Nigerian People: South East and North Central – Basic 2 Nigerian History Lesson Note (First Term)

Learning Objectives

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

1. Identify people from the South-East
2. Identify people from the North Central
3. Differentiate these people

Lesson Content

South East Nigeria

Major Ethnic Groups in South East:

• Igbo – the main group in South East

• They are found in: Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu, and Imo States

What Igbo People Are Known For:

• Trading and business
• Hard work
• Making beautiful arts and crafts
• Speaking Igbo language
• Eating foods like rice, yam, and bitter leaf soup

North Central Nigeria This area is in the middle of Nigeria.

Major Ethnic Groups in North Central:

• Tiv – in Benue State
• Nupe – in Niger State (also called Tapa)
• Gbagyi – in Niger and FCT
• Idoma – in Benue State
• Igala – in Kogi State
• Jukun – in Taraba State

States in North Central: Benue, Niger, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Plateau, and FCT (Abuja)

Differences Between South East and North Central

South East People:

• Mostly Igbo speaking
• Live in forest areas
• Do more trading
• Eat more rice and yam
• Have similar cultures

North Central People:

• Speak different languages (Tiv, Nupe, Igala, etc.)
• Live in grassland areas
• Do more farming
• Eat more guinea corn, millet, yam
• Have different cultures from each other

Location Differences

• South East: Eastern part of southern Nigeria
• North Central: Middle part of Nigeria (between North and South)

Multiple Choice Exercise

1. Which is the main ethnic group in South East Nigeria? a) Yoruba b) Hausa c) Igbo d) Fulani
2. How many states are mainly in South East? a) 4 b) 5 c) 6 d) 7
3. Which ethnic group is found in Benue State? a) Igbo and Hausa b) Tiv and Idoma c) Yoruba and Edo d) Fulani and Kanuri
4. What are Igbo people mostly known for? a) Fishing only b) Farming only c) Trading and business d) Hunting only
5. Where is North Central located in Nigeria? a) Far north b) Far south c) Middle of Nigeria d) Eastern part

Answers: 1(c), 2(b), 3(b), 4(c), 5(c)