Nigerian People: South East And North Central Basic 2 Nigerian History Lesson Note
Download Lesson Note
Lesson Notes
Topic: Nigerian People: South East And North Central
Learning Objectives
By the end of this lesson, pupils should be able to:
- Identify people from the South-East
- Identify people from the North Central
- 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
- Which is the main ethnic group in South East Nigeria? a) Yoruba b) Hausa c) Igbo d) Fulani
- How many states are mainly in South East? a) 4 b) 5 c) 6 d) 7
- Which ethnic group is found in Benue State? a) Igbo and Hausa b) Tiv and Idoma c) Yoruba and Edo d) Fulani and Kanuri
- What are Igbo people mostly known for? a) Fishing only b) Farming only c) Trading and business d) Hunting only
- 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)