Nigerian History in Primary 5 is a senior primary subject that provides comprehensive understanding of Nigeria’s struggle for independence, nationalist movements, and religious diversity within the national framework. This newly revised curriculum, effective from the 2025/26 academic session, covers critical topics including detailed analysis of British colonial rule and its impact, the emergence and development of Nigerian nationalism, biographical studies of major nationalist leaders such as Herbert Macaulay, Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Ahmadu Bello, and Mallam Aminu Kano, the achievement of Nigerian independence, and comparative study of religions in Nigeria including traditional beliefs, Islam, and Christianity. Students develop advanced analytical capabilities while examining how historical struggles for freedom and religious tolerance continue to shape modern Nigerian identity and democratic values.
Studying Nigerian History in Primary 5 under the Federal Ministry of Education’s Heritage Restored initiative offers a sophisticated foundation in patriotic consciousness, democratic understanding, and religious tolerance. The curriculum challenges students to critically examine complex themes such as colonial resistance, nationalist strategies, leadership philosophies, and interfaith relationships that define Nigeria’s historical trajectory.
Achievement Standards
At the end of Primary 5, students can:
Assessment Guidelines
Assessments are designed to evaluate advanced critical thinking and comprehensive knowledge synthesis, preparing students for their culminating primary year while reinforcing research excellence, patriotic commitment, and capacity for mature civic engagement in their final preparation for secondary education.
| LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT MINISTRY OF EDUCATION UNIFIED SCHEME OF WORK FOR PRIMARY SCHOOLS | ||
| History Scheme of Work for Primary/Basic 5 | ||
| CLASS | Primary/Basic 5 | |
| SUBJECT | History | |
| TERM | First Term | |
| WEEK | TOPICS | Learning Objectives |
| 1 | REVISION | General provision of the works of primary four |
| 2-3 | BRITISH RULE IN NIGERIA -Who are the British? -Where is Nigeria? -Who are the Europeans? -The various European countries that tried to occupy Nigeria, Portugal, France, Germany, Britain, e.t.c. -Reasons for British rule in Nigeria -Impacts of British rule in Nigeria | By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. Explain who the British are; 2. Give the location of Nigeria; 3. Explain who the Europeans are; 4. Mention the various European countries that attempted to occupy Nigeria; 5. Examine the reasons for British rule in Nigeia; 6. Relate the impacts of British rule in Nigeria |
| 4-5 | BRITISH RULE IN NIGERIA 2 -First place the British occupied in Nigeria various phases of British occupation of Nigeria. -The ways British occupied Nigeria -Relate activities of the Brifish Royal Niger Company of Nigeria. -The revocation of Royal Niger Company is Charter on 31st December, 1899 -The Founder of the Royal Niger Company | By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. Mention the first place the Britsh occupied in Nigeria; 2. Discuss the phases of Britsh occupation of Nigeria 3. Analyze the ways the British occupied Nigeria; 4. Analyze the Founder of he British Royal Niger Company; 5. Examine the activities of the British Royal Niger Company of Nigeria 6- Give he reasons why the Royal Niger Companys Charter was revoked on 31st December, 1899 |
| 6 | BRITISH RULE IN NIGERIA 3- AMALGAMATION OF NIGERIA -Meaning of Amalgamation -Who amalgamated Nigeria? -Reasons for Nigeria’s Amalgamation -Various phases of Nigeria’s amalgamation -The positive and negative effects of British amalgamation of Nigeria | By the end of fie lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. Give the meaning of amalgamation; 2. Mention who amalgamated Nigeria; 3. Discuss the reasons responsible for the amalgamation of Nigeria; 4. Relate the various phases of Nigeria’s amalgamation; 5. Examine the positive and negative effects of the effects of British amalgamation of Nigeria. |
| 7 | MID TERM BREAK | |
| 8-9 | Meaning of a constitution. Various British constitutional reforms in Nigeria – Nigeria Council 1914 – Lord Lugard, Hugh Clifford 1922 -Elective principle, Arthur Richard’s 1946 Regionalism e.t.c. -Reasons for the introduction and effects of these constitutions on Nigeria gradual independence | By the end of fie lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. Define a constitution 2. List the various British constitutional reforms in Nigeria; 3, Relate the reasons for the introduction of these constitutions; 4. Examine the effects of these constitutional reforms on Nigeria’s gradual independence. |
| 10-11 | BRITISH RULE IN NIGERIA TRADITIONAL NATIONALISM AND RESISTANCES -Meaning of nationalism. -Forms of nationalism. -Notable traditional nationalists in Nigeria i.e. Kosoko of Lagos, Jaja of Opobo, Nana Olomu llshekiri, Sultan Attahiru of Sokoto, Madam Tinubu, e.t.c. -Reasons for the growth of traditional nationalism in Nigeria. -The effects of traditional nationalism on Nigeria | By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. Give the meaning of nationalism,’ 2. State the various foms of nationalism; 3. Mention notable traditional nationalists in Nigeria; 4. Relate the reasons for the growth of traditional nationalism in Nigeria; 5. Epmine the effects of traditional nationalism on Nigeria |
| 12 | REVISION | General revision of all the work ofthe term. |
| 13 | EXAMINATION | |
| CLASS | Primary/Basic 5 | |
| SUBJECT | History | |
| TERM | Second Term | |
| WEEK | TOPICS | Learning Objectives |
| 1 | REVISION | General revision of all the works of primary five first term and examination. |
| 2-3 | NATIONALIST AND NATIONALISM IN NIGERIA -Meaning of nationalism -Meaning of a nationalist -Describe the characteristics of Nigerian nationalism. -Reasons for the growth of Nigerian Nationalism i.e. racial Britsh absolute economic monopoly, e.t,c. -Foremost Nigerian nationalists and their forms of nationalism. | By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. Give the meaning of nationalism; 2. Explain the meaning of a nationalist; 3. Describe the characteristics of Nigerian nationalism; 4. Explain the reasons for the growth of Nigerian nationalism; 5. Examine foremost Nigerian nationalists and their forms of nationalism, |
| 4-5 | SOME NIGERIAN NATIONALISTS HERBERT MACAULAY -Who was Sir Herbert Heelas Olayinka Badmus -His various pioneering roles in Nigeria i.e. established first Nigeria political party – Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) in 1925, First Surveyor, e.tc. -Established “Daily News’ -Death of Sir. Herbert Macaulay -Qualities of a good leader (nationalist) | By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. Explain who Sir. Herbert Heelas Olayinka Badmus Macaulay; 2. Discuss his various pioneering roles in Nigeria; 3. Relate the death of Sir. Herbert Heelas Olayinka Badmus Macaulay; 4. Examine the qualities of a good nationalist (leader) |
| 6 | Southern Nigerian and their Natuonalist | By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. Mention here southern Nigeria is found; 2. Give the names of foremost Nigerian nationalists in Southern Nigeria; 3. Discuss Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe’s biography and nationalistic activities; 4. Explain Dr. Avan Ikoku’s biography and nationalistic activities; 5. Pupils as individuals are directed to research on the nationalistic activities and background of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. 6. Pupils in pairs examine and share the nationalistic activities of 7. Discuss other Southern Nigeria nationalists and their activities, |
| 7 | MID TERM BREAK | |
| 8-9 | SOME NIGERIAN NATIONALIST -NORTHERN NIGERIA -Part of Nigeria -Northern part of Nigeria Foremost Nigerian Nationalist in Northern Nigeria Mallam Amino, Abubakar Balewa, Sir Ibrahim, J. S. Ahmadu Bello, -Background and activities of Ahmadu Bello and activities of Sir,Abubakar Tafawa Balewa background and activities of Tarka -Northern Nigerian their activities on Nigeria | By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. State where Northern Nigeria can be found in Nigeria; 2. List the foremost Nigerian nationalists in Northern Nigeria; 3, Discuss the background and nationalistic activities of Sit Ahmadu Bello; 4. Explain the biography and nationalistic activities of Sir.Abubakar Tafawa Balewa; 5. Examine the background and nationalistic activities of Joseph. S. Tarka; 6. Relate the nationalistic activities of other Nigerian nationalists in Northern Nigeria and their impacts on Nigeria. |
| 10-11 | NOTABLE FEMALE NIGERlAN Funnlayo Ransome Margaret Ekpo; Cambo Sawaba, background acüvities, and Nigeria. faced by Nigerian ofa female role model. | By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. List notable female Nigerian nationalists; 2. Discuss their background, nationalistic activities and impacts on Nigeria; 3, Examine the challenges faced by Female Nigerian nationalists; 4. Relate the attibutes of a female leader and role model |
| 12 | REVISION | General revision of all the work of the term |
| 13 | EXAMINATION | |
| CLASS | Primary/Basic 5 | |
| SUBJECT | History | |
| TERM | Third Term | |
| WEEK | TOPICS | Learning Objectives |
| 1 | Revision | General revision of the work of Primary five second term and examination |
| 2-3 | NIGERIAN INDEPENDENCE -Meaning of Independence -Date and year of Nigeria independence -Country that gave Nigeria her independence -The key people that participated in Nigeria independence celebration i.e Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Alhaji Tafawa Balewa Pricess Alexandria of England etc -The venue of the Nigerian Independence celebration -The process of Nigerian independence on October 1st 1960 and the impact on Nigerians | By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. Explain independence; 2, Mention the country that gave Nigeria her independence 3. Give the date and year of Nigeria’s Independence; 4, Examine the key people that patticipated in Nigeria’s independence celebrations; 5. Write he venue of the Nigeria’s Independence Celebration; 6. Relate the process of Nigeria’s Independence on October 1st 1960 and he impacts on Nigeria. |
| 4-5 | NIGERIAN INDEPENDENCE REPUBLIC AND FEDERATION -Meaning of Rebublic -Meaning iof Federation -Structure of Nigerian Government at Independence -The parliamentary system of the first republic in Nigeria -When and how Nigeria became a Federal republic | By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. Give the meaning of a republic; 2. Explain the meaning of a federajon; 3. Describe the stmcture of Nigeria’s govemment at independence; 4. Examine the parliamentary system of Nigeria’s first republic; 5. Write when and how Nigeria became a Federal Republic |
| 6 | TRADITIONAL RELIGION IN NIGERIA -Meaning of religion -Meaning of Traditional religion -Types of traditional religion practiced in Lagos State i.e Ogun, Sango, Olokun, Zangbeto, Esu etc. -Inportance of traditional religions in Nigeria -The limitation of traditional religions in the society – | fie end of fie lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. Eyplain the meeting of religion; 2. Give the meaning of traditional religion; 3. Write the types of traditional religions practiced in Lagos State; 4. Eyamine fre importance of traditional religions in Nigeria; 5. Debates on the limitations of the traditional religions in the society. |
| 7 | MID TERM BREAK | |
| 8 | ISLAM IN NIGERIA -Meaning of Islam -The founder of Islam -The origin of Islam -The people that helped the spread of Islam in Nigeria -The five pillars of Islam -The dominant areas where Islam is practiced in Nigeria | By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. Explain the meaning of Islam; 2. Give the origin of Islam; 3. State the founder of Islam; 4. Examine the people that helped the spread of Islam in Nigeria; 5. Mention the five pillars of Islam; 6. Write the dominant areas where Islam is practiced in Nigeria. |
| 9 | CHRISTIANITY IN NIGERIA -Meaning of Christianity -The founder of the Christian Faith -Who are the Christians -The origin of Christianity in Nigeria -The Early Christian Missionaries and the roles they played in Nigeria. The problems Christian missionaries faced in Nigeria. | By the end of the lessonj pupils should be able to: 1. Explain the meaning of Christianity; 2. Mention the founder of Chistianity; 3. Explain who the Christians are; 4. Examine the origin of Christianity in Nigeria; 5. Relate the early Christian missionaries and the roles they played in Nigeria; 6. Write the problems Christian missionaries faced in Nigeria. |
| 10 | TRADITIONAL OCCUPATIONS IN THE LOCALITY-LAGOS STATE -Meaning of occupation -Meaning of traditional occupations -Notable traditional occupations in Lagos State. -The impotance of traditional ocupations in Lagos State. -Various intergroup relations created by these occupations | By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. Explain the meaning of occupation; 2. Give the meaning of traditional occupation; 3. Mention notable traditional occupations in Lagos State, 4. Examine the importance of traditional occupation in Lagos state; 5. Relate the intergroup relations created by these occupations, |
| 11 | TRADITIONAL OCCUPATIONS OF NIGERIAN PEOPLE SOUTHERN NIGERIA -Nigerian people in Southem Nigeria -Various traditional occupations in Southern Nigeria, -The interconnectivity of occupations in Nigeria. -The importance of these occupations to growth and development, | By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. Mention the Nigerian peoples in Southern Nigeria; 2. name the various traditional occupations in Southem Nigeria; 3. Describe the various traditional occupations in Southem Nigeria and their benefits; 4. Examine the interconnectivity of occupations in Nigeria; 5. Relate the importance of these occupations to growth and development. |
| 12 | TRADITIONAL OCCUPATIONS OF NIGERIA PEOPLE NORTHERN NIGERIA -Location of Northern Nigeria -Nigerian people in Northern Nigeria -Various traditional occupations in Northern Nigeria i.e. Animal husbandry, cereal farming, leather works, etc -Benefits of various occupations Concepts of primary and secondary occupations i.e. Animal husbandry -primary occupation, Leathemork – secondary occupation | By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to: 1. tell where Northen Nigeria is located; 2. Name the Nigerian people in northem Nigeria; 3, Mention the various traditional occupations in Northern Nigeria; 4. Establish the connection beween the various occupations and their benefits; 5. Differentiate between the concepts of primary occupation and secondary occupation. |
| 13 | REVISION & EXAMINATION | General revision of all the work of the term/session |
