History past questions: JAMB UTME 2024

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

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

1.
Benin's military campaigns often targeted which neighboring ethnic group?
1. A.The Hausa
2. B.The Yoruba
3. C.The Nupe
4. D.The Igbo
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Answer: B The Yoruba
2.
Christian missionary activities in Liberia were primarily dominated by which denomination in the 19th century?
1. A.Baptist
2. B.Anglican
3. C.Presbyterian
4. D.Methodist
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Answer: D Methodist
3.
Indirect rule was most successful in
1. A.Eastern Nigeria
2. B.Northern Nigeria
3. C.Southern Nigeria
4. D.The Niger Delta region
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Answer: B Northern Nigeria
4.
Khedive Ismail's ambitious modernization projects in Egypt led to
1. A.Massive debt and eventual control by European powers
2. B.The unification of the Arab world under Egyptian leadership
3. C.Egypt becoming a global economic powerhouse
4. D.The full industrialization of Egypt
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Answer: A Massive debt and eventual control by European powers
5.
Mohammad Ali Pasha is often referred to as the "founder of modern Egypt" due to his reforms in which sectors?
1. A.Religion, trade, and healthcare
2. B.Military, education, and agriculture
3. C.Art, architecture, and governance
4. D.Industrialization, law, and literature
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Answer: B Military, education, and agriculture
6.
Mohammed Ali's economic reforms in Egypt included
1. A.The reduction of agricultural production and reliance on imports
2. B.The establishment of state monopolies over key industries
3. C.The introduction of a free market economy
4. D.The privatization of major state enterprises
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Answer: B The establishment of state monopolies over key industries
7.
Nigeria's involvement in which UN agency has been crucial in addressing global health issues?
1. A.ILO
2. B.WHO
3. C.UNESCO
4. D.FAO
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Answer: B WHO
8.
One major effect of the establishment of Native Authorities was
1. A.The empowerment of traditional rulers within the colonial administration
2. B.The abolition of all traditional customs
3. C.The weakening of traditional power structures
4. D.The immediate modernization of local governance
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Answer: A The empowerment of traditional rulers within the colonial administration
9.
One of Gowon's major achievements was the hosting of which international event in Lagos in 1973?
1. A.The All-Africa Games
2. B.The Non-Aligned Movement Conference
3. C.The OAU Summit
4. D.The Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting
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Answer: C The OAU Summit
10.
One of the key factors that led to military intervention in Nigeria's First Republic was
1. A.Widespread corruption and political instability
2. B.External military threats
3. C.The refusal of political leaders to implement Western education
4. D.The lack of interest in independence
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Answer: A Widespread corruption and political instability
11.
One of the key impacts of French colonialism in West Africa was
1. A.The imposition of the French legal system and civil code
2. B.The abolition of all indigenous forms of governance
3. C.The replacement of Islam with Christianity
4. D.The promotion of Swahili as the lingua franca
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Answer: A The imposition of the French legal system and civil code
12.
Seku Amadu initiated a jihad in the early 19th century and established the Massina Empire. His jihad was primarily against
1. A.The Asante Empire
2. B.The Bambara Kingdoms
3. C.The French colonial forces
4. D.The Sokoto Caliphate
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Answer: D The Sokoto Caliphate
13.
The Abacha regime is known for instituting which economic policy aimed at centralizing control of Nigeria's oil revenue?
1. A.Structural Adjustment Program (SAP)
2. B.Green Revolution
3. C.Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF)
4. D.National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS)
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Answer: C Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF)
14.
The activities of the British East Africa Company led to
1. A.The discovery of gold mines in South Africa
2. B.The establishment of protectorates in East Africa
3. C.The formation of the United Nations
4. D.The creation of a trans-Saharan trade route
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Answer: B The establishment of protectorates in East Africa
15.
The amalgamation of 1914 resulted in the creation of
1. A.unified legal system for all of Nigeria
2. B.The establishment of regional governments
3. C.A new capital at Lagos
4. D.Separate administrative structures for North and South
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Answer: D Separate administrative structures for North and South
16.
The apartheid policy of "separate development" was also known as
1. A.Afrikaner nationalism
2. B.Bantustans
3. C.Homelands
4. D.Segregation
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Answer: B Bantustans
17.
The arrival of the Portuguese on the West African coast in the 15th century marked the beginning of European influence in the region. Their primary interest was in
1. A.Establishing colonies
2. B.Converting the local population to Christianity
3. C.Engaging in the trans-Atlantic slave trade
4. D.Trading gold and spices
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Answer: C Engaging in the trans-Atlantic slave trade
18.
The Battle of Blood River in 1838 was fought between the Boers and which indigenous group?
1. A.The Ndebele
2. B.The Sotho
3. C.The Zulus
4. D.The Xhosas
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Answer: C The Zulus
19.
The British amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 was primarily motivated by
1. A.desire to promote cultural unity among the diverse ethnic groups
2. B.Pressure from the League of Nations
3. C.Economic considerations, particularly the need to make the Northern Protectorate financially viable
4. D.The influence of nationalist movements
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Answer: C Economic considerations, particularly the need to make the Northern Protectorate financially viable
20.
The capital of the Kanem-Borno Empire moved from Kanem to Borno primarily due to
1. A.Environmental changes
2. B.Religious differences
3. C.External invasions
4. D.Internal conflicts
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Answer: A Environmental changes
21.
The challenge of building effective political institutions in newly independent African states has been exacerbated by
1. A.The prevalence of democratic governance models
2. B.High levels of foreign direct investment
3. C.Widespread support for national unity
4. D.A lack of experienced administrative personnel and leadership
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Answer: D A lack of experienced administrative personnel and leadership
22.
The concept of "The White Man's Burden," which justified European imperialism, was popularized by which British writer?
1. A.H.G. Wells
2. B.Joseph Conrad
3. C.Charles Dickens
4. D.Rudyard Kipling
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Answer: D Rudyard Kipling
23.
The creation of the Mid-Western Region in 1963 was primarily a response to
1. A.The demands of the minority groups in the Niger Delta
2. B.Ethnic tensions in the Western Region
3. C.The growing influence of the NCNC
4. D.The secessionist threats from Biafra
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Answer: A The demands of the minority groups in the Niger Delta
24.
The Cuban Missile Crisis of 1962 brought the world to the brink of nuclear war. It was a standoff between which two superpowers?
1. A.The United Kingdom and the Soviet Union
2. B.The Soviet Union and NATO
3. C.The United States and the Soviet Union
4. D.The United States and China
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Answer: C The United States and the Soviet Union
25.
The Ebira people, also from the Niger-Benue Valley, are known for their resistance to which British colonial policy in the early 20th century?
1. A.Forced labor
2. B.Land expropriation
3. C.Taxation
4. D.Indirect rule
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Answer: D Indirect rule
26.
The elective principle introduced by the Clifford Constitution allowed for elections in which Nigerian cities?
1. A.Lagos and Kano
2. B.Lagos and Enugu
3. C.Lagos and Calabar
4. D.Lagos and Ibadan
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Answer: C Lagos and Calabar
27.
The fall of which kingdom marked a significant milestone in the British conquest of the Nigerian area?
1. A.Benin Kingdom in 1897
2. B.Sokoto Caliphate in 1903
3. C.Kanem-Bornu Empire in 1914
4. D.Oyo Empire in 1825
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Answer: A Benin Kingdom in 1897
28.
The humanitarian crisis during the Nigerian Civil War was exacerbated by
1. A.The intervention of foreign mercenaries
2. B.The destruction of infrastructure by the Biafran forces
3. C.International sanctions against Nigeria
4. D.A blockade imposed by the Nigerian government on Biafra
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Answer: C International sanctions against Nigeria
29.
The impact of the Mfecane on trade in Southern Africa was
1. A.The decline of trade networks due to increased conflict
2. B.Enhancement of trade relations with European traders
3. C.Disruption of existing trade routes and establishment of new ones
4. D.The integration of African trade systems with European markets
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C Disruption of existing trade routes and establishment of new ones
30.
The infamous Middle Passage refers to
1. A.The journey of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas
2. B.The migration of Africans to Europe for labor
3. C.The pathway used by missionaries in Africa
4. D.The route taken by European explorers to reach Asia
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Answer: A The journey of enslaved Africans across the Atlantic Ocean to the Americas
31.
The introduction of the 1946 Richards Constitution in Nigeria was significant because
1. A.It established a federal system with equal representation for all ethnic groups
2. B.It led to the abolition of traditional chieftaincies and local governance
3. C.It resulted in the complete independence of Nigeria from British control
4. D.It marked the first significant step towards self-government and regional representation
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Answer: D It marked the first significant step towards self-government and regional representation
32.
The invasion by which group significantly contributed to the fall of the Old Oyo Empire?
1. A.The Nupe
2. B.The Benin
3. C.The Hausa
4. D.The Fulani
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Answer: D The Fulani
33.
The Islamic reform movement led by Al-Hajj Umar Tall was characterized by
1. A.The introduction of Western education and technology in West Africa
2. B.The development of alliances with European colonial powers
3. C.The promotion of commercial agriculture and trade with Europe
4. D.The establishment of a theocratic state in Senegal and the western Sudan
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Answer: D The establishment of a theocratic state in Senegal and the western Sudan
34.
The Kanem-Borno Empire was one of the most powerful states in the Nigeria area during the 19th century. Its capital during this period was
1. A.Kukawa
2. B.Maiduguri
3. C.Dikwa
4. D.Ngazargamu
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Answer: D Ngazargamu
35.
The Mahdiyya Movement in Sudan was primarily a response to
1. A.Egyptian and Ottoman control
2. B.British colonial rule
3. C.French influence in North Africa
4. D.The spread of Christianity
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Answer: A Egyptian and Ottoman control
36.
The major policy direction of the Obasanjo administration following the death of Murtala Mohammed was
1. A.Preparing the country for a transition to civilian rule and democratic elections
2. B.Strengthening alliances with other military regimes in Africa
3. C.Increasing military spending and expanding Nigeria's influence in international conflicts
4. D.Pursuing aggressive land and agricultural reforms to boost the economy
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Answer: A Preparing the country for a transition to civilian rule and democratic elections
37.
The Nupe kingdom reached its peak under the leadership of which notable ruler?
1. A.Etsu Aliyu
2. B.Etsu Mamudu
3. C.Etsu Tsoede
4. D.Etsu Abubakar
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Answer: B Etsu Mamudu
38.
The Nupe rulers, known as the Emir, exercised control through
1. A.A complex system of provincial governors and military commanders
2. B.Heavy taxation and land acquisition policies
3. C.The establishment of a theocratic government
4. D.Direct control over all economic activities
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Answer: A A complex system of provincial governors and military commanders
39.
The Omani Sultanate's control over Zanzibar led to
1. A.The widespread conversion of Zanzibar to Christianity
2. B.The complete cessation of the slave trade in the region
3. C.The establishment of a major center for the East African slave trade
4. D.The creation of a unified East African political entity
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Answer: C The establishment of a major center for the East African slave trade
40.
The Pan-African Congress of 1945, which called for an end to colonial rule in Africa, was held in which city?
1. A.Accra
2. B.Paris
3. C.London
4. D.Manchester
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Answer: C London
41.
The primary aim of the Ekumeku Movement in the Asaba hinterland was to
1. A.Promote the spread of Christianity
2. B.Resist British taxation and land policies
3. C.Establish an independent Asaba kingdom
4. D.Integrate with neighboring ethnic groups
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Answer: B Resist British taxation and land policies
42.
The primary destination of the Voortrekkers during the Great Trek was
1. A.The southern part of Mozambique
2. B.The interior regions of modern-day South Africa, such as the Transvaal and the Orange Free State
3. C.The coastal regions of Namibia
4. D.The highlands of Kenya
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Answer: B The interior regions of modern-day South Africa, such as the Transvaal and the Orange Free State
43.
The primary economic activity that drew Europeans to Nigeria in the early period was
1. A.The transatlantic slave trade
2. B.Agricultural exports
3. C.Agricultural exports
4. D.Textile manufacturing
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Answer: A The transatlantic slave trade
44.
The primary goal of early Christian missionaries in Nigeria was to
1. A.Promote Western fashion
2. B.Establish trade routes
3. C.Spread Christianity and convert the local population
4. D.Gain political control
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Answer: C Spread Christianity and convert the local population
45.
The primary impact of the Mahdist Revolt in Sudan on Ethiopia was
1. A.The direct military support provided to Ethiopian forces
2. B.The diversion of British and Italian resources away from Ethiopia
3. C.The establishment of a Mahdist alliance with Ethiopian rulers
4. D.The establishment of a political union between Sudan and Ethiopia
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Answer: B The diversion of British and Italian resources away from Ethiopia
46.
The primary role of the Executive Council in colonial Nigeria was to
1. A.Oversee the judiciary
2. B.Manage local government affairs
3. C.Advise the Governor-General on policy matters
4. D.Draft laws for the Legislative Council to pass
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Answer: C Advise the Governor-General on policy matters
47.
The rise of consular authority in Africa during the colonial era involved
1. A.The removal of all forms of European governance
2. B.European consuls exercising political and economic control in their respective regions
3. C.The promotion of African trade unions and cooperatives
4. D.The establishment of local African consulates to manage trade
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B European consuls exercising political and economic control in their respective regions
48.
The rise of nationalist movements in Nigeria was significantly influenced by
1. A.The spread of Islam
2. B.World War II and the Atlantic Charter
3. C.The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885
4. D.The American Civil War
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B World War II and the Atlantic Charter
49.
The rise of the Kanem-Borno Empire in the 9th century was primarily due to
1. A.Agricultural surplus
2. B.Conquest of neighboring empires
3. C.Diplomatic alliances with the Ottoman Empire
4. D.Control of trans-Saharan trade routes
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D Control of trans-Saharan trade routes
50.
The rise of the Kingdom of Ashanti was primarily driven by the trade of which commodity?
1. A.Salt
2. B.Ivory
3. C.Spices
4. D.Gold
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Answer: D Gold
51.
The role of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) in post-apartheid South Africa was to
1. A.Facilitate the redistribution of land and resources among previously disadvantaged groups
2. B.Oversee the transition of economic policies from apartheid to democracy
3. C.Enforce legal action against all members of the apartheid regime
4. D.Investigate human rights violations and promote national healing
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Answer: D Investigate human rights violations and promote national healing
52.
The Satiru Uprising of 1906 was a significant event in colonial Nigeria. What was the primary cause of this rebellion?
1. A.Resistance to the imposition of colonial rule
2. B.Opposition to Christian missionary activities
3. C.Disputes over land ownership
4. D.Discontent with British taxation policies
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B Opposition to Christian missionary activities
53.
The Sharpeville Massacre of 1960 was a turning point in the struggle against apartheid because it led to
1. A.Increased support for apartheid policies
2. B.The banning of the African National Congress (ANC) and Pan Africanist Congress (PAC)
3. C.International recognition of South Africa's independence
4. D.The immediate end of apartheid
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A Increased support for apartheid policies
54.
The Sokoto Caliphate's relations with the British colonial powers in the 19th century were
1. A.Generally cooperative, with the Caliphate aiding British administrative efforts
2. B.Marked by frequent conflicts and military confrontations
3. C.Based on treaties and trade agreements leading to mutual cooperation
4. D.Limited to diplomatic negotiations and sporadic trade interactions
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Answer: C Based on treaties and trade agreements leading to mutual cooperation
55.
The United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution in 1973 declaring apartheid as a
1. A.Crime against humanity
2. B.Domestic policy of South Africa
3. C.Form of racial discrimination
4. D.Legal system
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Answer: A Crime against humanity
56.
The Voortrekker Monument, inaugurated in 1949, is a symbol of Afrikaner nationalism. It commemorates which historical event?
1. A.The Great Trek
2. B.The founding of Cape Colony
3. C.The Battle of Blood River
4. D.The Union of South Africa
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Answer: A The Great Trek
57.
The Yoruba city-state of Ibadan rose to prominence in the 19th century primarily due to
1. A.Its role as a center of education
2. B.Its location on major trade routes
3. C.The military prowess of its leaders
4. D.The discovery of gold
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C The military prowess of its leaders
58.
Theodore II's efforts at unifying Ethiopia were challenged by
1. A.European colonizers seeking to divide the country
2. B.Religious factions within the Ethiopian Orthodox Church
3. C.Regional lords and noblemen who resisted central authority
4. D.The invasion of neighboring Sudan
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C Regional lords and noblemen who resisted central authority
59.
What significant development in Benin's political structure occurred during the reign of Oba Ewedo?
1. A.The establishment of a centralized monarchy
2. B.The introduction of the use of cowries as currency
3. C.The division of the kingdom into administrative units
4. D.The establishment of trade relations with the Portuguese
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A The establishment of a centralized monarchy
60.
What was a significant change introduced by the Shehus in the administration of Borno?
1. A.Centralization of the military
2. B.Abolition of the slave trade
3. C.Introduction of Sharia law
4. D.Conversion to Christianity
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A Centralization of the military
61.
Which ancient civilization built the Great Zimbabwe?
1. A.The Swahili
2. B.The Mutapa
3. C.The Zulu
4. D.The Shona
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Answer: D The Shona
62.
Which Christian missionary is credited with the translation of the Bible into Yoruba?
1. A.James Johnson
2. B.Samuel Ajayi Crowther
3. C.Henry Venn
4. D.Thomas Birch Freeman
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Answer: B Samuel Ajayi Crowther
63.
Which constitution laid the foundation for federalism in Nigeria?
1. A.Clifford Constitution of 1922
2. B.Lyttleton Constitution of 1954
3. C.Macpherson Constitution of 1951
4. D.Richards Constitution of 1946
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A Clifford Constitution of 1922
64.
Which economic factor was a major influence behind the 1914 amalgamation?
1. A.The financial deficits in Northern Nigeria
2. B.The need to control oil resources
3. C.The desire to unify currency systems
4. D.The expansion of railway networks
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C The desire to unify currency systems
65.
Which economic policy introduced by the Buhari regime had a significant impact on Nigeria's foreign exchange market?
1. A.Export promotion
2. B.Countertrade
3. C.Structural Adjustment Program (SAP)
4. D.Import substitution industrialization
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C Structural Adjustment Program (SAP)
66.
Which ECOWAS protocol allows for the free movement of persons, goods, and services within member states?
1. A.The ECOWAS Trade Liberalization Scheme
2. B.The Protocol on Free Movement
3. C.The Abuja Agreement
4. D.The Treaty of Lagos
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B The Protocol on Free Movement
67.
Which Islamic reform leader established the Massina Empire in present-day Mali?
1. A.Ahmad Lobbo
2. B.Al-Hajj Umar Tal
3. C.Usman dan Fodio
4. D.Muhammad Bello
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A Ahmad Lobbo
68.
Which leader, influenced by the Sokoto Caliphate, established a theocratic state in Masina in the early 19th century?
1. A.Al-Hajj Umar
2. B.Ahmadou Sekou
3. C.Samori Ture
4. D.Seku Amadu
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B Ahmadou Sekou
69.
Which Nigerian leader led the resistance against British colonization in the Aba Women's War of 1929?
1. A.Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
2. B.Ikonna Nwanyi
3. C.Madam Tinubu
4. D.Nana of Itsekiri
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Answer: A Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
70.
Which of the following best describes the main cause of the Mfecane?
1. A.The spread of Christianity
2. B.Competition over scarce resources
3. C.European colonization
4. D.Internal trade disputes
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B Competition over scarce resources
71.
Which of the following cash crops became highly significant in Nigeria during the colonial period?
1. A.Rice
2. B.Millet
3. C.Maize
4. D.Cocoa
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Answer: D Cocoa
72.
Which of the following social changes was a direct result of urbanization in colonial Nigeria?
1. A.The complete assimilation of Nigerian elites into British culture
2. B.The decline of traditional chieftaincy institutions
3. C.The growth of labor unions and political activism
4. D.The eradication of ethnic and regional differences
Show answerHide answer
Answer: A The complete assimilation of Nigerian elites into British culture
73.
Which of the following was a major export commodity of the Oyo Empire during the pre-colonial period?
1. A.Ivory
2. B.Kola nuts
3. C.Salt
4. D.Gold
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B Kola nuts
74.
Which of the following was a significant factor in the rise of Nigerian nationalism in the early 20th century?
1. A.The Atlantic Charter of 1941
2. B.The British colonial policy of assimilation
3. C.The introduction of indirect rule
4. D.The Berlin Conference of 1884-1885
Show answerHide answer
Answer: C The introduction of indirect rule
75.
Which of the following Yoruba states rose to prominence as a result of the decline of Oyo?
1. A.Egba
2. B.Ibadan
3. C.Ife
4. D.Ijebu
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B Ibadan
76.
Which Omani Sultan moved the capital from Muscat to Zanzibar in the 19th century?
1. A.Khalid bin Barghash
2. B.Sa'id bin Sultan
3. C.Thuwaini bin Said
4. D.Sultan bin Saif
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B Sa'id bin Sultan
77.
Which principle was established at the Berlin Conference to justify European claims to African territories?
1. A.The Monroe Doctrine
2. B.Effective occupation
3. C.Terra nullius
4. D.The Treaty of Tordesillas
Show answerHide answer
Answer: B Effective occupation
78.
Which treaty did Menelik II reject, leading to the Italian invasion and the subsequent Battle of Adwa?
1. A.Treaty of Addis Ababa
2. B.Treaty of Ucciali
3. C.Treaty of Algiers
4. D.Treaty of Wuchale
Show answerHide answer
Answer: D Treaty of Wuchale

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