Some Nigerian Peoples – Northern Nigeria Basic 4 Nigerian History Lesson Note

What are Ethnic Groups?

Ethnic groups are people who share:

• Same language or similar languages
• Same culture and traditions
• Same customs and beliefs
• Live in the same area together
• Feel they belong to the same family

Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups – that’s why we say Nigeria is diverse!

Major Ethnic Groups in Northern Nigeria

1. HAUSA-FULANI

Where they live: All over Northern Nigeria (largest group) 

Main areas: Kano, Katsina, Kaduna, Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi

What makes them special:

• Largest ethnic group in Northern Nigeria
• Two groups that came together: Hausa (farmers) and Fulani (cattle rearers)
• Speak Hausa language (most widely spoken in North)
• Mostly Muslims
• Great traders and farmers

Their occupations:

• Farming (millet, sorghum, groundnuts, cotton)
• Cattle rearing and dairy farming
• Trading across West Africa
• Crafts (weaving, leather work, pottery)

2. KANURI

Where they live: Borno, Yobe States (Northeast Nigeria) 

Main city: Maiduguri

What makes them special:

• Ancient people from the old Kanem-Borno Empire
• Speak Kanuri language
• Mostly Muslims
• Known for fishing, farming, and salt mining

Their occupations:

• Fishing in Lake Chad
• Farming (especially around rivers)
• Salt mining and trading
• Livestock keeping

3. NUPE

Where they live: Niger, Kwara, and parts of Kaduna States 

Main city: Bida

What makes them special:

• Known for glass making and beautiful crafts
• Speak Nupe language
• Mix of Muslims, Christians, and traditional believers
• Famous for their art and culture

Their occupations:

• Glass making (famous Nupe glass)
• Farming along River Niger
• Fishing in rivers
• Crafts (beads, pottery, weaving)

4. IGALA

Where they live: Kogi State (North Central Nigeria) Main city: Idah

What makes them special:

• Have a king called the Atta of Igala
• Speak Igala language
• Mix of religions and traditions
• Known for fishing and farming

Their occupations:

• Fishing along Rivers Niger and Benue
• Farming (yam, cassava, rice)
• Trading in markets
• Crafts and traditional medicine

5. GWARI (GBAGYI)

Where they live: Around Abuja (FCT), Niger, Kaduna States 

Main areas: Abuja, Suleja, Minna

What makes them special:

• Original inhabitants of Abuja area
• Speak Gbagyi language
• Mix of Christians, Muslims, and traditional believers
• Known for farming and pottery

Their occupations:

• Farming (yam, guinea corn, rice)
• Pottery making
• Hunting and fishing
• Small-scale trading

6. IDOMA

Where they live: Benue State (North Central Nigeria) 

Main city: Otukpo

What makes them special:

• Related to other Middle Belt peoples
• Speak Idoma language
• Mostly Christians and traditional believers
• Known for yam farming and cultural festivals

Their occupations:

• Yam farming (expert yam growers)
• Other crops (rice, cassava, beans)
• Trading in local markets
• Traditional medicine

7. JUKUN (TIV)

Where they live: Taraba, Benue States 

Main areas: Wukari, Makurdi

What makes them special:

• Ancient kingdom with rich history
• Speak Jukun and Tiv languages
• Mix of religions
• Known for farming and traditional culture

Their occupations:

• Farming (yam, sorghum, rice)
• Fishing in rivers
• Crafts and traditional arts
• Local trading

8. BARIBA

Where they live: Kwara, Niger States (border with Benin Republic) 

Main areas: Kaiama, New Bussa

What makes them special:

• Related to people in Benin Republic
• Speak Bariba language
• Mix of Muslims and traditional believers
• Known for farming and traditional culture

Their occupations:

• Farming (guinea corn, millet, yam)
• Livestock rearing
• Trading across borders
• Traditional crafts

9. IGBIRRA (EBIRA)

Where they live: Kogi, Kwara States 

Main city: Okene

What makes them special:

• Speak Ebira language
• Mix of Muslims and Christians
• Known for weaving and cloth making
• Hardworking farmers and traders

Their occupations:

• Cloth weaving (famous Ebira cloth)
• Farming (yam, cassava, rice)
• Trading in textiles
• Small businesses

What These Groups Share

Similarities:

• Live in Northern Nigeria
• Many are farmers and traders
• Rich cultures and traditions
• Speak their own languages
• Practice different religions peacefully
• Contribute to Nigeria’s diversity

Differences:

• Different languages and dialects
• Different traditional rulers and systems
• Different main occupations
• Different cultural festivals
• Different traditional foods and dress

Why Nigeria’s Diversity is Good

Benefits:

• Learn from each other’s cultures
• Different skills and knowledge
• Rich traditions and festivals
• Many languages and stories
• Various foods and crafts
• Makes Nigeria unique and interesting

Exercises

1. Fill in the blanks:

• The largest ethnic group in Northern Nigeria is _______
• _______ people are known for glass making
• The Kanuri people live mainly in _______ State
• _______ people are the original inhabitants of Abuja

2. True or False:

• Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups ( )
• All Northern peoples speak the same language ( )
• Hausa-Fulani are farmers and cattle rearers ( )
• Igala people have a king called Atta ( )

3. Match the ethnic group with their main location:

• Hausa-Fulani → All over Northern Nigeria
• Kanuri → Borno State
• Nupe → Niger State
• Igala → Kogi State

4. Circle the ethnic groups known for these crafts:

• Glass making: Nupe, Hausa, Igala
• Cloth weaving: Ebira, Kanuri, Gwari
• Pottery: Gwari, Idoma, Bariba

5. What do these groups do for work?

• Hausa-Fulani: _______ and _______
• Kanuri: _______ and _______
• Nupe: _______ and _______
• Igala: _______ and _______

6. Which ethnic group is found in each state?

• Borno State: _______
• Kogi State: _______
• Niger State: _______
• Around Abuja: _______

7. What makes Nigeria diverse?

• a) Everyone speaks the same language
• b) Many different ethnic groups
• c) Everyone has the same culture
• d) Everyone does the same job

8. Short Answer:

• What is an ethnic group?
• Name 3 ethnic groups from Northern Nigeria
• Why is Nigeria’s diversity good?
• What do most Northern peoples do for work?

9. Complete the sentences:

• Ethnic groups share the same _______ and culture
• Nigeria has over _______ ethnic groups
• Different groups have different _______ and traditions
• Diversity makes Nigeria _______ and interesting

Answer Key:

1. Hausa-Fulani, Nupe, Borno, Gwari/Gbagyi
2. True, False, True, True
3. Matching as shown above
4. Circle: Nupe (glass), Ebira (cloth), Gwari (pottery)
5. Farming/cattle rearing, Fishing/farming, Glass making/farming, Fishing/farming
6. Kanuri, Igala, Nupe, Gwari
7. b) Many different ethnic groups
8. People who share same language and culture / Any 3 from the lesson / Learn from each other, rich traditions / Farming and trading
9. language, 250, languages, unique