Class: Primary 5
Term: 2nd Term
Week: 3
Average Age: 10 years
Duration: 40 minutes
Subject: History
Curriculum Theme: History
Previous Lesson: First lesson
Topic: Origin of Islam
Content/Learning Area: Origin of Islam in Nigeria, its history, and spread.
Performance Objectives
By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Cognitive Domain: Explain the origin of Islam in Nigeria.
- Affective Domain: Appreciate the importance of understanding religious history.
- Psychomotor Domain: Identify key locations linked to the spread of Islam on a map.
- Social Domain: Discuss with peers the influence of Islam in Nigeria’s culture.
Instructional Materials
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will use the following materials:
- Map of Nigeria
- Flashcards showing dates and Islamic events
- Images of Islamic symbols and historical figures
- Timeline chart of Islam’s history in Nigeria
Reference Materials
The following resources were used in planning this lesson:
- Nigerian 9 – Years Basic Education Curriculum
- Abuja Educational Resource Centre Scheme of Work
- NAPPS National Unified Scheme of Work
- Relevant Textbooks
Rationale for the Lesson
Learning the origin of Islam builds understanding of Nigeria’s diverse heritage and promotes peaceful co-existence.
Prerequisite/Previous Knowledge
Pupils have learned about traditional religions and can name major religions in Nigeria.
Lesson Content
Origin of Islam
Islam began in the 7th century in Arabia through Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). It entered Nigeria mainly through trade, migration and scholars from North Africa.
Early Introduction of Islam in Nigeria
Islam first came to Nigeria around the 11th century through trans-Saharan traders into the Kanem-Bornu Empire (present-day Borno State). The early spread of Islam was embraced by local rulers and communities were these traders visited.
Spread of Islam in Nigeria
In the 13th century, Islam spread widely, especially in northern Nigeria, through:
- Muslim scholars who traveled and taught in local communities.
- Muslim traders who shared their religion along trade routes.
- Islamic rulers who promoted the religion in their kingdoms.
Key Regions Where Islam Spread in Nigeria
Some of the key regions where Islam began and spread in Nigeria include:
- Borno (Kanem-Bornu Empire)
- Sokoto (Sokoto Caliphate)
- Kano and Katsina
Cultural Impact of Islam in Nigeria
Islam influenced education, law, and governance in many parts of Nigeria. It led to the following:
- Introduction of Qur’anic schools and Arabic literacy
- Islamic legal system (Sharia) in some northern regions
- Influence on traditional leadership and governance
Important Islamic Scholars in Nigeria
Some of the early Islamic scholars who helped introduce and spread Islam in Nigeria are:
- Usman dan Fodio – Born in 1754 in Gobir (now in Sokoto), he was a scholar and reformer who led the 1804 Jihad and founded the Sokoto Caliphate.
- Shehu Alimi – Islamic leader in Ilorin who played a role in spreading Islam in Yorubaland.
Teaching Methods
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following methods: Discussion, Lecture, Storytelling, Explanation, Visual Aids, Group Work
Instructional Procedures
To deliver this lesson, the teacher will adopt the following steps:
| Content Development | Time | Teaching Skills | Teacher’s Activity | Pupils’ Activity | Learning Point |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1: Introduction | 5 mins | Set Induction | The teacher uses a map and flashcards to ask questions about known religions and where they came from. | Pupils respond to questions and share what they know. | Recall of prior religious knowledge |
| Step 2: Arrival of Islam | 10 mins | Explanation | The teacher explains how Islam came to Nigeria through trade, linking places on the map. | Pupils listen, observe the map, and ask questions. | Understanding how Islam entered Nigeria |
| Step 3: Spread of Islam | 7 mins | Discussion | The teacher guides pupils in identifying regions and discussing how Islam spread. | Pupils identify locations and engage in group discussion. | Awareness of spread and growth of Islam |
| Step 4: Key Personalities | 5 mins | Storytelling | The teacher tells stories of key figures like Usman dan Fodio and Shehu Alimi. | Pupils listen and note important facts. | Learning about Islamic heroes |
| Note Taking | 5 mins | Writing | The teacher dictates main points for pupils to write. | Pupils write in their notebooks. | Reinforcement through writing |
| Evaluation | 3 mins | Assessment | The teacher asks questions to assess understanding of key points. | Pupils answer orally. | Review of learning outcomes |
| Conclusion | 2 mins | Closure | The teacher summarizes the lesson and encourages respect for all religions. | Pupils reflect on the lesson. | Social and cognitive connection |
Lesson Keywords
- Islam – A religion founded by Prophet Muhammad in Arabia
- Jihad – A struggle or effort for the cause of Islam
- Sokoto Caliphate – An Islamic empire founded by Usman dan Fodio in 1804
- Shehu Alimi – An Islamic leader who spread Islam in western Nigeria
- Qur’anic School – Islamic school where pupils learn the Qur’an
Lesson Evaluation
- Explain how Islam came to Nigeria.
- Mention two regions where Islam spread first.
- State one contribution of Usman dan Fodio.
- What is a Qur’anic school?
Assignment/Homework
- Draw the map of Nigeria and mark three regions where Islam spread.
- Write two ways Islam influenced Nigeria.
Differentiation
- For slower learners: Use simplified maps and storytelling to explain key points.
- For advanced learners: Assign brief research on Islamic scholars in Nigeria.
- For visual/auditory/kinesthetic learners: Use pictures, audio stories, and maps for multisensory learning.
Note for Teachers
Focus on showing how Islam came peacefully through trade and learning, not war. Emphasize respect for all religions to build tolerance among pupils.