2026/2027 WAEC/GCE Nigerian History Objective and Essay Questions and Answers: October 13th 2026
PAPER 1
OBJECTIVE TEST
Time Allowed: 1 Hour 30 Minutes
Instructions to Candidates
- Answer all questions.
- Choose the most appropriate answer from A–D.
- Each question carries equal marks.
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS (1–60)
1. The Nok Civilization is famous for its
A. Iron technology and terracotta sculptures
B. Cocoa production
C. Islamic education
D. Palm oil trade
Answer: A
2. The Nok Culture flourished around
A. 1000 BC – 300 AD
B. 1500 AD – 1700 AD
C. 1800 AD – 1900 AD
D. 1950 AD – 2000 AD
Answer: A
3. The earliest known civilization in Nigeria is associated with
A. Nok
B. Oyo
C. Benin
D. Kanem-Borno
Answer: A
4. The Kanem-Borno Empire was located in present-day
A. South-West Nigeria
B. North-Eastern Nigeria
C. South-South Nigeria
D. South-East Nigeria
Answer: B
5. The Mai was the title of the ruler of
A. Benin Kingdom
B. Oyo Empire
C. Kanem-Borno Empire
D. Jukun Kingdom
Answer: C
6. The famous military leader who expanded Kanem-Borno was
A. Mai Idris Alooma
B. Oba Ewuare
C. Alaafin Abiodun
D. Jaja of Opobo
Answer: A
7. The capital of the old Oyo Empire was
A. Oyo-Ile
B. Ibadan
C. Abeokuta
D. Ilorin
Answer: A
8. The political head of the Oyo Empire was known as the
A. Oba
B. Emir
C. Alaafin
D. Obi
Answer: C
9. The Oyo Mesi served as
A. Religious leaders
B. Judicial council
C. Advisory and check on the Alaafin
D. Tax collectors
Answer: C
10. The Bashorun was the
A. Chief Priest
B. Head of Oyo Mesi
C. Treasurer
D. Military commander
Answer: B
11. The Benin Kingdom became famous because of its
A. Groundnut trade
B. Bronze casting
C. Cocoa farming
D. Gold mining
Answer: B
12. The ruler of Benin Kingdom was called
A. Obi
B. Emir
C. Oba
D. Mai
Answer: C
13. Oba Ewuare is remembered for
A. Expanding and reorganizing Benin Empire
B. Abolishing slavery
C. Introducing Christianity
D. Defeating Britain
Answer: A
14. The Igbo traditional political system was largely
A. Centralized
B. Monarchical
C. Republican
D. Feudal
Answer: C
15. The highest traditional authority in Onitsha is the
A. Emir
B. Obi
C. Alaafin
D. Attah
Answer: B
2026/2027 WAEC/GCE Nigerian History Objective and Essay Questions and Answers: October 13th 2026
Islamic Reform and Jihad
16. Usman dan Fodio launched his Jihad in
A. 1804
B. 1914
C. 1885
D. 1861
Answer: A
17. The main objective of Usman dan Fodio’s Jihad was
A. Establishment of Islamic reform
B. Colonization
C. Slave trade
D. Industrialization
Answer: A
18. The headquarters of the Sokoto Caliphate was
A. Kano
B. Katsina
C. Sokoto
D. Zaria
Answer: C
19. The Sokoto Caliphate was administered through
A. Provinces
B. Emirates
C. Colonies
D. Kingdoms
Answer: B
20. Muhammad Bello was the
A. Son of Usman dan Fodio
B. British Governor
C. Yoruba King
D. Benin Chief
Answer: A
European Contact and Colonial Rule
21. The Portuguese first arrived in Benin around
A. 1485
B. 1800
C. 1900
D. 1950
Answer: A
22. The first major European trade in West Africa involved
A. Cocoa
B. Palm Oil
C. Slaves
D. Rubber
Answer: C
23. The abolition of slave trade by Britain occurred in
A. 1807
B. 1914
C. 1861
D. 1885
Answer: A
24. Lagos became a British Colony in
A. 1914
B. 1861
C. 1885
D. 1900
Answer: B
25. The Berlin Conference took place in
A. 1884–1885
B. 1914–1918
C. 1807–1808
D. 1957–1960
Answer: A
26. The Royal Niger Company was headed by
A. Lord Lugard
B. George Goldie
C. Macaulay
D. Azikiwe
Answer: B
27. Northern and Southern Protectorates were amalgamated in
A. 1914
B. 1900
C. 1922
D. 1946
Answer: A
28. The Governor-General at amalgamation was
A. Clifford
B. Macpherson
C. Lord Lugard
D. Richards
Answer: C
29. The system used by Britain in Northern Nigeria was
A. Direct Rule
B. Indirect Rule
C. Federal Rule
D. Military Rule
Answer: B
30. Indirect Rule succeeded most in Northern Nigeria because
A. Existing centralized institutions existed
B. There were no chiefs
C. Christianity dominated
D. No taxes were collected
Answer: A
Nationalism and Independence
31. The first Nigerian newspaper was established by
A. Herbert Macaulay
B. Nnamdi Azikiwe
C. Reverend Henry Townsend
D. Obafemi Awolowo
Answer: C
32. Herbert Macaulay is regarded as
A. Father of Nigerian Nationalism
B. First President
C. First Governor-General
D. First Military Head
Answer: A
33. The Nigerian Youth Movement was founded in
A. 1934
B. 1914
C. 1960
D. 1954
Answer: A
34. The NCNC was founded in
A. 1944
B. 1951
C. 1960
D. 1930
Answer: A
35. The leader of NCNC was
A. Ahmadu Bello
B. Nnamdi Azikiwe
C. Awolowo
D. Balewa
Answer: B
36. The Action Group was founded by
A. Nnamdi Azikiwe
B. Ahmadu Bello
C. Obafemi Awolowo
D. Tafawa Balewa
Answer: C
37. The NPC was strongest in
A. Eastern Region
B. Western Region
C. Northern Region
D. Mid-West Region
Answer: C
38. Nigeria attained independence on
A. October 1, 1960
B. October 1, 1963
C. January 15, 1966
D. May 29, 1999
Answer: A
2026 WAEC Nigerian History Objective and Essay Questions and Answers: June 9th 2026
39. Nigeria became a Republic in
A. 1960
B. 1963
C. 1966
D. 1979
Answer: B
40. Nigeria’s first President was
A. Nnamdi Azikiwe
B. Tafawa Balewa
C. Obafemi Awolowo
D. Yakubu Gowon
Answer: A
Post-Independence Nigeria
41. Nigeria’s first Prime Minister was
A. Tafawa Balewa
B. Azikiwe
C. Gowon
D. Awolowo
Answer: A
42. The first military coup occurred in
A. 1960
B. 1963
C. 1966
D. 1975
Answer: C
43. The Nigerian Civil War lasted from
A. 1967–1970
B. 1960–1963
C. 1975–1979
D. 1983–1985
Answer: A
44. The leader of Biafra was
A. Ojukwu
B. Gowon
C. Ironsi
D. Buhari
Answer: A
45. The policy of Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation was introduced by
A. Gowon
B. Azikiwe
C. Babangida
D. Shagari
Answer: A
46. The Murtala/Obasanjo regime handed over power in
A. 1979
B. 1983
C. 1993
D. 1999
Answer: A
47. Nigeria returned to civilian rule in
A. 1979
B. 1983
C. 1985
D. 1993
Answer: A
48. The annulled June 12 election was held in
A. 1991
B. 1992
C. 1993
D. 1994
Answer: C
49. The winner of the June 12 election was believed to be
A. Shehu Shagari
B. Moshood Abiola
C. Obasanjo
D. Babangida
Answer: B
50. Nigeria’s Fourth Republic began in
A. 1993
B. 1998
C. 1999
D. 2000
Answer: C
2026/2027 WAEC/GCE Nigerian History Objective and Essay Questions and Answers: October 13th 2026
Contemporary Nigeria
51. Nigeria currently operates a
A. Parliamentary system
B. Presidential system
C. Monarchy
D. Confederate system
Answer: B
52. The highest law in Nigeria is the
A. Constitution
B. Decree
C. Gazette
D. Edict
Answer: A
53. The National Assembly consists of
A. Senate and House of Representatives
B. Governors and Ministers
C. Courts and Tribunals
D. Traditional Councils
Answer: A
54. The Federal Capital Territory is
A. Lagos
B. Kaduna
C. Abuja
D. Kano
Answer: C
55. Nigeria has ___ states.
A. 30
B. 36
C. 37
D. 38
Answer: B
56. ECOWAS was established in
A. 1960
B. 1975
C. 1985
D. 1999
Answer: B
57. The green colour in Nigeria’s flag symbolizes
A. Wealth and agriculture
B. Peace
C. Unity
D. Freedom
Answer: A
58. The white colour in Nigeria’s flag symbolizes
A. Power
B. Justice
C. Peace
D. Agriculture
Answer: C
59. Democracy promotes
A. Participation of citizens
B. Military dictatorship
C. One-party rule
D. Colonialism
Answer: A
60. One major challenge facing Nigeria today is
A. National integration
B. Political instability
C. Economic development and security challenges
D. Discovery of resources
Answer: C
2026/2027 WAEC/GCE Nigerian History Objective and Essay Questions and Answers: October 13th 2026
PAPER 2
ESSAY QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS
QUESTION 1
Examine the political organization of the Oyo Empire. What factors contributed to its rise and eventual collapse?
ANSWER
The Oyo Empire was one of the most powerful and influential pre-colonial states in West Africa. It emerged around the fourteenth century and reached its peak between the seventeenth and eighteenth centuries.
Political Organization
The political structure of Oyo was highly centralized.
The Alaafin
The Alaafin was the supreme ruler and political head of the empire. He exercised executive authority and was regarded as the representative of the people.
The Oyo Mesi
The Oyo Mesi consisted of seven principal chiefs headed by the Bashorun. They served as advisers to the Alaafin and acted as a constitutional check on his powers.
The Ogboni Society
The Ogboni was a powerful secret society responsible for judicial matters and maintaining political balance within the kingdom.
Provincial Administration
Conquered territories paid tribute and were administered through appointed officials loyal to the Alaafin.
Factors Responsible for the Rise of Oyo
- Strong military organization.
- Effective cavalry due to savannah environment.
- Strategic location along trade routes.
- Stable political institutions.
- Efficient taxation system.
- Strong leadership.
Causes of Collapse
- Internal political conflicts.
- Weak leadership after Alaafin Abiodun.
- Rivalry between the Alaafin and Bashorun.
- Fulani Jihad incursions.
- Provincial rebellions.
- Economic decline.
The collapse of Oyo significantly altered the political history of Yorubaland and paved the way for new political formations.
QUESTION 2
Discuss the causes, course and consequences of the 1914 Amalgamation of Nigeria.
ANSWER
The amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria in 1914 remains one of the most important events in Nigerian history.
Meaning of Amalgamation
Amalgamation refers to the administrative merger of the Northern Protectorate and Southern Protectorate into a single political entity called Nigeria.
Causes of Amalgamation
Administrative Convenience
Britain sought easier management of its territories.
Financial Considerations
The South generated substantial revenue through customs duties and exports, while the North operated at a deficit.
Railway and Communication Development
Unified administration simplified transport and communication management.
Imperial Interests
Britain desired stronger political control over its West African possessions.
Consequences
Positive Consequences
- Creation of modern Nigeria.
- Larger market and economic integration.
- Unified administrative structure.
- Improved transportation networks.
Negative Consequences
- Forced union of diverse ethnic groups.
- Political tensions among regions.
- Uneven development.
- Ethnic and regional rivalries.
The effects of the 1914 Amalgamation continue to influence Nigeria’s politics, economy and social relations today.
2026/2027 WAEC/GCE Nigerian History Objective and Essay Questions and Answers: October 13th 2026
QUESTION 3
Analyze the growth of Nigerian nationalism and the contributions of Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo.
ANSWER
Nationalism refers to the struggle by Nigerians against colonial domination and for self-government.
Growth of Nationalism
Nationalism developed due to:
- Colonial discrimination.
- Western education.
- Newspaper activities.
- Return of educated Africans.
- World War experiences.
- Urbanization.
Herbert Macaulay
Often called the Father of Nigerian Nationalism.
Contributions
- Founded political organizations.
- Criticized colonial policies.
- Mobilized Lagos elites.
- Inspired nationalist movements.
Nnamdi Azikiwe
Popularly known as “Zik.”
Contributions
- Founded influential newspapers.
- Mobilized mass support.
- Co-founded NCNC.
- Promoted national unity.
Obafemi Awolowo
A leading nationalist and statesman.
Contributions
- Founded Action Group.
- Advocated federalism.
- Introduced free education in Western Region.
- Promoted regional development.
Together, these leaders accelerated Nigeria’s journey to independence in 1960.
2026/2027 WAEC/GCE Nigerian History Objective and Essay Questions and Answers: October 13th 2026
QUESTION 4
Examine the causes, major events and consequences of the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970).
ANSWER
The Nigerian Civil War, also called the Biafran War, was fought between the Federal Government and the secessionist Republic of Biafra.
Causes
Political Crisis
The January and July 1966 coups created deep mistrust among ethnic groups.
Ethnic Tensions
Growing ethnic rivalries threatened national unity.
Failure of Political Agreements
The Aburi Accord failed to resolve differences.
Secession of Eastern Region
Lieutenant Colonel Ojukwu declared the Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1967.
Major Events
- Declaration of Biafra.
- Federal military operations.
- Capture of strategic towns.
- Humanitarian crisis and starvation.
- Final surrender in January 1970.
Consequences
Human Losses
Millions died from fighting, disease and starvation.
Economic Destruction
Infrastructure suffered extensive damage.
National Unity Policies
Government introduced Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation.
Military Dominance
The military remained influential in politics for many years.
The Civil War remains one of the most significant events in Nigerian history and continues to shape discussions on unity, federalism and national integration.
QUESTION 5
Discuss the transition from military rule to democratic governance in Nigeria from 1993 to 1999.
ANSWER
The period between 1993 and 1999 was one of the most turbulent eras in Nigerian political history.
June 12, 1993 Election
The election is widely regarded as Nigeria’s freest and fairest election.
Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola was believed to have won.
Annulment
The military government annulled the election, leading to widespread protests and political instability.
Abacha Era
General Sani Abacha seized power and ruled from 1993 to 1998.
Characteristics included:
- Human rights violations.
- Political repression.
- Detention of opposition figures.
- International isolation.
Transition Programme
Following Abacha’s death in 1998, General Abdulsalami Abubakar initiated a transition programme.
Return to Democracy
The 1999 elections resulted in the emergence of President Olusegun Obasanjo and the beginning of the Fourth Republic on May 29, 1999.
Significance
- Restoration of civil liberties.
- Return of democratic institutions.
- Improved international relations.
- Expansion of political participation.
The transition marked a turning point in Nigeria’s democratic development and remains one of the most important milestones in the country’s political history.