History: State creation in Nigeria.

SUBJECT: History

CLASS: Primary Four

AGE: 9–10 years

PERIOD: 2

DURATION: 40 minutes

REFERENCE BOOK: Basic History for Primary Schools

INSTRUCTIONAL MATERIALS: Map of Nigeria, National Flag, Chart showing stages of state creation

LESSON TITLE: National Development — State Creation in Nigeria

LESSON OBJECTIVES:

By the end of the lesson, pupils should be able to:

1. Define state creation.

2. List the various stages of state creation in Nigeria.

3. Mention the reasons for creating new states.

4. Identify the leaders responsible for the creation of states in Nigeria.

KEY VOCABULARY WORDS:

State, Creation, Region, Federation, Head of State, Transition.

PREVIOUS KNOWLEDGE:

Pupils are already familiar with the names of Nigerian states and their capitals.

LESSON CONTENT:

 

Introduction to National Development (State Creation in Nigeria – From 3 Regions to 36  States). National development means the overall improvement of a country in areas such as economy, education, healthcare, infrastructure, and good governance. In Nigeria, one way the government has supported national development is through "State creation".

Historical Background of State Creation in Nigeria

At the time of Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the country was divided into three 

main regions:

Northern Region

Western Region

Eastern Region

Each region was large, with different ethnic groups and cultures. As time passed, many people felt left out or not well represented in their regional governments. 

This led to the need for more states, so that development could reach everyone.

Here’s how Nigeria moved from 3 regions to 36 state

Actually, no states were created in 1960. At Nigeria’s independence in 1960, the 

country was divided into just three regions, not states.

1960 – At Independence

Nigeria had three regions:

1. Northern Region

2. Western Region

3. Eastern Region

These were large autonomous regions under the federal government.

1963 – Creation of the Mid-Western Region

In 1963, the only major change before the civil war(  1967) was:

Mid-Western Region was carved out from the Western Region.

So by 1963, Nigeria had four regions:

1. Northern Region

2. Western Region

3. Eastern Region

4. Mid-Western Region (created in 1963)

States did not exist until 1967, when Nigeria changed from regions to states (12 states created).

1967 – First Creation (12 States). By General Yakubu Gowon to replace the 4 regions:

1. North-Western State

2. North-Eastern State

3. Kano

4. North-Central State

5. Benue-Plateau

6. Kwara

7. Western State

8. Lagos

9. Mid-Western State

10. East-Central State

11. Rivers

12. South-Eastern State

1976 – Second Creation (19 States). By General Murtala Muhammed (increased from 12 to 19):

1. Bauchi

2. Benue

3. Borno

4. Imo

5. Niger

6. Ogun

7. Ondo

(Note: Some of the existing ones were split.)

1987 – Third Creation (21 States) By General Ibrahim Babangida:

1. Akwa Ibom (from Cross River)

2. Katsina (from Kaduna)

1991 – Fourth Creation (30 States)

Also under Babangida:

1. Abia

2. Enugu

3. Delta

4. Jigawa

5. Kebbi

6. Kogi

7. Osun

8. Taraba

9. Anambra

1996 – Fifth and Last Creation (36 States)

By General Sani Abacha:

1. Bayelsa (from Rivers)

2. Ebonyi (from Enugu and Abia)

3. Ekiti (from Ondo)

4. Gombe (from Bauchi)

5. Nasarawa (from Plateau)

6. Zamfara (from Sokoto)

Summary Timeline of State Creation in Nigeria . 

YEAR          NUMBER OF STATES     CREATED BY

1967                         12                     General Yakubu Gowon

1976                         19                     General Murtala Muhammed

1987                          21                    General Ibrahim Babangida

1991                         30                     General Ibrahim Babangida

1996                         36                     General Sani Abacha

Reasons for State Creation in Nigeria

1. To promote unity and national integration

Creating more states helped reduce tension and allowed different groups to feel

included in national affairs.

2. To bring government closer to the people

With smaller states, people could easily reach government officials and enjoy

better services.

3. To reduce ethnic domination

Some large ethnic groups used to dominate others. State creation helped

smaller ethnic groups have their own states and leaders.

4. To enhance development and infrastructure

More states meant more schools, hospitals, roads, and jobs were provided in

new areas.

5. To maintain peace and reduce conflicts

When people felt fairly treated through state creation, violence and protests

reduced.

Benefits of State Creation in Nigeria

• Better Governance: Each state has its own governor and government,

helping to solve problems faster at the local level.

• Improved Social Services: New states get their own hospitals, schools,

and water projects.

• Fair Representation: Minority groups now have more political voice.

• Job Opportunities: Each state creates civil service and administrative

jobs.

• Boost in Development: Rural areas turned into capitals or urban towns

after being made states

Summary 

State creation in Nigeria has been a major step toward national development.

From just three regions at independence to 36 states today, the goal has been to

ensure fairness, peace, unity, and progress for all Nigerians.

LESSON SEQUENCE:

STEP 1: TEACHER INTRODUCES THE NEW LESSON

STEP 2: TEACHER REVISES THE PREVIOUS LESSON

STEP 3: SHE WRITES  AND EXPLAINS THE NEW LESSON

ASSESSMENT:

Worksheet: State Creation in Nigeria

Section A: Fill in the Blanks

1. Nigeria gained independence in the year __________.

2. At independence, Nigeria had __________ regions.

3. The Mid-Western Region was created in the year __________.

4. Nigeria became 36 states under the leadership of General __________.

5. The capital of Nigeria is __________.

Section B: Match the Years to the Number of States

Year Number of States

1960 A. 19

1963 B. 36

1976 C. 3

1991 D. 4

1996 E. 30

CONCLUSION: SHE SUMMARISES THE ENTIRE LESSON

ASSIGNMENT: WRITE FOUR REASONS  FOR STATE CREATION