National Identity – JSS1 Social & Citizenship Studies Lesson Note (Second Term)

Subject: Social and Citizenship Studies

Class: JSS 1

Topic: Our National Identity (What makes us Nigerian)

What is National Identity?

Think about your own family. You have a surname (family name) that tells people which house you belong to. A National Identity is the same thing, but for a country. It is a set of things that show the whole world that we belong to Nigeria.

These symbols represent our history, our dreams, and our unity. When we see them, we should feel proud and stand tall.

Our National Symbols

1. The National Flag

The Nigerian flag was designed by Mr. Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi in 1959. It has two colors: Green and White.

• The Green: Stands for our rich agriculture (our land and food).
• The White: Stands for Peace and Unity.

Note: We must never let the flag touch the ground or look dirty. It is a sign of respect!

1. The Coat of Arms

This is a special “logo” that represents Nigeria’s strength and beauty. It has several parts:

1. The Black Shield: Represents our fertile soil.
2. The White ‘Y’: Represents the two major rivers in Nigeria—River Niger and River Benue.
3. The Two White Horses: Represent our dignity and strength.
4. The Red Eagle: Represents our pride and strength.
5. The Flowers (Coctus Spectabilis): These yellow flowers grow all over Nigeria and represent our natural beauty.
6. The Motto: “Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress.”

The National Anthem and Pledge

The National Anthem

The anthem is our national song. It is a prayer and a call to duty. When it is playing, we must stand at attention (back straight, hands at our sides).

• The First Stanza: Calls us to serve Nigeria with love and strength.
• The Second Stanza: Is a prayer for our leaders to have wisdom and for our youth to know the truth.

The National Pledge

The pledge is a promise we make to our country. By saying it, we are promising to be faithful, loyal, and honest.

Important: Don’t just “recite” the pledge; mean the words in your heart!

Other Symbols of Identity

• National Currency: The Naira and Kobo. Only Nigeria uses this specific money. It has pictures of our heroes on it.
• The Constitution: The book of rules for all Nigerians.
• National Passport: The green booklet that allows us to travel and tells other countries, “I am a Nigerian.”

Why are these symbols important?

1. Unity: They bring all tribes (Igbo, Hausa, Yoruba, etc.) together as one.
2. Recognition: They help people from other countries identify us easily.
3. Patriotism: They remind us to love our country and work for its success.

Summary Checklist

• [ ] I know that Green means Agriculture and White means Peace.
• [ ] I can name the designer of the flag.
• [ ] I can identify the parts of the Coat of Arms.
• [ ] I know the proper way to stand during the National Anthem.

Classroom Activity / Homework

1. Draw and color the Nigerian Flag in your notebook.
2. Look at a 200 Naira note. Which Nigerian hero’s face is on it?
3. What is the “Y” shape on the Coat of Arms called, and what does it represent?
4. Write out the National Motto of Nigeria.