• Class: Primary 4
  • Term: 2nd Term
  • Week: 4
  • Age: 9 years
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Subject: History
  • Curriculum Theme: History
  • Previous Lesson: Heroes And Heroines In Nigeria: Jaja Of Opobo And Ovonramwen Of Benin
  • Topic: Heroes And Heroines In Nigeria: Chief Nana Itsekiri And Queen Amina Of Zaria
  • Content: Heroes and heroines in Nigeria e.g., Chief Nana of Itsekiri, Queen Amina of Zaria, etc.

Performance Objectives

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

  • Cognitive Domain: Identify Chief Nana of Itsekiri and Queen Amina of Zaria and explain their contributions to Nigeria’s development.
  • Affective Domain: Appreciate the roles of heroes and heroines in shaping Nigeria’s history.
  • Psychomotor Domain: Draw or trace a simple map of Nigeria and mark Zaria and Itsekiri regions.
  • Social Domain: Discuss how the contributions of these historical figures inspire unity and patriotism.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:

  • 9–Years Basic Education Curriculum Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
  • NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
  • Online Information from: Britannica – Chief Nana Itsekiri
  • Relevant Textbooks

Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • Flashcards with images of Chief Nana and Queen Amina.
  • A map of Nigeria.
  • A short video or printed story about their lives.
  • Chalkboard and chalk.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding the contributions of Chief Nana and Queen Amina helps pupils learn about leadership, courage, and cultural heritage, fostering pride in Nigeria’s history.


Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have previously learned about Jaja of Opobo and Ovonramwen of Benin and are familiar with the concept of heroes and their significance.


Instructional Procedures

To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:

Content DevelopmentTimeTeaching MethodTeaching StrategyTeacher’s ActivityPupils’ ActivityLearning Point
Step 1: Introduction5 minsSet inductionDiscussion with visual aidsShows images of Chief Nana and Queen Amina, asks pupils to identify them.Answer questions and observe images.Pupils understand who Chief Nana and Queen Amina were.
Step 2: Content Delivery10 minsStorytellingInteractive narrationNarrates stories of Chief Nana and Queen Amina with key contributions highlighted.Listen attentively and ask questions.Pupils learn the contributions of these heroes.
Step 3: Mapping Activity7 minsPractical activityHands-on learningDemonstrates mapping Nigeria and marking Zaria and Itsekiri.Draw and mark the regions on their maps.Pupils locate the regions associated with the heroes.
Step 4: Discussion8 minsGuided discussionGroup workLeads a discussion on how these figures inspire patriotism.Share thoughts and participate in discussions.Pupils connect historical contributions to modern values.
Step 5: Note Taking5 minsDirect instructionGuided writingGuides pupils to copy the notes on the board.Copy notes into their notebooks.Pupils summarize the lesson content in their notes.
Step 6: Evaluation3 minsQ&AOral questioningAsks questions related to the objectives of the lesson.Answer questions based on the lesson.Pupils demonstrate understanding of the topic.
Step 7: Conclusion2 minsRecapSummary and encouragementSummarizes the key points and encourages pupils to learn more.Listen and ask any final questions.Pupils consolidate their knowledge of the lesson.

Lesson Content

Heroes And Heroines In Nigeria: Chief Nana Itsekiri And Queen Amina Of Zaria

Chief Nana of Itsekiri:

Chief Nana of Itsekiri
Chief Nana Olomu was a 19th-century Itsekiri leader and a powerful merchant in the Niger Delta. He played a significant role in the trade of palm oil and other goods, becoming wealthy and influential in the region. Chief Nana was known for his resistance against British colonial forces, particularly when they tried to control Itsekiri trade routes. His bravery and determination made him a symbol of leadership and resilience in protecting his people’s sovereignty.

Queen Amina of Zaria:

Queen Amina of Zaria was a warrior queen who ruled the ancient city-state of Zazzau (modern-day Zaria) in the 16th century. She expanded her kingdom through military conquests, making Zaria a powerful Hausa state. Queen Amina is also credited with building fortified walls around cities, some of which remain today. Her reign showcased the strength and leadership of women in governance, leaving a lasting legacy in Nigerian history.


Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

  1. Who was Chief Nana, and what did he contribute to Nigerian history?
  2. Explain two achievements of Queen Amina of Zaria.
  3. Mark Zaria and Itsekiri regions on a map of Nigeria.
  4. How do these heroes inspire you in your daily life?

Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan

Encourage pupils to ask questions about the lives of historical figures and relate the lesson to modern examples of leadership and bravery. Happy teaching!