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      Contrasting physical landscapes of Nigeria

      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can describe Nigeria's key physical features and explain some of their impacts on life.

      Key learning points

      1. Nigeria has rivers, plateaux, mountains, and savannas.
      2. The Jos Plateau is an elevated area in central Nigeria.
      3. The Niger Delta is a low-lying, swampy area in the south.
      4. The physical geography of Nigeria influences its population and the human activities that take place.

      Keywords

      • Volcanic - relating to or produced by a volcano

      • Subsistence farmers - subsistence farmers only grow enough food to feed themselves and their families

      • Mineral - chemical substance that is formed naturally and is found in the ground or in rocks

      • Hydroelectric power - hydroelectric power generates electricity by using water

      • Mangrove - a shrub or tree that grows in coastal water and has roots that grow above ground

      Common misconception

      The physical geography of Nigeria is very similar everywhere in the country.

      Nigeria has a range of physical features. These include rivers, plateaux, mountains, savannas, deserts and coastlines.

      Teacher tip

      Use GIS or atlases to investigate Jos Plateau and the Niger Delta in more detail.

      Content guidance

      Depiction or discussion of sensitive content

      Supervision

      Adult supervision recommended

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2025), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0
      except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions
      (Collection 2).

      Lesson video

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      Prior knowledge starter quiz

      6 Questions

      Q1.
      Where is Nigeria located?

      Southern Africa
      Correct answer: West Africa
      East Africa
      North Africa

      Q2.
      What is the capital city of Nigeria?

      Lagos
      Correct answer: Abuja
      London

      Q3.
      Which ocean is Nigeria close to?

      Pacific Ocean
      Indian Ocean
      Correct answer: Atlantic Ocean
      Arctic Ocean

      Q4.
      Is Nigeria north or south of the Equator?

      Correct answer: North
      South
      Directly on it

      Q5.
      Nigeria is the most populated country in which continent?

      Europe
      Correct answer: Africa
      Asia
      South America

      Q6.
      Which of these natural features runs through Nigeria?

      Nile River
      Congo River
      Correct answer: Niger River
      Zambezi River

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What does volcanic mean?

      Related to rivers
      Related to mountains
      Correct answer: Related to or produced by a volcano
      Related to forests

      Q2.
      What are subsistence farmers?

      Farmers who grow food to sell abroad
      Correct answer: Farmers who grow just enough food for their family
      Farmers who work for big companies
      Farmers who grow crops for supermarkets

      Q3.
      Which part of Nigeria is famous for mangrove swamps?

      North
      Correct answer: South
      East
      Centre

      Q4.
      How would you describe Nigeria’s physical geography?

      It is the same across the whole country
      Correct answer: It changes a lot from north to south
      It is completely desert
      It is only rainforest

      To help you plan your 8 geography lesson on: Contrasting physical landscapes of Nigeria, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...