Module 6 - Nigeria under Colonial Rule

Question 1

What was the time period of British colonial rule in Nigeria?

Answer 1

From the mid-nineteenth century until 1960.

Question 2

When did Nigeria achieve independence?

Answer 2

1960.

Question 3

What significant event in 1807 impacted British influence in Nigeria?

Answer 3

Prohibition of slave trade to British subjects.

Question 4

What year did Britain annex Lagos?

Answer 4

1861.

Question 5

What was established in 1884 by the British in Nigeria?

Answer 5

Oil River Protectorate.

Question 6

When did the Royal Niger Company govern Nigeria?

Answer 6

From 1886 to 1899.

Question 7

What two territories were amalgamated in 1914?

Answer 7

Northern Protectorate and Southern Protectorate.

Question 8

Who urged the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern Protectorates?

Answer 8

Governor Frederick Lugard.

Question 9

What form of government was imposed in Nigeria after 1900?

Answer 9

Crown Colony government.

Question 10

What approach did the British adopt for governing Nigeria?

Answer 10

Indirect rule.

Question 11

Who is regarded as the ‘father of the indirect rule system’ in Nigeria?

Answer 11

Sir Frederick Lord Lugard.

Question 12

True or False: The indirect rule system was equally successful in all regions of Nigeria.

Answer 12

False.

Question 13

What were the three constituencies along which British governed Nigeria starting in 1898?

Answer 13

• Lagos colony
• Southern Protectorate
• Northern Protectorate

Question 14

What was the main aim of the May 1906 amalgamation?

Answer 14

To use the better financial position of the Southern Protectorate to cover costs in Lagos.

Question 15

What was the principal reason for the January 1914 amalgamation?

Answer 15

To use surpluses from the Southern trade to support the Northern Protectorate.

Question 16

What was the first political party formed in Nigeria?

Answer 16

National Council of Nigeria and the Camerouns (NCNC).

Question 17

What year was the National Council of Nigeria and the Camerouns (NCNC) formed?

Answer 17

1944.

Question 18

What major political parties emerged in Nigeria prior to independence?

Answer 18

• National Council of Nigeria and the Camerouns (NCNC)
• Northern People’s Congress (NPC)
• Action Group (AG)

Question 19

What movement is known as the ‘first true nationalist organization’ in Nigeria?

Answer 19

Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM).

Question 20

When did the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) emerge?

Answer 20

1936.

Question 21

What was the aim of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1945?

Answer 21

To achieve internal self-government for Nigeria.

Question 22

Fill in the blank: Colonialism can be described as the policy or practice in which a developed country takes control over _______ countries.

Answer 22

less developed

Question 23

What significant conference in 1884/85 led to the partitioning of Africa?

Answer 23

Berlin Conference.

Question 24

Who were the prominent figures in the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM)?

Answer 24

• Samuel Akinsanya
• H.O Davies
• Ernest Ikoli
• Dr. J.C Vaughan

Question 25

What was a notable effect of British colonial rule on Nigerians?

Answer 25

Nigerians became foreigners in their own country.

Question 26

What was the economic focus of British colonial policies in Nigeria?

Answer 26

Sourcing cheap raw materials and creating markets for finished products.

Question 27

What characterized the Nigerian nationalist movement?

Answer 27

* Protests against colonialism * Influence of black diasporas * Presence of educated elites

Question 28

What year marks the 100th anniversary of the union between the northern and southern regions of Nigeria?

Answer 28

2014.

Question 29

When was the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) created?

Answer 29

26th August 1944 ## Footnote The NCNC was headed by Herbert Macaulay as president and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as its secretary.

Question 30

What was one of the main aims of the NCNC in 1945?

Answer 30

To achieve internal self-government for Nigeria ## Footnote This included exercising executive, legislative, and judicial power for Nigeria and the Cameroons under British mandate.

Question 31

What sentiment arose within the NCNC due to Igbo domination?

Answer 31

A feeling of resentment ## Footnote This shift led to tribal interests overshadowing the true nationalist spirit.

Question 32

Which party was founded in 1948 to defend Yoruba interests?

Answer 32

Action Group (AG) ## Footnote It was founded by Obafemi Awolowo.

Question 33

Who formed the Northern People’s Congress (NPC) in 1949?

Answer 33

Mallam Aminu Kano and Mallam Abubakar Tafawa Balewa ## Footnote The NPC was created to defend the interests of the Northerners.

Question 34

What did the establishment of tribal-oriented political organizations lead to in Nigeria?

Answer 34

Strong centrifugal forces against Nigerian unity ## Footnote Ethnic nationalism and regional divisions triumphed over unity.

Question 35

What was the final declaration of Nigerian independence date?

Answer 35

October 1st 1960 ## Footnote This was influenced by major constitutions.

Question 36

Who introduced the Richards Constitution of 1946?

Answer 36

Sir Arthur Richard ## Footnote It recognized Nigeria's diversity by introducing the federal principle.

Question 37

What effect did the Richards Constitution have on regionalism?

Answer 37

It intensified regionalism ## Footnote Instead of encouraging political unification.

Question 38

What did the McPherson Constitution of 1951 establish?

Answer 38

Regional autonomy and federal union ## Footnote It created a central government with a Council of Ministers.

Question 39

What was a key difference between the Macpherson and Richards Constitution?

Answer 39

Creation of a central executive council ## Footnote The Macpherson Constitution also appointed natives as ministers.

Question 40

What did the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 signify for Nigeria?

Answer 40

The establishment of a federal system of government ## Footnote It marked the end of the nationalist struggle for independence.

Question 41

What challenges remained in Nigeria even after independence?

Answer 41

Ethnicism and tribalism ## Footnote Feelings of marginalization by minority groups were also prominent.

Question 42

What major themes does this module cover?

Answer 42

Colonial rule, colonial administration, political evolution, amalgamation, political parties, nationalist movement, and independence constitutions ## Footnote These themes outline the historical context leading to Nigeria's independence.