Historical Sites in Nigeria: Preserving Our Heritage

History JSS 1 Second Term Lesson Notes – Week 10

Topic: Historical Sites in Nigeria

Lesson Details

Subject: History
Class: JSS 1
Term: Second Term
Week: 10
Age: 10–13 years
Duration: 40 Minutes

Behavioural Objectives

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

Define historical sites and explain their importance.
Identify and describe at least five historical sites in Nigeria.
Explain the significance of these sites in Nigerian history.
Understand the need for preserving historical sites.

Keywords

Historical site
Archaeology
Monument
Heritage
Preservation

Set Induction

The teacher asks students if they have ever visited an old building, museum, or ancient structure and what they learned from it.

Entry Behaviour

Students have learned about early Nigerian civilizations like Nok, Ife, and Benin. This lesson introduces physical locations where history can be studied.

Learning Resources and Materials

Map of Nigeria showing historical sites
Pictures of historical sites (e.g., Benin Walls, Olumo Rock)
Videos/documentaries on Nigerian heritage

Building Background / Connection to Prior Knowledge

Students already know about some historical figures and kingdoms. This lesson shows where history happened.

Embedded Core Skills

Critical thinking
Cultural appreciation
Research skills

Learning Materials

History textbooks
Articles and museum records on Nigerian heritage

Reference Books

“Nigerian History for Schools and Colleges” by A. Ajayi
“West African Traditional History” by Kenneth Dike

Lesson Explanation

1. Meaning of Historical Sites

A historical site is a place with historical importance due to past events or ancient structures.
These sites help us learn about our ancestors, their way of life, and cultural heritage.

2. Importance of Historical Sites

Preserve history: They help us remember past events.
Tourism: They attract visitors, generating income.
Education: Schools use them for research.
Cultural pride: They strengthen national identity.

3. Major Historical Sites in Nigeria

a) The Walls of Benin (Edo State)

Built around 800–1400 AD by the Benin Kingdom.
One of the longest ancient walls in the world.
Protected the kingdom from invaders.

b) Olumo Rock (Ogun State)

A natural fortress used by the Egba people during wars.
A popular tourist attraction today.
Has ancient carvings and caves.

c) Sukur Cultural Landscape (Adamawa State)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Features an ancient iron-smelting industry.
Shows early mountain settlements.

d) The Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove (Osun State)

A UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Dedicated to Osun, the Yoruba goddess of fertility.
Contains sacred shrines, rivers, and sculptures.

e) Kano City Walls (Kano State)

Built over 1,000 years ago.
Protected Kano as a major trade center.
Still visible today, though partly damaged.

4. Preservation of Historical Sites

Government agencies (like National Commission for Museums and Monuments) protect them.
Laws prevent destruction of these sites.
Schools and tourists help raise awareness.

Evaluation Questions (Fill in the Blanks with a, b, c, or d)

The Benin Walls were built to ____.
a) Protect the kingdom
b) Keep people inside
c) Store weapons
d) Mark farmland
Olumo Rock is located in ____.
a) Kano
b) Ogun
c) Edo
d) Benue
The Sukur Cultural Landscape is famous for ____.
a) Bronze sculptures
b) Mountain settlements
c) Salt production
d) Farming
The Osun-Osogbo Grove is a site of ____.
a) Christian pilgrimage
b) Ancient Yoruba religion
c) Oil production
d) War battles
The Kano City Walls were built for ____.
a) Fun
b) War protection
c) Festivals
d) Farming
A historical site is ____.
a) A modern shopping center
b) A place with past historical events
c) A war zone
d) A farm
The Benin Walls were built by ____.
a) Yoruba Kingdom
b) Igbo Kingdom
c) Benin Kingdom
d) Nupe Kingdom
Sukur Landscape is found in which state?
a) Edo
b) Adamawa
c) Ogun
d) Osun
The Osun-Osogbo Grove is associated with ____.
a) Sango
b) Osun
c) Ogun
d) Ifa
Who is responsible for protecting historical sites in Nigeria?
a) National Commission for Museums and Monuments
b) Ministry of Education
c) Farmers’ Union
d) Local chiefs

Class Activity Discussion (10 FAQs with Answers)

What is a historical site?
- A place with historical importance.
Why are historical sites important?
- They preserve history and promote tourism.
What is the oldest historical site in Nigeria?
- Sukur Cultural Landscape.
Where is Olumo Rock located?
- Abeokuta, Ogun State.
Which site is a sacred religious place?
- Osun-Osogbo Grove.
What makes the Kano Walls special?
- They are over 1,000 years old.
Who built the Benin Walls?
- The Obas of Benin.
How can we protect historical sites?
- Through laws, tourism, and education.
Which historical site is in Adamawa State?
- Sukur Cultural Landscape.
What is the role of UNESCO in historical sites?

They recognize and help preserve them.

Presentation Steps

Introduction: Teacher introduces historical sites.
Discussion: Students share knowledge of any historical site.
Teacher’s Explanation: Explains sites and their importance.
Class Interaction: Students identify sites from a map.
Conclusion: Summary of key points.

Teacher’s and Learners’ Activities

Teacher: Shows images, explains, and asks questions.
Learners: Participate, answer questions, and take notes.

Evaluation Questions (Short Answers)

What is a historical site?
Name two historical sites in Nigeria.
Where is Sukur Cultural Landscape located?
Why are the Benin Walls important?
How can we protect historical sites?

Conclusion

The teacher marks students’ work, gives feedback, and encourages further research.