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      Lesson details

      Learning outcome

      I can explain Nigeria's climate zones and interpret patterns in climate data.

      Key learning points

      1. Nigeria has tropical and semi-arid climate zones.
      2. Rainfall is highest in the south and lowest in the north.
      3. The country experiences a wet and dry season.
      4. Climate varies due to latitude, altitude, and proximity to the sea.

      Keywords

      • Climate - an average of weather conditions (e.g. rain, sun, wind) in a place taken over a long period of time (usually 30 years or more)

      • Geographic information system - a geographic information system (GIS) is a computer mapping system that captures, and displays geographic data to help understand spatial patterns

      • Latitude - imaginary lines on Earth showing position north or south of the Equator, measured in degrees

      • Monsoon - a seasonal change in wind direction that brings a very rainy season or a very dry season

      • Altitude - height above sea level or ground level

      Common misconception

      Confusion about the difference between weather and climate.

      The weather of a place describes the day to day conditions of the atmosphere. Climate is an average of weather conditions in a place over a long period of time (usually 30 years or more).

      Teacher tip

      Investigate climate data from other locations in Nigeria and make comparisons with climate data from the UK.

      Licence

      This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2026), 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.
      On which continent is Nigeria found?

      Asia
      South America
      Correct answer: Africa
      Europe

      Q2.
      What is the capital city of Nigeria?

      Paris
      Correct answer: Abuja
      London
      Lagos

      Q3.
      What language do most people speak in Nigeria?

      Correct answer: English
      Arabic
      Spanish

      Q4.
      What ocean borders Nigeria to the south?

      Indian Ocean
      Arctic Ocean
      Correct answer: Atlantic Ocean

      Q5.
      Which of these countries borders Nigeria?

      Kenya
      Correct answer: Niger
      Turkey

      Q6.
      Where is Nigeria located in relation to the equator?

      Correct answer: North of the equator
      South of the equator
      On the equator
      Near the South Pole

      4 Questions

      Q1.
      What is climate?

      The daily changes in weather
      Correct answer: The average weather conditions over a long time
      A sudden change in temperature
      The weather during a single season

      Q2.
      What is the difference between weather and climate?

      Weather happens over a long time, climate is short-term
      Weather is always hot, climate is always cold
      Correct answer: Climate is a long-term pattern, weather changes day to day
      Climate never changes

      Q3.
      Which imaginary lines help us measure how far north or south a place is from the Equator?

      Longitude
      Correct answer: Latitude
      Altitude
      Prime Meridian

      Q4.
      How can altitude affect the climate of a place?

      Higher places are hotter
      Correct answer: Higher places are colder
      Altitude has no effect on climate
      Higher places get less wind

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