History past questions: JAMB UTME 2023

77 objective questions, with answers. Free to read and practise.

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77 questions, one at a time, marked as you go or at the end. No account needed.

1.
Apartheid in South Africa was a system that institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination. What year did it officially begin?
1. A.1948
2. B.1956
3. C.1971
4. D.1963
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Answer: A 1948
2.
During The Great Trek, the Boers clashed with which indigenous African groups?
1. A.Maasai and Kikuyu.
2. B.Zulu and Xhosa.
3. C.San and Khoikhoi.
4. D.Berber and Tuareg.
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Answer: B Zulu and Xhosa.
3.
During the Great Trek, the Voortrekkers clashed with the indigenous Zulu people. Who was the Zulu king at that time?
1. A.King Zwelithini
2. B.Dingane kaSenzangakhona
3. C.Cetshwayo kaMpande
4. D.Shaka Zulu
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Answer: B Dingane kaSenzangakhona
4.
During the Mahdiyya Movement, the British-Egyptian forces were defeated at the Battle of
1. A.Kerreri
2. B.Dongola
3. C.Khartoum
4. D.Omdurman
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Answer: C Khartoum
5.
During the Second Republic, Nigeria experienced a boom in which sector?
1. A.Technology
2. B.Mining
3. C.Oil and gas
4. D.Agriculture
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Answer: C Oil and gas
6.
How did Ethiopia's defeat of Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa impact the Pan-African movement?
1. A.It inspired other African nations to join the movement
2. B.It encouraged African diaspora communities to return to Africa
3. C.It led to the formation of the African Union
4. D.It accelerated the end of colonialism in Africa
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Answer: A It inspired other African nations to join the movement
7.
How did the amalgamation affect the traditional political systems in Nigeria?
1. A.It had no impact on the traditional systems
2. B.It abolished the traditional systems
3. C.It strengthened the traditional systems
4. D.It led to the formation of a new political system
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Answer: D It led to the formation of a new political system
8.
How did the establishment of missionary schools during the colonial era affect the Nigerian economy?
1. A.It led to increased government spending on education.
2. B.It hindered economic development due to religious conflicts.
3. C.It improved the literacy rate and provided a skilled workforce.
4. D.It favored British education over traditional Nigerian education.
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Answer: C It improved the literacy rate and provided a skilled workforce.
9.
How did the Murtala/Obasanjo regime handle the issue of minority rights and tensions among various ethnic groups?
1. A.Encouraging forced assimilation of minority cultures
2. B.Implementing a quota system in government employment and education
3. C.Imposing martial law in regions with conflicts
4. D.Granting autonomy to regions seeking independence
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Answer: B Implementing a quota system in government employment and education
10.
In 1991, Nigeria hosted the "World Festival of Black Arts and Culture." Which city was the venue for this cultural event?
1. A.Abuja
2. B.Kano
3. C.Calabar
4. D.Lagos
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Answer: D Lagos
11.
In which year did Nigeria host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)?
1. A.1999
2. B.2013
3. C.2007
4. D.2003
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Answer: D 2003
12.
Lake Victoria, one of the largest freshwater lakes in the world, is shared by three countries. Which of the following countries is NOT among them?
1. A.Uganda
2. B.Tanzania
3. C.Kenya
4. D.Mozambique
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Answer: D Mozambique
13.
Morocco is known for producing which luxury commodity, derived from the argan tree?
1. A.Olive oil
2. B.Coffee
3. C.Spices
4. D.Argan oil
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Answer: D Argan oil
14.
Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria's military head of state during which period?
1. A.1976-1979
2. B.2007-2010
3. C.1993-1998
4. D.1983-1985
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Answer: D 1983-1985
15.
Sierra Leone is home to a rich musical tradition, with one popular genre known as
1. A.Maringa
2. B.Reggae
3. C.Highlife
4. D.Salsa
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Answer: A Maringa
16.
The "Magna Carta," signed in 1215, limited the power of which monarch?
1. A.King Louis XIV of France
2. B.King Henry VIII of England
3. C.King John of England
4. D.Emperor Charlemagne of the Holy Roman Empire
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Answer: C King John of England
17.
The Aba Women's Riots of 1929 were a response to:
1. A.The prohibition of women from participating in politics.
2. B.The banning of traditional religious practices.
3. C.The imposition of heavy taxes on women traders.
4. D.Forced labor in European-owned plantations.
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Answer: C The imposition of heavy taxes on women traders.
18.
The ancient city of Carthage, once a powerful Phoenician civilization, was located in modern-day
1. A.Egypt
2. B.Algeria
3. C.Morocco
4. D.Tunisia
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Answer: D Tunisia
19.
The British colonial policy of "indirect rule" was first implemented in Nigeria by Lugard in which region?
1. A.Calabar
2. B.Oyo
3. C.Lagos
4. D.Kano
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Answer: D Kano
20.
The city of Ife, in present-day Nigeria, is famous for its artistic heritage, particularly its
1. A.Beadwork
2. B.Adire textiles
3. C.Wooden masks
4. D.Terracotta sculptures
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Answer: D Terracotta sculptures
21.
The colonization of Liberia began in what year?
1. A.1875
2. B.1807
3. C.1807
4. D.1850
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Answer: B 1807
22.
The decline of the Songhai Empire in the 16th century was partly due to
1. A.Internal unrest and external attacks
2. B.Arab invasions
3. C.British colonial expansion
4. D.Portuguese trade restrictions
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Answer: A Internal unrest and external attacks
23.
The Efik Kingdom had a highly developed system of writing known as
1. A.Hieroglyphics
2. B.Cuneiform
3. C.Ajami
4. D.Nsibidi
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Answer: D Nsibidi
24.
The first colonial capital of Nigeria was established in
1. A.Lagos
2. B.Port Harcourt
3. C.Calabar
4. D.Kano
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Answer: C Calabar
25.
The Great Walls of Kano, ancient defensive walls, were built to protect the city from potential attacks in what century?
1. A.15th century
2. B.12th century
3. C.13th century
4. D.18th century
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Answer: A 15th century
26.
The Kanem-Borno Empire prospered due to its control over
1. A.Ivory trade
2. B.Salt trade
3. C.Gold trade
4. D.Copper trade
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Answer: B Salt trade
27.
The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 introduced which significant political reform in Nigeria?
1. A.Introduction of regional autonomy
2. B.Creation of the Office of the Governor-General
3. C.Introduction of the federal system
4. D.Establishment of the Legislative Council
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Answer: C Introduction of the federal system
28.
The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is an important historical document that limited the power of which figure?
1. A.Kings and Monarchs
2. B.The Pope
3. C.Military Generals
4. D.Wealthy Merchants
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Answer: A Kings and Monarchs
29.
The Mahdiyya Movement began with the declaration of the Mahdi in what year?
1. A.1878
2. B.1882
3. C.1890
4. D.1885
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Answer: D 1885
30.
The Mfecane was primarily driven by
1. A.Famine and drought
2. B.Intertribal conflicts and population movements
3. C.European colonial expansion
4. D.Arab slave trade
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Answer: B Intertribal conflicts and population movements
31.
The movement led by El Hadj Umar Tall in the 19th century aimed to create an Islamic state in
1. A.Senegal
2. B.Mali
3. C.Guinea
4. D.Mauritania
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Answer: B Mali
32.
The Omani Empire declined in the 19th century due to
1. A.Internal power struggles
2. B.Natural disasters
3. C.Invasions from neighboring empires
4. D.European colonialism
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Answer: A Internal power struggles
33.
The Omani influence in East Africa led to the growth of a distinct Swahili culture. What contributed to the development of this culture?
1. A.Chinese trade missions
2. B.Persian conquests
3. C.Indian migration
4. D.Portuguese colonization
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Answer: B Persian conquests
34.
The Oyo Empire reached its peak during the reign of which Alaafin?
1. A.Oba Ewuare
2. B.Oduduwa
3. C.Shango
4. D.Abiodun
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Answer: D Abiodun
35.
The Richards Constitution of 1946 introduced a new political structure in Nigeria. What was a major criticism of this constitution by Nigerian nationalists?
1. A.It failed to recognize the diversity of ethnic groups in Nigeria.
2. B.It favored the interests of urban elites over rural populations.
3. C.It restricted the activities of nationalist organizations.
4. D.It granted too much power to regional governments.
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Answer: A It failed to recognize the diversity of ethnic groups in Nigeria.
36.
The Richards Constitution of 1946 introduced the concept of regionalism in Nigeria, dividing the country into how many regions?
1. A.5
2. B.4
3. C.2
4. D.3
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Answer: D 3
37.
The Rwandan genocide in 1994 resulted in the mass killing of which ethnic group?
1. A.Zulus
2. B.Tutsis
3. C.Hutus
4. D.Bantus
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Answer: B Tutsis
38.
The system of Government in the Sokoto Caliphate was
1. A.Democracy
2. B.Parliamentary
3. C.Totalitarianism
4. D.Communism
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Answer: C Totalitarianism
39.
The Treaty of Nanjing, signed after the First Opium War, resulted in the cession of which territory to Great Britain?
1. A.Macau
2. B.Hong Kong
3. C.Taiwan
4. D.Shanghai
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Answer: B Hong Kong
40.
What contributed significantly to the rise of early states in Nigeria?
1. A.Industrial revolution
2. B.Arab trade routes
3. C.European colonization
4. D.Agricultural advancements
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Answer: D Agricultural advancements
41.
What event marked the official end of apartheid in South Africa?
1. A.The release of Nelson Mandela from prison
2. B.The signing of the Freedom Charter
3. C.The Sharpeville Massacre
4. D.The Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings
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Answer: A The release of Nelson Mandela from prison
42.
What significant event occurred during the Murtala/Obasanjo regime's early days in office?
1. A.The declaration of war against neighboring countries
2. B.The release of political prisoners
3. C.The launch of the Green Revolution program
4. D.The Second Republic elections
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Answer: B The release of political prisoners
43.
What was the major consequence of the Scramble for Africa in Yorubaland?
1. A.Yorubaland experienced rapid industrialization.
2. B.Yorubaland lost its independence and became a British protectorate.
3. C.Yoruba city-states formed a confederation.
4. D.Yorubaland became a French colony.
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Answer: B Yorubaland lost its independence and became a British protectorate.
44.
What was the outcome of the Battle of Adwa in 1896?
1. A.Ethiopia and Italy signed a peace treaty.
2. B.Italy withdrew from Ethiopia.
3. C.Ethiopia gained full independence from Italy.
4. D.Ethiopia was annexed by Italy.
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Answer: C Ethiopia gained full independence from Italy.
45.
What was the political structure of the Nupe Kingdom during this period?
1. A.Feudal system
2. B.Absolute monarchy
3. C.Tribal confederation
4. D.Parliamentary democracy
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Answer: B Absolute monarchy
46.
What was the primary economic activity of the Nupe people during this period?
1. A.Hunting
2. B.Farming
3. C.Fishing
4. D.Trading
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Answer: B Farming
47.
What was the primary reason for the military takeover by the Abacha regime?
1. A.To implement economic reforms
2. B.To promote religious freedom
3. C.To restore democracy
4. D.To fight corruption
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Answer: C To restore democracy
48.
What was the purpose of the Pan-African Congresses that began in 1900?
1. A.To advocate for African colonization of Europe
2. B.To promote European imperialism in Africa
3. C.To discuss strategies for African independence and unity
4. D.To establish trade alliances with Asian countries
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Answer: C To discuss strategies for African independence and unity
49.
Which African country experienced a prolonged and violent struggle for independence against French colonial rule, culminating in a war of independence that lasted from 1954 to 1962?
1. A.Algeria
2. B.Tunisia
3. C.Tunisia
4. D.Morocco
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Answer: A Algeria
50.
Which African leader famously stated, "I am the captain of my soul" and became an icon of the decolonization movement?
1. A.Nelson Mandela
2. B.Julius Nyerere
3. C.Patrice Lumumba
4. D.Jomo Kenyatta
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Answer: A Nelson Mandela
51.
Which British explorer is credited with the "discovery" of the Niger River, sparking further interest in the Nigeria Area?
1. A.James Cook
2. B.John Cabot
3. C.David Livingstone
4. D.Ferdinand Magellan
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Answer: C David Livingstone
52.
Which Christian missionary is known for translating the Bible into several indigenous Liberian languages?
1. A.Edward Blyden
2. B.Samuel Ajayi Crowther
3. C.Mary Slessor
4. D.Lott Cary
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Answer: B Samuel Ajayi Crowther
53.
Which colonial policy was implemented to extract resources and labor from Nigeria for Britain's benefit?
1. A.Assimilation
2. B.Indirect rule
3. C.Association
4. D.Exploitation
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Answer: B Indirect rule
54.
Which conference, held in 1884-1885, laid the groundwork for the partition of Africa among European powers?
1. A.Congress of Vienna
2. B.Treaty of Tordesillas
3. C.Treaty of Versailles
4. D.Conference of Berlin
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Answer: D Conference of Berlin
55.
Which constitutional conference in London paved the way for Nigeria's independence?
1. A.London Conference of 1945
2. B.London Conference of 1920
3. C.London Conference of 1963
4. D.London Conference of 1957
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Answer: D London Conference of 1957
56.
Which European explorer is credited with discovering Sierra Leone in the 15th century?
1. A.Vasco da Gama
2. B.Christopher Columbus
3. C.Ferdinand Magellan
4. D.Pedro de Sintra
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Answer: D Pedro de Sintra
57.
Which event marked the rise of Mohammed Ali to power in Egypt?
1. A.The French Invasion of Egypt
2. B.The British Occupation of Egypt
3. C.The Mamluk Massacre
4. D.The Ottoman-Saudi War
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Answer: C The Mamluk Massacre
58.
Which external influence contributed to the spread of the Bantu language in the Nigeria area?
1. A.Nok civilization
2. B.Egyptian traders
3. C.Phoenician explorers
4. D.Arab merchants
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Answer: D Arab merchants
59.
Which historical period is characterized by the emergence of written language and the invention of the wheel?
1. A.Bronze Age
2. B.Middle Ages
3. C.Stone Age
4. D.Neolithic Age
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Answer: A Bronze Age
60.
Which influential leader in the Sokoto Caliphate was responsible for administration and justice?
1. A.Waziri
2. B.Caliph
3. C.Emir
4. D.Imam
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Answer: A Waziri
61.
Which initiative was launched by the Buhari administration to tackle corruption in Nigeria?
1. A.EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission)
2. B.Operation Python Dance
3. C.Operation Crocodile Smile
4. D.Operation Lafiya Dole
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Answer: A EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission)
62.
Which international boycott significantly contributed to the end of apartheid in South Africa?
1. A.The Suez Canal Boycott
2. B.The Anti-Apartheid Boycott
3. C.The Boston Tea Party Boycott
4. D.The Montgomery Bus Boycott
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Answer: B The Anti-Apartheid Boycott
63.
Which Islamic reform movement aimed to purify the practice of Islam from local customs and traditions in West Africa during the 18th and 19th centuries?
1. A.Wahhabi Movement
2. B.Mahdist Movement
3. C.Sufi Brotherhoods
4. D.Qadiriyya Movement
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Answer: B Mahdist Movement
64.
Which major event led to the decline of the Benin Kingdom's influence in the 19th century?
1. A.The American Civil War
2. B.The Scramble for Africa
3. C.The Opium Wars
4. D.The French Revolution
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Answer: B The Scramble for Africa
65.
Which major international power supported Biafra during the Civil War?
1. A.France
2. B.China
3. C.United Kingdom
4. D.United States
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Answer: A France
66.
Which military leader introduced the "War Against Indiscipline" campaign in the 1980s?
1. A.General Ibrahim Babangida
2. B.General Murtala Ramat Mohammed
3. C.General Sani Abacha
4. D.General Muhammadu Buhari
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Answer: D General Muhammadu Buhari
67.
Which of the following trade commodities was highly sought after and contributed to the rise of several states in the Nigeria area up to 1800?
1. A.Ivory
2. B.Gold
3. C.Spices
4. D.Salt
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Answer: D Salt
68.
Which of the following was a significant effect of colonial education in Nigeria?
1. A.Elimination of traditional educational systems
2. B.Fostering unity among various ethnic groups
3. C.Limited access to education for the masses
4. D.Preservation of indigenous languages and cultures
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Answer: C Limited access to education for the masses
69.
Which of the following was a significant trading commodity in the Nigeria area before 1800?
1. A.Coffee
2. B.Rubber
3. C.Cocoa
4. D.Kola nuts
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Answer: D Kola nuts
70.
Which organization played a crucial role in the fight against apartheid in South Africa and was led by Nelson Mandela?
1. A.Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
2. B.African Union (AU)
3. C.Southern African Development Community (SADC)
4. D.African National Congress (ANC)
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Answer: D African National Congress (ANC)
71.
Which region of Nigeria was known for its active involvement in long-distance trade during the pre-1800 period?
1. A.Sahara Desert
2. B.Niger Delta
3. C.Lake Chad Basin
4. D.Benue River Valley
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Answer: B Niger Delta
72.
Which social group in Nigeria was most affected by the introduction of the indirect rule system?
1. A.Chief priest
2. B.Educated elites
3. C.Traditional rulers
4. D.Women in rural areas
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Answer: C Traditional rulers
73.
Which Yoruba city-state was the last to fall to British colonial rule in the late 19th century?
1. A.Abeokuta
2. B.Oyo
3. C.Lagos
4. D.Ibadan
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Answer: A Abeokuta
74.
Who is often considered the founder of modern Egypt and the ruler of Egypt from 1805 to 1848?
1. A.Mohammed Ali
2. B.Gamal Abdel Nasser
3. C.Khedive Ismail
4. D.King Farouk
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Answer: A Mohammed Ali
75.
Who was the leader of the opposition in Nigeria during the Second Republic?
1. A.Abubakar Tafawa Balewa
2. B.Shehu Shagari
3. C.Obafemi Awolowo
4. D.Ahmadu Bello
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C Obafemi Awolowo
76.
Who was the Oba of Benin during the height of the kingdom's power in the 19th century?
1. A.Oba Ewuare II
2. B.Oba Ovonramwen
3. C.Oba Akenzua II
4. D.Oba Erediauwa
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B Oba Ovonramwen
77.
Who was the Zulu king responsible for the expansion of the Zulu Kingdom during the MFECANE?
1. A.King Moshoeshoe
2. B.King Cetshwayo
3. C.Nelson Mandela
4. D.Shaka Zulu
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D Shaka Zulu

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