2025 WAEC HISTORY : WAEC History (His) 2026 Legit Questions and Answers (3468)

(1a)

(PICK ANY THREE)

(i) Oral traditions

(ii) Archaeological artifacts

(iii) Linguistic evidence

(iv) Ethnographic records

(v) Artistic representations

(1b) 

(PICK ANY FOUR)

(i) Memory Distortion: As oral traditions rely on human recollection, details inevitably change over generations. Critical facts may be forgotten while insignificant elements remain. The lack of fixed records means each retelling introduces subtle alterations, gradually distorting historical accuracy until the original event becomes unrecognizable.

(ii) Exaggeration and Bias: Storytellers naturally emphasize dramatic aspects to engage audiences, often magnifying achievements or downplaying failures. Personal and cultural biases influence narratives, presenting one-sided perspectives. Heroes become superhuman while opponents are demonized, creating distorted historical portraits that favor particular groups or viewpoints.

(iii) Lack of Written Verification: Without contemporaneous written records, oral accounts cannot be objectively verified. There's no permanent reference to confirm dates, names, or sequences of events. This absence of documentary evidence makes it impossible to distinguish factual history from fictionalized or metaphorical storytelling traditions.

(iv) Generational Changes: Each new generation interprets stories through contemporary lenses, 'copied from e x a m p l a z a s . c o m free' unconsciously modifying details to fit current values. Linguistic shifts, cultural evolution, and changing priorities transform narratives over time. After several generations, the story may retain only superficial resemblance to its original form.

(v) Selective Preservation: Oral traditions prioritize memorable events like battles or natural disasters while ignoring daily life. Marginalized groups' experiences are often excluded. The survival of stories depends on community interest, leading to gaps where unappealing but historically important information disappears from collective memory.

(vi) Political Manipulation: Dominant groups frequently reshape oral histories to legitimize authority. Rulers sponsor versions that justify their power while suppressing contradictory narratives. This deliberate manipulation creates official histories that serve political agendas rather than preserving objective truth about past events and social dynamics.

(2a)

(PICK ANY THREE)

(i) Ibini Ukpabi (Long Juju of Arochukwu).

(ii) Agbala Oracle of Awka.

(iii) Kamalu (Ogbagwuru Enyi) Oracle of Ozuzu.

(iv) Amadioha Oracle of Mbano and Ozuzu.

(v) Ibinokpabi Oracle of Aro Ndizuogu.

(2b)

(PICK ANY FOUR)

(i) The influence of the Ibini Ukpabi oracle:

The oracle was highly respected and feared, and it gave the Aro people spiritual control over many communities, allowing them to influence political and economic decisions.

(ii) A well-organized trading network:

The Aro developed an efficient and extensive network of trade routes connecting various parts of the hinterland, making them key middlemen in the trade system.

(iii) Use of slave agents and mercenaries:

They employed slave raiders and warriors to capture slaves and enforce their control over trade routes and resistant communities.

(iv) Formation of the Aro Confederacy:

The confederacy united several Aro communities under a central authority, which made them stronger and more coordinated in both trade and politics.

(v) Strategic settlement of Aro colonies across the hinterland:

The Aro established colonies in many parts of Igbo land and beyond, which served as outposts for trade, intelligence, and cultural influence.

(vi) Alliances with powerful coastal middlemen like the Niger Delta 'copied from e x a m p l a z a s . c o m free' traders:

These alliances gave them access to European goods and firearms, which strengthened their dominance in inland commerce and slave trade.

(3)

(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Agricultural Development: Iron tools such as hoes, sickles, and cutlasses made farming more effective than using stone or wooden tools. This allowed farmers to clear land faster, cultivate more fields, and produce surplus food, which improved food security and supported population growth.

(ii) Military Advantage: The production of iron weapons like spears, arrows, and swords gave certain communities military superiority. These iron weapons were stronger and more durable than earlier weapons, helping communities defend themselves, conquer others, and expand their territories.

(iii) Economic Growth and Trade: Iron tools and weapons became valuable items of trade. Communities with iron-smelting skills traded with others for food, cloth, salt, and other goods. This helped in the development of internal and external trade networks and contributed to economic prosperity.

(iv) Specialization and Employment: Iron works encouraged the growth of specialized professions such as blacksmithing and metalworking. These professions created job opportunities and helped develop craftsmanship, which added value to the local economy.

(v) Social and Political Power: Communities with access to iron resources or skilled blacksmiths held greater power and influence. Kings and chiefs often used iron weapons and tools as symbols of authority. Some even controlled iron production to 'copied from e x a m p l a z a s . c o m free' assert dominance over others.

(vi) Cultural and Religious Significance:  Iron objects were used in religious rituals and ceremonies. For example, the Yoruba people associated the god Ogun with iron and war. Iron tools and symbols were seen as sacred and played roles in traditional belief systems.

(vii) Political Power and Authority: Leaders and warriors often used iron weapons and symbols to assert dominance. Iron was seen as a sign of strength, and access to it helped leaders maintain control over their people.

(viii) Community Development: The use of iron tools contributed to building better homes, clearing forests, and crafting domestic items like cooking utensils, which improved daily life and infrastructure.

(4)

(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Military Resistance: Many Nigerian kingdoms strongly opposed British colonization through armed conflict. The Sokoto Caliphate, under Sultan Attahiru I, fought the British in the Battle of Burmi (1903). Similarly, the Benin Kingdom resisted in the 1897 Expedition, leading to its destruction. The Ijebu Kingdom also engaged in the 1892 Battle of Imagbon, but superior British weapons led to their defeat. These wars showed determined opposition despite eventual conquest.

(ii) Diplomatic Negotiations: Some African rulers attempted peaceful talks to avoid war. Jaja of Opobo tried negotiating trade terms but was deceived and exiled in 1887. Nana Olomu of Itsekiri also engaged in diplomacy before being overpowered and exiled in 1894. The Lagos elites initially cooperated but later resisted oppressive policies. These efforts proved that many leaders sought peaceful solutions before resorting to resistance.

(iii) Guerrilla Warfare: Communities like the Ekumeku (Igbo and Anioma regions) used hit-and-run tactics against the British for over 30 years (1883-1914). The Ogiso and Agbor people also employed surprise attacks, making it difficult for British forces to fully control them. This prolonged resistance forced the British to adopt harsher measures.

(iv) Refusal to Cooperate: Many groups, such as the Igbo, Tiv, and Ebira, rejected British authority. The Igbo Women’s War (1929) was a 'copied from e x a m p l a z a s . c o m free' major protest against taxation. The Tiv people resisted indirect rule, leading to violent clashes in the 1940s-1950s. This non-compliance delayed full colonial control in some areas.

(v) Religious Movements: Islamic leaders like Muhammadu Attahiru I declared jihad against the British, leading to the 1903 Sokoto resistance. The Satiru Rebellion (1906) combined Islamic and anti-colonial sentiments. In the South, the Cherubim and Seraphim movement emerged partly as spiritual resistance to colonialism.

(vi) Economic Boycotts: The Lagos Market Women (1920s) refused to sell goods in protest of water rate taxes. The Aba Women’s Riots (1929) also involved economic resistance against taxation. These actions showed organized civil disobedience against British economic exploitation.

(vii) Collaboration: Some rulers, like the Lagos elites and Northern emirs, allied with the British for personal gain. The emirs accepted indirect rule, retaining power under British oversight. However, this later caused divisions between traditional rulers and their people.

(5a) 

(PICK ANY THREE)

(i) Church Missionary Society (CMS)

(ii) Wesleyan Methodist Missionary Society

(iii) Roman Catholic Mission

(iv) Presbyterian Church of Scotland Mission

(v) Baptist Missionary Society

(5b) 

(PICK ANY FOUR)

(i) Evangelism: Christian missionaries came to Nigeria to spread the gospel and convert Nigerians to Christianity. Their major aim was to win souls for Christ and expand the Christian faith.

(ii) Abolition of Slave Trade: They sought to replace the transatlantic slave trade with legitimate trade and Christian values. Missionaries believed Christianity could reform the African society and discourage the slave trade.

(iii) Promotion of Western Education: Missionaries established schools to teach Africans how to read and write, especially so they could read the Bible. This helped increase literacy and introduced formal education.

(iv) Civilizing Mission: They believed it was their duty to civilize Africans by introducing European culture, dressing, hygiene, and manners, which they considered more advanced.

(v) Medical Outreach: Many missionaries were also medical practitioners. They built hospitals and clinics to care for the sick, using health services as a means to attract converts.

(vi) Support for Freed Slaves: Missionaries came to assist freed slaves who returned from Europe and the 'copied from e x a m p l a z a s . c o m free' America. They provided spiritual guidance, education, and a new religious identity through Christianity.

(6)

(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Expansion of the Caliphate: Mohammed Bello led successful military campaigns to extend the Sokoto Caliphate’s territory, defeating rival states and integrating them into the Islamic empire. His conquests strengthened the Caliphate’s dominance in Hausaland and beyond, ensuring political and religious unity under Sokoto’s leadership.

(ii) Establishment of a Strong Administrative System: Bello introduced a centralized governance structure with appointed emirs overseeing different regions. These leaders enforced laws, collected taxes, and maintained order, ensuring smooth administration. This system improved loyalty to the Caliphate and reduced rebellion among conquered territories.

(iii) Promotion of Islamic Education: He founded numerous Quranic schools and encouraged Islamic scholarship, attracting learned scholars to Sokoto. Bello himself was a prolific writer, producing works on religion, governance, and history. His efforts made the Caliphate a center of Islamic learning and intellectual development.

(iv) Development of Sokoto as the Capital: Under Bello’s leadership, Sokoto grew into a major political and commercial city. He built mosques, markets, and administrative offices, transforming it into a thriving capital. This boosted trade, attracted settlers, and solidified Sokoto’s position as the heart of the Caliphate.

(v) Implementation of Sharia 'copied from e x a m p l a z a s . c o m free' Law: Bello strictly enforced Islamic law (Sharia) across the Caliphate, ensuring justice based on Quranic principles. He appointed qadis (judges) to resolve disputes, promoting fairness and reducing corruption. This strengthened the Caliphate’s Islamic identity and maintained social order.

(vi) Economic Reforms and Trade Promotion:

He improved agriculture by encouraging farming and irrigation, ensuring food security. Bello also developed trade routes, taxed goods, and regulated markets, boosting the economy. These policies increased revenue and sustained the Caliphate’s growth and stability.

(vii) Defense and Military Organization: Recognizing external threats, Bello strengthened the military by training soldiers and improving weaponry. He defended the Caliphate against attacks from neighboring states like Bornu and Kebbi, securing its borders and maintaining peace within the empire.

(7)

(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Unification of Nigeria (1914): The amalgamation of the Northern and Southern Protectorates along with Lagos into a single entity under British rule, which laid the foundation for modern Nigeria.

(ii) Introduction of the Clifford Constitution (1922): This was the first constitution to give Nigerians a limited role in governance by allowing for the election of members to the legislative council, albeit with restricted suffrage.

(iii) Creation of Regional Governments (1946): The Richard’s Constitution of 1946 created regional governments, which helped in the decentralization of power and gave more autonomy to the regions (Northern, Western, and Eastern regions).

(iv) Formation of Political Parties (1940s-1950s): Political organizations like the NCNC (National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons), Action Group, and Northern Peoples Congress played a crucial role in the push for independence and self-governance.

(v) Expansion of Education (1940s-1960s): Under the British administration, there was significant investment in education, which led to the establishment of more schools and the development of higher education institutions, like the University of Ibadan in 1948.

(vi) Economic Development Plans (1950s): The British administration introduced economic policies aimed at modernizing agriculture, industry, and transportation, such as the 1946 'copied from e x a m p l a z a s . c o m free' and 1954 Development Plans, to foster the growth of the Nigerian economy.

(vii) Independence Movement (1950s-1960): The Nigerian government played a role in the negotiation and preparation for Nigerian independence, culminating in Nigeria achieving self-rule on October 1, 1960.

(viii) International Relations and Diplomacy (1950s-1960): Nigeria’s involvement in international diplomacy, including the establishment of Nigeria's role in the British Commonwealth and its eventual engagement with the United Nations in 1960, helped solidify its standing as a prominent nation on the African continent.

(8)

(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Suppression of Civil Liberties: Military regimes often suspended or limited fundamental human rights, such as freedom of speech, assembly, and the press. This resulted in widespread censorship and the suppression of opposition voices.

(ii) Weakening of Democratic Institutions: Military rule undermined democratic institutions by dismantling or weakening the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government. This led to the erosion of checks and balances within the system.

(iii) Corruption: Military leaders often engaged in corrupt practices, embezzling state funds and enriching themselves and their allies. The lack of transparency and accountability during military regimes exacerbated corruption at all levels of government.

(iv) Human Rights Violations: Military regimes frequently engaged in gross human rights abuses, including arbitrary arrests, torture, and extrajudicial killings, especially of political opponents or those perceived as a threat to the regime.

(v) Stagnation of Economic Development: Military governments often failed to prioritize long-term economic development, leading to mismanagement of resources, inflation, and poverty. Many military regimes focused more on maintaining power than on fostering sustainable growth.

(vi) Increased Unemployment and Poverty: Due to poor economic policies, the military governments led to 'copied from e x a m p l a z a s . c o m free' a decline in industries and agriculture, leading to widespread unemployment and an increase in poverty levels across the country.

(vii) Political Instability: The frequent coups and changes in leadership during military rule created a cycle of political instability, which hindered national development and made it difficult for the country to maintain steady progress.

(viii) Loss of International Credibility: Military regimes often faced condemnation from the international community for violating democratic principles and human rights, leading to sanctions and a loss of global respect and support. This hindered Nigeria's diplomatic relationships and international development prospects.

(9)

(PICK ANY FIVE)

(i) Peacekeeping Operations: Nigeria has played a significant role in UN peacekeeping missions, particularly in Africa. Nigerian troops were involved in peacekeeping operations in places like Congo (1960-1964), Namibia (1989), and Somalia (1992-1995), demonstrating its commitment to global peace.

(ii) Support for Decolonization: Nigeria strongly supported the decolonization of African countries. It advocated for the independence of various African nations, such as Angola, Guinea-Bissau, and Mozambique, and helped push for the end of apartheid in South Africa.

(iii) Promotion of Human Rights: Nigeria was an active proponent of human rights and worked within the UN to advance global human rights norms, including advocating for the rights of women, children, and indigenous populations.

(iv) Leadership in African Affairs: Nigeria was a key player in the Organization of African Unity (OAU) and its successor, the African Union (AU), and worked closely with the UN to address issues affecting Africa, such as conflict resolution, poverty reduction, and health challenges.

(v) Role in UN General Assembly: Nigeria has been an influential member of the UN General Assembly, serving as a non-permanent member of the Security Council on several occasions, and consistently pushing for reforms to ensure more equitable representation for African countries in international 'copied from e x a m p l a z a s . c o m free' decision-making.

(vi) Contributions to the UN Development Programme (UNDP): Nigeria has made significant contributions to the UNDP, focusing on issues like poverty alleviation, sustainable development, and enhancing education and healthcare within Africa.

(vii) Advocacy for Debt Relief: Nigeria advocated for debt relief for developing countries, especially African nations, urging the UN to take action on the crippling debt burdens of many poor nations, and contributing to the establishment of the Highly Indebted Poor Countries (HIPC) initiative.

(viii) Support for Global Disarmament: Nigeria was an active supporter of global disarmament initiatives, particularly the prohibition of nuclear weapons, and worked with the UN on policies aimed at reducing the spread of weapons of mass destruction.