SSS 1 Syllabus: HistoryIntroduction to History- Definition and importance of history
- Historical methods and approaches
- Role of historians in studying the past
Sources of History and Dating- Primary and secondary sources
- Oral traditions and written records
- Dating techniques in historical studies
Historical Skills (ancient and modern approaches)- Critical thinking and analysis
- Research skills and methodologies
- Interpreting and evaluating historical evidence
Prospects of ICT in Historical Studies- Role of technology in historical research
- Digital archives and databases
- Use of multimedia in presenting historical information
Land and Peoples of Nigeria- Geographical features of Nigeria
- Ethnic diversity and cultural heritage
- Historical development of Nigerian society
Traditions of Origin and Historical links Among Certain Groups- Myths and legends of origin
- Cultural and historical connections among various Nigerian groups
Early Centres of Civilization in Nigeria- Nok civilization and its significance
- Ancient city-states in Nigeria
- Emergence of complex societies
The State Formation Process- Factors contributing to the rise of states
- Political organization and administration
- Development of centralized power
Kanem and Bornu to 1800- Rise and expansion of the Kanem-Bornu Empire
- Political and economic systems of Kanem-Bornu
- Contact with Islamic civilization
The Hausa States to 1800- Origins and development of the Hausa city-states
- Political structure and administration
- Socio-economic activities in the Hausa states
Nupe- Origins and historical development of the Nupe kingdom
- Political organization and cultural heritage
- Interactions with neighboring states
The Jukun- History and cultural identity of the Jukun people
- Jukun's political organization and economic activities
- Relations with other Nigerian groups
Ife and Oyo- History of the Ife and Oyo kingdoms
- Art and religious practices in Ife and Oyo
- Decline and fall of the empires
Benin- Origins and growth of the Benin kingdom
- Political structure and artistic achievements
- European contact and the Benin Punitive Expedition
The Efik- Historical development of the Efik people
- Efik's socio-cultural practices and institutions
- Relations with European traders and missionaries
Non-Centralised States- Characteristics of non-centralized states in Nigeria
- Examples of non-centralized states and their histories
Aspects of the History of the Non-Centralised States of Nigeria- Political organization and governance in non-centralized states
- Economic activities and trade networks
- Cultural and social practices
Economic Activities and Inter-Group Relations- Agricultural practices and trade in pre-colonial Nigeria
- Interactions and conflicts between different Nigerian groups
- Impact of economic activities on social relations
The Impact of Migrations, War and Politics on Inter-Group Relations- Historical migrations and their effects on Nigerian society
- Wars and conflicts among Nigerian groups
- Political dynamics and power struggles
Indigenous Technology, Crafts and Industries- Traditional technologies and craftsmanship in Nigeria
- Indigenous industries and economic specialization
- Cultural significance of indigenous technology
Contact with North African Trade and Islam- Trans-Saharan trade and its impact on Nigerian society
- Arab and Berber influences on Nigerian culture
- Spread of Islam in northern Nigeria
Islam in Kanem Bornu- Adoption and development of Islam in Kanem-Bornu
- Islamic institutions and practices in the empire
- Interactions with other Muslim states
Islam in Hausa land- Introduction and spread of Islam in the Hausa states
- Integration of Islamic traditions with Hausa culture
- Scholarly and religious centers in Hausa land
Early European Contacts with the Coastal States- Portuguese explorations and trade in West Africa
- European influence on coastal states
- Effects of European contact on Nigerian society
Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade- Origins and causes of the Atlantic slave trade
- Organization and operation of the slave trade
- Social, economic, and cultural impacts of the slave trade
Conclusion- Recap of the topics covered in SSS 1 History syllabus
- Importance of studying Nigerian history
- Opportunities for further research and exploration in the field of history
This course is helpful for the following exams: SSS 1