Nigerian History lesson notes for Basic 1–6 & JSS1–JSS3 & SS1–SS3

What students learn

By the end of SS3, a student who has worked through these notes should be able to:

• Explain the meaning, sources and importance of history
• Describe the centres of early civilization such as Nok, Ife and Benin
• Compare centralised and non-centralised states in pre-colonial Nigeria
• Trace the rise and decline of the Ghana, Mali and Songhai empires
• Outline the effects of the trans-Saharan trade, Islam, Christianity and the trans-Atlantic slave trade on Nigeria
• Describe how the British conquered, amalgamated and governed Nigeria
• Identify key nationalists and the factors that led to independence
• Summarise the military and civilian governments from 1960 to 2007, including the civil war

What each class covers

Every topic is a separate lesson note, listed here in teaching order. Open any topic, or the term, to read it.

Basic 2 Nigerian History 19 notes

First Term 8 notes

• Indigenous People of Lagos State: Awori, Egun, Ijebu Etc.
• Tradition and Origin People of Awori, Ijebu, E.t.c
• Location of the Indigenous People of Lagos State
• Other Pre-Colonial Settlers in Lagos
• Indigenous Occupation and Mode of Transportation in Lagos
• Nigerian People: South West and South-South
• Nigerian People: South East and North Central
• Nigerian People: North West and North East

Second Term 6 notes

• Major Towns in Lagos State
• The Earliest Settlers of the Major Towns in Lagos
• The Geography of Major Towns in Lagos
• Social and Political Development of the Major Towns in Lagos
• Heroes in Lagos State: Ogunfunminire, Kandido, Da Rocha E.t.c
• Heroines in Lagos State: Madam Efunroye Tinubu and Others

Third Term 5 notes

• History of Lagos State
• History of Lagos State II
• History of Lagos State III: Division of Lagos State
• History of Lagos State IV: Governors of Lagos State Since Creation
• Major Title: Holders in the State: Idejo Chief, White Cap Chief

Basic 4 Nigerian History 14 notes

First Term 5 notes

• Colonial Administration in Nigeria
• The Early Regions in Nigeria
• Ethnic Groups in the Four Early Regions in Nigeria
• British Protectorate Administrative Headquarters
• Colonial Administrative Headquarters in Nigeria

Second Term 4 notes

• State Creation in Nigeria 1967
• State Creation in Nigeria 1976 Till Date
• Federal Capital
• Nigeria's Federal Capital Territories: Federal Capital II

Third Term 5 notes

• Heroes in Nigeria Environment
• Heroines in Nigeria
• Some Nigerian Peoples: Northern Nigeria
• Some Nigerian Peoples: Southern Nigeria
• Important Historical Features and Sites in Southern Nigeria

Basic 5 Nigerian History 21 notes

First Term 7 notes

• British Rule in Nigeria
• British Rule in Nigeria 2
• British Rule in Nigeria 3
• Meaning of a Constitution
• Detailed Study of Major Constitutions
• British Rule in Nigeria, Traditional Nationalism, and Resistances
• The Royal Niger Company

Second Term 5 notes

• Nationalist and Nationalism in Nigeria
• Some Nigerian Nationalists: Herbert Macaulay
• Southern Nigerians and Their Nationalist
• Some Nigerian Nationalists: Northern Nigeria
• Notable Female Nigerian

Third Term 9 notes

• Nigerian Independence
• Nigerian Independence Republic and Federation
• Traditional Religion in Nigeria
• Islam in Nigeria
• Christianity in Nigeria
• Traditional Occupations in the Locality-Lagos State
• Traditional Occupations of Nigerian People Southern Nigeria
• Traditional Occupations of Nigerian People Northern Nigeria
• Adjective and Adverb Puzzles

Basic 6 Nigerian History 2 notes

First Term 2 notes

• Civil Rule in Nigeria: Third Republic (1992-1993)
• Civil Rule in Nigeria (Cont'd): Forth Republic (1999-Present)

JSS1 Nigerian History 8 notes

First Term 3 notes

• Meaning of History
• Sources of History
• Importance of History

Second Term 3 notes

• Historical Sites in Nigeria-Nok
• Historical Sites in Nigeria: Ile Ife
• Historical Sites in Nigeria-Benin

Third Term 2 notes

• Major Centralised States in Pre-Colonial Nigeria
• Non-Centralised States in Pre-Colonial Nigeria

JSS2 Nigerian History 12 notes

First Term 8 notes

• Major Non-Centralized States in Pre-Colonial Nigeria
• Non-Centralized States: The Tiv
• Non-Centralized States: The Igbo
• Non-Centralized States: The Idoma
• Relationship Between People from Different Centres of Civilization in Precolonial Nigeria: Ife/Benin
• Relationship Between People from Different Centers of Civilization in Precolonial Nigeria: Kanem Bornu/Hausa Empire
• Relationship Between People from Different Centers of Civilization in Precolonial Nigeria: Igbo/Niger Delta City States
• Relationship Between People from Different Centers of Civilization in Precolonial Nigeria: Igbo/Ibibio

Second Term 1 note

• Inter-Relationships of Some Centres of Civilisation in Pre-Colonial Nigeria

Third Term 3 notes

• Ghana Empire
• Mali Empire
• Songhai Empire

JSS3 Nigerian History 29 notes

First Term 9 notes

• Origin of the Trans-Saharan Trade and its Nature
• Organization and Strategies Employed for the Progress of the Trans-Saharan Trade
• Effects of the Trans-Saharan Trade on West Africa and Nigeria
• The Spread of Islam in West Africa and Nigeria
• Main Reasons for the Fast Spread of Islam in West Africa and Nigeria
• Early European Contact with Africa
• Early European Contact with Nigeria
• The Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade (The Illegitimate and Legitimate Trade)
• Advent of Christianity in Nigeria: Impacts of the Christian Missionaries in Nigeria

Second Term 10 notes

• British Colonization of Nigeria Territories
• The British Economic Pursuit in Africa
• British Conquest in Nigeria
• Northern and Southern Protectorates
• The Protectorates of Britain in Nigeria: Lagos
• British Colonization of Nigeria
• The Era of New Imperialism (British Imperialism in Nigeria)
• British System of Colonial Governance
• Merits and the Demerits of the British System of Colonization: The Association System
• The Evolution of the Nigerian State: The History of Nigeria to the Advent of the British

Third Term 10 notes

• The Amalgamation of Nigeria
• The Amalgamation Process
• Key Personalities and Their Roles in the Amalgamation of Nigerian Territories
• The Independence Movement
• Factors That Led to the Independence Movement
• The Nature of Nigerian Nationalism: The Struggle for Independence
• The Attainment of Independence
• The Berlin Treaty (Continuation of the Evolution of the Nigerian State)
• The Role of the Royal Niger Company in the Evolution of the Nigerian State
• People Involved in the Struggle for Nigerian Independence

SS1 Nigerian History 28 notes

First Term 11 notes

• Introduction to History
• Historical Skills
• Prospect of ICT in Historical Studies
• Land and the People of Nigeria
• Traditions of Origin of Various Groups
• Centers of Ancient Civilization
• The State Formation Process
• Genres/Branches of Literature
• Prose: Literary and Non-Literary
• Poetry
• Drama

Second Term 10 notes

• CENTRALIZED STATES KANEM: BORNU UP to 1800
• THE HAUSA STATE UP to 1800
• NUPE UP to 1800
• IGALA UP to 1800
• THE JUKUN KINGDOM
• OYO
• BENIN
• THE EFIK
• THE IGBOS
• THE ITSEKIRI

Third Term 7 notes

• Non-Centralized States
• Indigenous Technology: Crafts and Industries
• Early External Influences: Contact with the North African Trade and Islam
• Spread of Islam in Kanem-Bornu Empire
• Islam in Hausa Land
• Early European Contacts with the Coastal States
• Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade

SS2 Nigerian History 22 notes

First Term 9 notes

• Amalgamation of Nigeria and Impact
• British Colonial Political Administration in Nigeria: Indirect Rule System
• British Colonial Economy Social Development & Inter Group Relations in Nigeria
• Nationalism and National Movement in Nigeria
• Constitutional Development in Nigeria: Road to Independence
• First Democratic Civilian Government in Nigeria 1960-1966
• Military Intervention in Nigerian Politics: First Coup D'Etat January 15, 1966
• First Military Regime in Nigeria: Major General J.T.U Aguyi Ironsi 1966.
• Military Counter Coup July 1966 Second Military Regime: The Emergence of Yakubu Gowon

Second Term 8 notes

• Nigeria Civil War 1967-1970
• Third Military Regime in Nigeria 1975-1979: General Murtala Muhammed & General Olusegun
• Second Civilian Democratic Government in Nigeria 1979-1983: Alhaji Shagari's Regime
• 4th Military Regime in Nigeria: Major General Muhammed Buhari & Brigadier Tunde Idiagbon 1983-1985
• 5th Military Regime in Nigeria: General Ibrahim Babangida 1985-1993
• Military Regime in Nigeria: General Ibrahim Babangida 1985-1993
• 7th Military Regime: Abdul Salam Abubakar (1998-1999)
• The 4th Nigerian Civilian Republic: Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007)

Third Term 5 notes

• Muslim States in the Face of Colonization in West Africa
• Christian Missionary Activities in West Africa
• Empire in Western Sudan: Old Ghana, Mali and Songhai Empire in Africa
• Great Empires and Kingdoms in West Africa
• Factors Responsible for the Decline of Great Empires in Western Sudan

SS3 Nigerian History 11 notes

First Term 6 notes

• Definition of History
• Sources of History
• Centers of Ancient Civilization in Nigeria
• State Formation Process in Pre-Colonial Nigeria
• People from Sudan and Sahel Savanna Zone in Nigeria
• Semi-Guinea Savannah, Niger, Benue Confluence, Middle Belt Zone in Nigeria

Second Term 5 notes

• Debt Relief and International Aids
• Peacekeeping/Socio-Political Interest of the Developed Societies
• Lands and People of North Africa, Egypt, and the Maghreb
• Lands and People of East and Center Africa: Omani(Zanzibar), Buganda and Ethiopia
• Land and People in Southern Africa: Bantu

How we prepare our lesson notes

Each note covers one topic for one class and one term, and the notes follow teaching order. Every note has behavioural objectives, the lesson content in short sections, evaluation questions and an assignment drawn from the same note.

Before publication, notes are edited for accuracy, plain language and the right level for the class.

Every note is free to read online. A PDF or Word copy of one subject costs ₦1,000 for one term, or ₦2,000 for all three terms. If you find a mistake, tell us and we will correct it.

Recommended Nigerian History textbooks

Books are grouped by class. The line under each title shows which list recommends it.

Basic 1 Nigerian History textbooks 5 books

Name	Author	Publisher
New Smart History for Primary Schools 1FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2021	Aloo Akinkumi et al	Cambridge University Press
Nigerian History for Primary Schools Book 1FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	T.N.J. Umunnakwe, Yahaya Ibrahim et al	Alphabet Books Limited.
Nigerian History for Primary schoolsFG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	J. Hussain, CC. John, A. Yusuf, T. James	Yaliam Press Ltd.
NIGERIAN HISTORYFG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	Oluwaseun Olorunfemi	Marvelous Mike Press Ltd
Extension Modern Nigerian History for Primary Schools Book 1FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	Adetola O.A. et al.	Extension Publications Limited

Basic 2 Nigerian History textbooks 1 book

Name	Author	Publisher
History for Primary Schools Book 2Not on an official list	Not stated on listing	Not stated (Learn Africa store)

Basic 3 Nigerian History textbooks 1 book

Name	Author	Publisher
History for Primary School Primary 3Not on an official list	Not stated on listing	Not stated (Learn Africa store)

Basic 4 Nigerian History textbooks 5 books

Name	Author	Publisher
Nigerian HistoryFG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	Jibrin, H.A., Onoja, I., Oyebiyi, O. & Udeagbala. P.N.	Learn Africa PLC
Revised Nigerian History for Primary School 4FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	J. Hussin, C.C. John, A. Yusuf; T. James	Yaliam Publishers
New Smart History for Primary Schools 4FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2025	Aloo Akinkumi et al	Cambridge University Press
Nigerian History For Primary Schools PupilsFG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	Oluwasegun Olorunfemi	Marvelous Mike Press
Extension Modern Nigerian History for Primary Schools Book 4FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	Adetola O.A. et al.	Extension Publications Limited

Basic 5 Nigerian History textbooks 3 books

Name	Author	Publisher
History for Primary SchoolAnambra State Govt (Ministry of Education)	Jibrin H. et al	Learn Africa
History for Nigerian Primary Schools (listed as 'History for Nigerian')Anambra State Govt (Ministry of Education)	Ogbogbo C., B.N. Folayemi et al	University Press PLC
Nigerian History for Primary School with WorkbookAnambra State Govt (Ministry of Education)	Sr. Chiamaka Nwaka PhD and Daniel Olisa Iweze PhD	Thonik Prints Production

Basic 6 Nigerian History textbooks 3 books

Name	Author	Publisher
History for Primary SchoolAnambra State Govt (Ministry of Education)	Jibrin H. et al	Learn Africa
History for Nigerian Primary Schools (listed as 'History for Nigerian')Anambra State Govt (Ministry of Education)	Ogbogbo C., B.N. Folayemi et al	University Press PLC
Nigerian History for Primary School with WorkbookAnambra State Govt (Ministry of Education)	Sr. Chiamaka Nwaka PhD and Daniel Olisa Iweze PhD	Thonik Prints Production

JSS1 Nigerian History textbooks 5 books

Name	Author	Publisher
Nigerian History for Junior Secondary SchoolsFG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: Second Edition 2026	I. Yandaki; O. O. Aina; N. J. Nduamaka	Learn Africa Plc
Extension Modern Nigerian History for Junior Secondary SchoolsFG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	Adetola O.A. et’al.	Extension Publications Limited
Marvelous Nigerian History for JSSFG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: Revised 2026	Marvelous Mike Press Limited	Marvelous Mike Press Limited
Basic Concept of History JS 1 (Textbook & Workbook)School booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	Oladele Odanye	Holad Publisher
Basic Concept of History Book 1 (Textbook & Workbook)School booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	Oladele Odanye	Holad Publisher

JSS2 Nigerian History textbooks 4 books

Name	Author	Publisher
Meybiks Basic History for Junior Secondary Schools, Book 2School booklist – Whitesands School, Lagos (private)	Abiahun Ngozi et al	Meybiks Nigeria Publishers
A Textbook on History for Junior Secondary Schools Book 2School booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	A.Y. Adesola	Joytal
Introduction to Junior History for Secondary SchoolsSchool booklist – Mater Amabilis Sec. School, Umuoji (Catholic mission)	F.O.F. Onwudufor
A Textbook on History Book 2School booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	Adesola A.Y.	Joytal

JSS3 Nigerian History textbooks 3 books

Name	Author	Publisher
Meybiks Basic History for Junior Secondary Schools, Book 3School booklist – Whitesands School, Lagos (private)	Abiahun Ngozi et al	Meybiks Nigeria Publishers
Comprehensive History for Junior Secondary School Book 3School booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	Odekunle Oluwashina et al	PFJ Books
Comprehensive History Book 3School booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	Odekunle Oluwashina et al.	PFJ Books

SS1 Nigerian History textbooks 4 books

Name	Author	Publisher
Nigerian History for Senior Secondary School 1FG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: 2026	J. Hussain, C.C. John, A. Yusuf; T. James	Yalian Press Limited
Nigerian History for Senior Secondary SchoolsFG NERDC approved list, 2026 to 2028Edition: First published 2026	O. O. Aina; N. J. Nduamaka; N. A. Nasidi	Learn Africa Plc
A Handbook of History for Senior Secondary Schools in NigeriaSchool booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	Dele Odanye	Holad Publisher
Africa and the Wider WorldSchool booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	Dele Odanye	Holad Publisher

SS2 Nigerian History textbooks 3 books

Name	Author	Publisher
Nigeria: An Introduction to its HistoryJAMB (UTME syllabus recommended texts)Edition: 1979 (per JAMB list)	M. Crowther	Longman
A Handbook of History for Senior Secondary Schools in NigeriaSchool booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	Dele (Oladele) Odanye	Holad Publisher
Africa and the Wider WorldSchool booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	Dele (Oladele) Odanye	Holad Publisher

SS3 Nigerian History textbooks 3 books

Name	Author	Publisher
Nigeria: An Introduction to its HistoryJAMB (UTME syllabus recommended texts)Edition: 1979 (per JAMB list)	M. Crowther	Longman
A Handbook of History for Senior Secondary Schools in NigeriaSchool booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	Dele (Oladele) Odanye	Holad Publisher
Africa and the Wider WorldSchool booklist – International School, University of Ibadan (UI-owned)	Dele (Oladele) Odanye	Holad Publisher

Based on the 2026/27 recommended lists. Editions change, so confirm the current edition with your school or bookseller.