Activities

Defines and explains cultural differences.
Shows pictures and videos of different cultural practices.
Encourages students to share examples from their backgrounds.
Corrects misconceptions about cultural diversity.

Learner Activities

Listen and participate in discussions about cultural differences.
Provide examples of cultural practices in Nigeria.
Ask questions for further clarification.
Observe and describe cultural artifacts.

Assessment (Evaluation Questions)

Define cultural differences.
List four examples of cultural differences among Nigerians.
Explain the differences in traditional attires among the three major ethnic groups.
Mention three traditional Nigerian festivals and their ethnic groups.
How do naming ceremonies differ among Nigerians?
Give two examples of Nigerian staple foods.
What are the different ways Nigerians greet one another?
Explain the significance of traditional leadership systems.
How do marriage customs differ among the Yoruba and Hausa?
Why is understanding cultural differences important?

Conclusion

The teacher marks students’ work, provides corrections, and summarizes key points.
Students will be encouraged to appreciate and respect cultural differences in Nigeria.