2024 NECO GCE HISTORY : NECO GCE History (His) 2025 Legit Answers (4414)

(1)

(i) Clan-Based System: The Birom society was organized into clans, each headed by an elder who served as the leader. These elders were respected for their wisdom and experience.

(ii) Council of Elders: Decisions affecting the community were often made collectively by a council of elders. This council represented different clans within the community and served as the primary governing body.

(iii) Autonomy of Villages: Each village or settlement had significant autonomy in managing its internal affairs. Leadership within villages was based on consensus and respect for customs.

(iv) Role of Religion and Tradition: Religious leaders played a central role in governance, as spiritual beliefs were deeply intertwined with political decisions. Rituals and traditional practices were used to address disputes, enforce laws, and maintain order.

(v) Defense and Security: Although decentralized, the Birom people organized collectively for defense purposes. Leadership during conflicts was often provided by individuals who demonstrated bravery and skill in warfare.

(2)

(i) Digitization and Preservation of Historical Records: ICT enables the digitization of historical documents, artifacts, and archives, which protects them from physical deterioration. Important manuscripts, colonial records, and traditional oral histories can be stored electronically for future generations.

(ii) Access to Global Historical Resources: Through the internet and digital libraries, researchers and students can access Nigerian historical materials that are stored in national and international archives. This access enriches the understanding of Nigeria’s past by providing diverse perspectives.

(iii) Facilitation of Research: ICT tools like databases, geographic information systems (GIS), and data analytics help historians analyze and interpret large volumes of data. For example, GIS can map historical migration patterns or political boundaries in Nigeria over time.

(iv) Promoting Collaboration: ICT fosters collaboration among historians, researchers, and institutions worldwide. Platforms like video conferencing and shared digital workspaces make it easier to discuss findings and co-author works.

(v) Preservation of Oral Histories: Nigeria has a rich tradition of oral history, which ICT helps preserve through audio and video recordings. These records can be archived digitally for educational and cultural purposes.

(vi) Educational Tools: ICT enhances 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' teaching and learning about Nigerian history. Multimedia presentations, virtual reality tours of historical sites, and interactive timelines make history more engaging for students.

(vii) Dissemination of Knowledge: Social media, websites, and online publications make Nigerian history more accessible to the general public. ICT ensures that more people can learn about the country's past, including those in remote areas.

(3)

(i) Geographical Location: The Hausa region was located in the savannah zone, which provided fertile soil for agriculture. The availability of land for farming encouraged settlement and population growth, which eventually led to the establishment of organized states.

(ii) Trade and Economic Activities: The Hausa states were strategically located along trans-Saharan trade routes, facilitating trade in goods such as salt, gold, leather, and textiles. The wealth generated from trade supported the development of centralized political structures and urbanization.

(iii) Cultural and Linguistic Unity: The Hausa people shared a common language and culture, which fostered unity and cooperation among various communities. This cultural cohesion made it easier for groups to come together and form organized states.

(iv) Islamic Influence: The spread of Islam in the region played a significant role in uniting the Hausa people. Islam introduced a common religious identity and legal system (Sharia) that helped establish governance structures in the emerging states.

(v) Military Organization: The Hausa states developed strong military systems to protect their territories from external threats and ensure internal stability. Military strength allowed them to expand their influence and consolidate their power.

(vi) Leadership and Political Structure: The Hausa states were led by strong 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' leaders (e.g., kings or emirs) who established centralized authority. The political system was organized into city-states, each governed by a ruler, with Kano, Zazzau (Zaria), and Katsina being notable examples.

(vii) Favorable Climate and Resources: The climate in the Hausa region was conducive to farming and livestock rearing. The availability of natural resources like iron ore enabled the production of tools and weapons, which supported economic and military activities.

(viii) External Influences and Alliances: Interaction with neighboring communities and empires, such as the Mali Empire, brought new ideas and technologies that contributed to the development of the Hausa states. Alliances and intermarriages also played a role in strengthening ties among different groups.

(4)

(i) Corruption and Oppression by Hausa Rulers: Many Hausa rulers were perceived as corrupt, unjust, and oppressive. They imposed heavy taxes, enslaved their people, and engaged in immoral practices. This created widespread dissatisfaction, making the populace receptive to change.

(ii) Religious Motivation: The Jihad was driven by Islamic reformist ideals. Usman dan Fodio and his followers sought to purify Islam in Hausaland by eliminating syncretic practices and re-establishing Sharia (Islamic law). This religious appeal attracted a large following among Muslims who desired a return to true Islamic principles.

(iii) Charismatic Leadership of Usman dan Fodio: Usman dan Fodio was a respected scholar, preacher, and leader who inspired loyalty among his followers. His ability to articulate the need for reform and his vision for a just Islamic society galvanized support for the movement.

(iv) Support from the Masses: The Jihad gained widespread support from oppressed groups, including peasants, enslaved people, and Fulani pastoralists. These groups saw the movement as an opportunity to escape oppression and improve their social and economic conditions.

(v) Unity Among the Fulani: The Fulani people, who were spread across West Africa, played a central role in the Jihad. Their unity and support provided the movement with a strong base of fighters and resources.

(vi) Military 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' Organization and Strategy: The Jihadists were well-organized militarily, employing effective strategies and tactics to defeat the Hausa rulers. Their ability to mobilize and coordinate attacks gave them an advantage in battles.

(vii) Weakness of Hausa States: The Hausa states were fragmented and often engaged in rivalries and conflicts with one another. This lack of unity weakened their ability to resist the Jihad effectively.

8. Appeal of Justice and Equality:

The Jihadists promised a more just and equitable society based on Islamic principles. This resonated with many people who were tired of the injustices and inequality under the existing Hausa rulers.

(6)

(i) Difficult Terrain: Nigeria's diverse and often rugged terrain, which includes dense forests, swamps, and mountains, made exploration difficult. The Niger River, which was a major route for exploration, had obstacles such as rapids, waterfalls, and fluctuating water levels, making navigation hazardous and slow.

(ii) Tropical Diseases: One of the major obstacles for European explorers was the prevalence of deadly diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and dysentery. These diseases were often fatal, and explorers lacked the necessary medical knowledge or treatments to cope with them effectively. Malaria was particularly devastating, as it spread rapidly in the humid environment.

(iii) Language Barriers: Nigeria is a linguistically diverse country, and the language barrier between the European explorers and the various ethnic groups made communication difficult. This hindered negotiations and the gathering of accurate information, slowing down exploration efforts.

(iv) Fragmented Political Structure: Nigeria was not a unified entity at the time; instead, it was made up of a variety of independent kingdoms and states, such as the Oyo Empire, the Hausa city-states, and the Kingdom of Benin. This fragmentation meant that European explorers had to negotiate with multiple leaders or rulers to gain access to different regions, which was time-consuming and often met with resistance.

(v) 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' Transportation Problems:

There were no roads or infrastructure for motorized transport, making it necessary for explorers to travel on foot or with pack animals, which was slow and exhausting. Navigating rivers by boat was also challenging, with poor navigational tools and the need for local guides to navigate the waterways.

(vi) Religious Conflicts: The arrival of missionaries and the spread of Christianity often conflicted with the existing religious practices in Nigeria, including Islam in the north and indigenous African religions. This caused friction and led to some hostile reactions from local communities who feared the loss of their traditional belief systems.

(7)

(i) World War II: The Second World War had a significant impact on the growth of nationalism. Nigerians who served in the war and those who supported the war effort became more exposed to ideas of self-determination and independence. The war also highlighted the contradictions of colonial rule, as colonial powers promoted the fight for freedom abroad but denied it at home.

(ii) Influence of Other Independence Movements: The success of independence movements in other parts of the world, especially in Asia and Africa, inspired Nigerian nationalists. The independence of India in 1947 and the rise of nationalist movements across Africa demonstrated that colonial rule could be overthrown.

(iii) The Atlantic Charter: The Atlantic Charter, signed by the Allied Powers in 1941, emphasized the right of all peoples to choose their own government and live in freedom. This statement resonated with Nigerians who were seeking independence, as it provided an ideological basis for challenging colonial rule.

(iv) Post-War Economic Changes: The economic impact of World War II and the subsequent need for reconstruction encouraged colonial powers to rethink their policies. The post-war global economic restructuring also saw increased demand for raw materials from colonies, which led to greater emphasis on developing local economies, often highlighting the need for more political autonomy.

(v) International 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' Organizations: The formation of international bodies such as the United Nations (UN) in 1945 promoted the idea of self-determination and decolonization. As these organizations began advocating for the rights of colonized people, Nigerian nationalists found new avenues to push for independence and global support for their cause.

(8)

(i) Resource Extraction: The colonial economy was primarily focused on extracting natural resources such as minerals, agricultural products, and raw materials. These resources were often exported to benefit the colonial powers, particularly Britain, with little regard for the development of local industries.

(ii) Cash Crops and Agriculture: The economy was heavily dependent on the cultivation of cash crops such as cocoa, groundnuts, palm oil, and rubber. These were produced mainly for export to Europe and were a key source of revenue for the colonial government.

(iii) Monoculture: The colonial economy promoted the growth of a single crop or product in different regions. For example, the western region became known for cocoa, while the northern region specialized in groundnuts. This monoculture often made the economy vulnerable to market fluctuations and changes in demand.

(iv) Exploitation of Labor: Colonial rule involved the exploitation of local labor for both agricultural and infrastructural projects. Many Nigerians were forced into poorly paid labor, often under harsh conditions, in industries such as mining, agriculture, and the construction of infrastructure like railways.

(v) Infrastructural Development for Exploitation: The colonial government built infrastructure, such as railways, ports, and roads, primarily to facilitate the movement of resources from the interior to the 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' coast for export. These developments were not designed to support local economic growth but rather to serve colonial interests.

(9)

(i) Ethnic Tensions: Nigeria is home to diverse ethnic groups, including the Igbo, Yoruba, and Hausa-Fulani. Tensions between these groups had been simmering, with the Igbo people, primarily from the southeastern region, feeling marginalized by the northern-dominated government.

(ii) Political Instability: After Nigeria gained independence in 1960, the country faced significant political instability, with frequent changes in government and military coups. The assassination of key political leaders, including the Prime Minister, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, during a coup in 1966, further deepened the divide between the northern and southern regions.

(iii) Economic Disparities: There were economic imbalances between the different regions of Nigeria, especially regarding control of resources. The southeastern region, rich in oil, felt that it was being economically exploited by the central government.

(iv) Secession of Biafra: In 1967, after a series of ethnic massacres in the northern part of the country targeting Igbo people, the southeastern region, led by Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu, declared independence as the Republic of Biafra. This led to an immediate military conflict with the Nigerian government, which refused to recognize the secession.

(v) Regionalism and National Unity: The struggle for dominance between the regions especially the rivalry between the northern and southeastern 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' regions was another crucial factor. The conflict over how Nigeria should be governed, and which ethnic group should have more power, contributed to the breakdown of national unity and the subsequent war.