2024 NECO HISTORY : NECO History (His) 2025 Legit Questions and Answers (7968)

(1)
(i) Incomplete Record: Archaeological evidence is often fragmentary and incomplete. Many sites have been disturbed by natural processes, human activities, or simply have not been discovered yet. This can lead to gaps in the historical record that archaeology alone cannot fill.

(ii) Lack of Written Records: Unlike written sources, which can provide detailed accounts of events, individuals, and dates, archaeological evidence often lacks specific chronological information. This can make it difficult to establish precise timelines and understand the broader context of historical developments.

(iii) Cultural Bias: Archaeologists may bring their own cultural biases to their interpretations, which can affect their understanding and presentation of the past. This can lead to misinterpretations or an incomplete picture of the historical realities of Nigerian societies.

(iv) Destruction of Sites: Modern development, looting, and environmental factors can destroy archaeological sites before they are studied, resulting in a permanent loss of historical information. In Nigeria, 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' urbanization and infrastructure projects pose significant threats to archaeological sites.

(v) Technological Limitations: Despite advances in technology, there are still limits to what archaeological methods can reveal. For instance, organic materials like wood, cloth, and certain types of food often do not survive well in the archaeological record, leading to a bias toward more durable materials like stone, ceramics, and metals.

(2)
(i) Monarchical System: The Itsekiri society was organized under a centralized monarchical system. The king, known as the Olu of Warri, was the paramount ruler and the central figure in the political hierarchy. The Olu held significant religious and political authority, and his position was hereditary, often passing from father to son or to another member of the royal lineage.

(ii) Council of Chiefs: Supporting the Olu was a council of chiefs known as the Ojoye. This council included high-ranking officials and elders from various Itsekiri communities. The chiefs advised the Olu on matters of governance, justice, and administration. They also played key roles in the implementation of laws and the resolution of disputes.

(iii) Clan Structure: The Itsekiri were organized into clans, each led by a clan head or elder. These clan heads were responsible for the administration of their respective clans, including the management of land and resources, and the welfare of clan members. The clan system helped maintain social order and cohesion within the Itsekiri society.

(iv) Village Administration: At the local level, 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' villages were governed by village heads who oversaw daily administrative functions and ensured the implementation of the Olu’s directives. Village heads worked in collaboration with elders and other influential figures in the community to maintain peace and order.

(v) Social Hierarchy: Itsekiri society was stratified, with the royal family and nobility occupying the highest social ranks. Below them were the commoners, who engaged in various occupations such as fishing, farming, and trading. Social mobility was limited, and one’s social status was largely determined by birth and lineage.

(vi) Economic Activities: The Itsekiri were engaged in various economic activities, including fishing, farming, and trade. They were known for their involvement in regional and long-distance trade, particularly in the exchange of goods such as salt, fish, and palm oil. The Itsekiri also had early interactions with European traders, which influenced their economic practices and provided access to foreign goods.

(vi) Cultural and Religious Practices: The Itsekiri had a rich cultural heritage, with traditional religious beliefs centered around the worship of deities and ancestors. The Olu played a significant role in religious ceremonies and rituals, which were 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' important for maintaining social cohesion and ensuring the community’s prosperity.

(vii) Military Organization: The Itsekiri had a well-organized military structure to defend their territory and interests. The military was led by war chiefs and included various age-grade groups who were responsible for different aspects of defense and warfare.

(3)
(i) Oba (King): The Oba was the absolute ruler of the empire. He held divine authority and controlled all aspects of government.
(ii) Palace Chiefs: The Oba was assisted by a council of palace chiefs, including the Iyase (prime minister), Esogban (commander-in-chief), and Oliha (chief eunuch).
(iii) District Heads: The empire was divided into districts, each led by a district head responsible for local administration and revenue collection.
(iv) Village Headmen: Villages were governed by headmen who were responsible for local affairs and maintaining order.
(v) Guilds and Professional Associations: Skilled craftsmen, traders, and professionals formed guilds and associations that regulated their activities and played a role in social organization.
(vi) System of Taxation: The Benin Empire had a well-established system of taxation, with tributes collected from conquered territories and local communities.
(vii) Legal and Judicial System: The Oba and his chiefs had the power to adjudicate disputes and mete out punishments.
(viii) Military Organization: The Benin Empire maintained a 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' powerful army, known for its skilled warriors and effective military tactics.

(5)
European explorers encountered several challenges and problems during their exploration of Nigeria, particularly during the 19th and early 20th centuries. Some of the key difficulties they faced include:

(i) Geographical and Environmental Challenges: Nigeria’s diverse geography presented obstacles to exploration. Dense rainforests in the south and rugged terrain in the east made travel difficult and exploration arduous. Navigating the rivers, such as the Niger River and its tributaries, required specialized knowledge and often resulted in delays and setbacks.

(ii) Climate and Diseases: The tropical climate of Nigeria, characterized by high temperatures and humidity, posed health risks to European explorers who were susceptible to tropical diseases such as malaria, yellow fever, and dysentery. These diseases were prevalent in many parts of Nigeria and often debilitated or killed explorers and their crews.

(iii) Resistance from Indigenous Peoples: Indigenous peoples in Nigeria were often wary of European explorers, viewing them as intruders or potential threats to their territories and ways of life. Resistance 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' to European exploration could be violent, with skirmishes and conflicts occurring between explorers and local communities who sought to protect their land and resources.

(iv) Language and Cultural Barriers: Communication difficulties arose due to language barriers between European explorers and indigenous populations who spoke various languages and dialects. This hindered effective interaction, negotiation, and understanding of local customs, governance structures, and societal norms.

(v) Political Instability and Competition: Nigeria, with its diverse ethnic groups and kingdoms, experienced political instability and competition among local rulers and factions. European explorers often found themselves navigating complex political landscapes, where alliances could shift rapidly and access to resources and territories was contested.

(vii) Technological Limitations: Despite advancements in technology during the 19th century, European explorers still faced limitations in terms of navigational tools, medical treatments, and communications equipment.

(4)
(i) Trade Networks: Islamic traders and merchants from North Africa and the Sahel region traveled along trans-Saharan trade routes, bringing goods such as textiles, spices, and luxury items to Yorubaland. These traders often settled in trading centers and cities, where they engaged in commerce and interacted with local populations. Through these interactions, they introduced Islamic beliefs, practices, and ideas to the Yoruba people.

(ii) Political Alliances: Islamic states and empires, such as the Sokoto Caliphate and the Mali Empire, established diplomatic and trade relations with Yoruba kingdoms and city-states. These relationships often included treaties, marriages, and alliances between rulers, which helped in the gradual acceptance of Islam. Local rulers sometimes converted to Islam as a means of solidifying these alliances and gaining access to military support or trade benefits from Islamic states.

(iii) Scholarly Influence: Islamic scholars and teachers, known as ulama, played a crucial role in spreading Islamic knowledge and education in Yorubaland. They taught Arabic, Islamic jurisprudence, theology, and other subjects in madrasas (Islamic schools) established in urban centers 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' and court circles. The influence of these scholars extended beyond formal education, as they also advised rulers on matters of governance and religious affairs.

(iv) Cultural Adaptation: Islam accommodated local customs and traditions, allowing for a gradual integration into Yoruba society. For example, Islamic festivals and rituals were often adapted to align with existing Yoruba cultural practices and beliefs. This flexibility made Islam more accessible and acceptable to the Yoruba people, facilitating its spread over time.

(v) Social Mobility: Conversion to Islam sometimes offered social and economic advantages. Islamic education provided opportunities for upward mobility, as educated individuals could serve as administrators, judges, or advisors in Islamic states or within Yoruba kingdoms that adopted Islamic principles. This created incentives for individuals and communities to embrace Islam as a means of improving their social status and access to resources.

(vi) Military Conquests: While not the primary factor, military campaigns by Islamic states and empires occasionally led to the expansion of Islam into new territories, including parts of Yorubaland. These conquests often resulted in the establishment of Islamic political authority, which 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' influenced the spread of Islamic beliefs and practices among local populations.

(6)
(i) Religious Leadership: The Sokoto Caliphate was founded on Islamic principles, with the Caliph serving as both the spiritual and political leader. His authority, derived from religious legitimacy, helped to unite the emirates under a common religious framework.

(ii) Centralized Administration: The Caliphate established a centralized administrative system. The Caliph appointed emirs (governors) to oversee each emirate, ensuring uniform governance and accountability across the Caliphate.

(iii) Common Language and Culture: Hausa was widely spoken across the Sokoto Caliphate, serving as a lingua franca. This common language, along with shared cultural practices and traditions, fostered a strong sense of unity and identity among the emirates.

(iv) Economic Interdependence: The emirates were economically interdependent, engaging in trade and other economic activities with one another. This interdependence created strong economic ties that further solidified their unity.

(v) Military Cooperation: The emirates provided mutual military 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' support in times of conflict. This cooperation in defense efforts strengthened their collective security and reinforced their unity under the Caliphate.

(vi) Legal System: The implementation of a uniform Islamic legal system (Sharia) across the emirates ensured consistent judicial practices, which helped maintain order and cohesion within the Caliphate.

(7)
(i) Administrative Efficiency: The British combined the Northern and Southern Protectorates to make governing easier. Running two separate regions was complicated. A single administration allowed for smoother and more efficient management.

(ii) Economic Balance: The Northern Protectorate was not as economically strong and struggled with revenue. On the other hand, the Southern Protectorate, especially around Lagos, was economically prosperous. By merging the two regions, the British could use the wealth of the south to support the north, making the colony financially stable.

(iii) Infrastructure Development: The British wanted to build a railway connecting the north and south to improve the movement of goods and resources. A unified Nigeria made it easier to plan and fund these infrastructure projects, which were vital for economic growth.

(iv) Political Control: Combining the two regions helped the British strengthen their control over Nigeria. A single administration made it easier to enforce laws and maintain order. It also reduced the chance of regional conflicts and resistance to British rule, leading to a 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' more stable government.

(v) Strategic and Geopolitical Interests: A united Nigeria was more important for British interests in West Africa. It allowed them to have a stronger presence in the region and better manage the territory’s resources. This helped the British secure their dominance and counter the influence of other European powers.

8)
(i) Economic Disparities: The southeastern region, rich in oil, felt marginalized economically, as they believed that the wealth generated from their resources was not benefiting their region proportionately but was instead controlled by the central government.

(ii) Ethnic and Religious Tensions: Longstanding ethnic and religious tensions existed between the predominantly Christian Igbo in the southeast and the predominantly Muslim Hausa-Fulani in the north. These tensions were exacerbated by cultural differences and mutual suspicions.

(iii) Political Polarization: Political 'copied from e x a m p l a z a . c o m free' instability and competition among Nigeria’s ethnic groups led to the breakdown of trust. The January 1966 coup and the subsequent July counter-coup intensified these divisions, as each ethnic group sought to protect its own interests.

(iv) Military Intervention: The military coups in 1966, along with the assassination of key political leaders, contributed to the breakdown of order. The massacres of Igbos in the north and the subsequent declaration of the Republic of Biafra by Lt. Colonel Odumegwu Ojukwu escalated the conflict into a full-blown civil war.

(v) External Influences: International actors played a role, with some countries, such as France, allegedly supporting the Biafran secessionists for strategic and economic reasons. Conversely, the federal government received support from Britain, the Soviet Union, and other countries.

(vi) Perceived Marginalization: The Igbo felt marginalized and persecuted within the federal structure, particularly after the massacres of Igbos in the north, which led to the mass exodus of Igbos back to the southeast and strengthened their resolve for independence.

(vii) Secession and Declaration of Biafra: The southeastern region’s declaration of independence as the Republic of Biafra on May 30, 1967, was the immediate trigger for the civil war, as the federal government sought to maintain the unity of Nigeria.

(9)
(i) Creation of States: Gowon’s regime implemented the first major reorganization of Nigeria’s political structure by creating 12 states from the original 4 regions in 1967. This was aimed at promoting national unity and reducing regional tensions.

(ii) Restoration of Peace and Stability: Gowon’s leadership played a crucial role in the end of the Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970). His administration pursued a policy of “No Victor, No Vanquished,” which aimed at fostering reconciliation and healing among the warring factions.

(iii) Economic Development: Under Gowon’s administration, the Green Revolution was launched to boost agricultural production and achieve self-sufficiency in food. This initiative led to improvements in agricultural practices and increased food production.

(iv) National Reconciliation and Reconstruction: Gowon’s regime focused on the reconstruction of war-torn regions, particularly in the Eastern part of Nigeria. The government invested in rebuilding infrastructure, including roads, schools, and hospitals.

(v) Educational Reforms: The Gowon administration made significant investments in the education sector, including the establishment of new universities and the expansion of educational facilities at various levels.

(vi) Establishment of National Agencies: Several important national institutions and agencies were established during Gowon’s tenure, including the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 1973, which was aimed at promoting national integration and fostering unity among Nigerian youths.