• Class: Primary 5
  • Term: 2nd Term
  • Week: 6
  • Age: 10 years
  • Duration: 40 minutes
  • Subject: History
  • Curriculum Theme: History
  • Previous Lesson: Areas Where Islam Is Practiced In Nigeria
  • Topic: Origin Of Christianity In Nigeria
  • Content: Origin Of Christianity In Nigeria.

Performance Objectives

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

  • Cognitive Domain: Explain the origin of Christianity in Nigeria.
  • Affective Domain: Appreciate the role of early missionaries in spreading Christianity.
  • Psychomotor Domain: Identify historical locations where Christianity was first established in Nigeria on a map.
  • Social Domain: Discuss how Christianity has influenced societal development in Nigeria.

Reference Materials

The following resources were used in planning this lesson:


Instructional Materials

The teacher will teach this lesson with the aid of:

  • A Nigerian map showing the arrival points of early missionaries.
  • Pictures or charts of early Christian missionaries.
  • Bible and hymn books.
  • Chalkboard and chalk.

Rationale for the Lesson

Understanding the origin of Christianity in Nigeria helps pupils appreciate the role of religion in shaping the country’s history, values, and culture.


Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge

Pupils have prior knowledge of where Islam is practiced in Nigeria and are familiar with the concept of religion.


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 inductionQuestioningAsks pupils about other religions they know and their origins.Respond to questions.Identify prior knowledge of religion.
Step 2: Development10 minsExplanationStorytellingExplains how Christianity was introduced in Nigeria by missionaries.Listen attentively and take notes.Learn the origin of Christianity in Nigeria.
Step 3: Activity10 minsDemonstrationMap AnalysisShows Nigerian map and marks key arrival points of missionaries.Observe and identify locations on the map.Locate the first Christian centers in Nigeria.
Step 4: Discussion5 minsGroup discussionCollaborative learningGuides pupils to discuss how Christianity influenced Nigerian life.Share ideas and engage in discussion.Recognize Christianity’s role in societal development.
Step 5: Note-Taking5 minsWritingDirect instructionInstructs pupils to copy notes.Copy notes neatly.Record key points of the lesson.
Step 6: Evaluation4 minsQuestioningOral questioningAsks pupils questions to assess understanding.Answer questions.Confirm comprehension of the topic.
Step 7: Conclusion1 minRecapSummarizationSummarizes the main points of the lesson.Listen and ask final questions if necessary.Reinforce key ideas about the topic.

Lesson Content

Origin Of Christianity In Nigeria

Christianity is one of the major religions in Nigeria. It was introduced many years ago by missionaries who came to share their faith. Below is a short history of how Christianity began in Nigeria::

  1. Introduction of Christianity (15th Century):
    The Portuguese were the first to bring Christianity to Nigeria during their trade expeditions. They introduced the religion to Benin City..
  2. The real spread of Christianity in Nigeria began with the arrival of British missionaries. Samuel Ajayi Crowther, a freed slave, played a major role in translating the Bible into Yoruba and helping establish churches in Lagos and Abeokuta.
  3. Expansion of Christianity (20th Century):
    Different Christian denominations like the Catholics, Methodists, and Baptists expanded Christianity to different parts of Nigeria..
  4. Christianity Today:
    Today, Christianity has become a major religion in Nigeria, influencing education, culture, and governance..

Lesson Evaluation

To evaluate the learning, the teacher asks pupils to:

  1. Explain the origin of Christianity in Nigeria.
  2. List two key locations where Christianity was first introduced.
  3. Name one missionary who contributed to spreading Christianity in Nigeria.
  4. State one way Christianity has influenced Nigerian society.
  5. Point out on the map one location where early Christian activities occurred.

Note for Teachers Using This Lesson Plan

Feel free to adapt the instructional materials to suit your classroom setting. Encourage active participation by asking probing questions to spark curiosity in pupils. Happy teaching!