Teaching My Pupils About Nigerian Peoples: A Day in My Classroom

Today, 7th October 2026, I had a History lesson, and I enjoyed every minute of it.
The topic was The Efik, Fulani and Ibibio People. Before the lesson, I filled the blackboard with notes in my best handwriting. Teachers know that feeling when the board is full and neat, and the class is ready to learn.

What we learned today
We learned about few of the numerous ethnic groups in Nigeria. We focused on the Efik people, Fulani people and Ibibio people. T The Efik people are are mainly found in Cross River State and part of Akwa Ibom State. They are known for their rich culture and tradition. Their language is called the Efik language, and many of them are into fishing, farming and trading.

The Fulani people are mainly found in the northern part of Nigeria, in states like Kano, Katsina, Kebbi and Sokoto. They are known for cattle rearing, and their language is called Fulfulde.

The Ibibio people are mainly found in Akwa Ibom State. They have a rich culture and tradition, with lovely songs, dance and food. Their language is called the Ibibio language.

Why I love teaching this
Nigeria has hundreds of ethnic groups, and each one has its own language, food and way of life. I want my pupils to know that early. A child who learns about other people's cultures grows up with respect and curiosity instead of judgment.

I had to make it shorter because due to my pupils level is understanding. Considering their age, they don't really require a lesson that is too voluminous.

When I explained that the Fulani are known for cattle rearing, some of the children were excited because they had seen cows before. When we talked about the Efik people fishing and trading, I could see them picturing rivers and boats. That is the moment I live for as a teacher, when a lesson stops being just words on a board and becomes a picture in a child's mind.

I took a quick selfie in class, and you can see two of my pupils in their bright green uniforms behind me, busy at their desks. The classroom is simple, with wooden benches and an old blackboard. But a lot of learning happens in this room, and a lot of love too.

Teaching is not always easy. Some days are tiring, and the chalk dust gets everywhere. But days like today remind me why I chose this work. Every lesson is a small seed, and I trust that some of them will grow.

Images are mine.