How much do you really know about Nigeria’s past? From the people who led the country after independence to the events that influenced its politics, economy and society, Nigerian history is full of stories worth knowing.
This Nigerian history quiz puts your knowledge to the test with 20 questions covering important people, dates and events in Nigeria’s history. Some questions may seem easy, while others might catch you off guard.
1. Who became Nigeria's first President when the country became a republic in 1963?
Nnamdi Azikiwe became Nigeria's first President on 1 October 1963, when Nigeria adopted a republican constitution. Before then, he served as Governor-General from 1960 to 1963. As President, he was the country's ceremonial Head of State, while Abubakar Tafawa Balewa remained Prime Minister and head of government.
2. Between which dates was the Nigerian Civil War fought?
The Nigerian Civil War began on 6 July 1967, when federal forces launched an offensive against Biafra. It ended on 15 January 1970, following Biafra's surrender. The war lasted approximately 30 months.
3. Who was the first military Head of State in Nigeria?
Major-General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi became Nigeria's first military Head of State on 16 January 1966, following the January military coup. He remained in power until 29 July 1966, when he was overthrown and killed during a counter-coup.
4. During British colonial rule, which economic activity was central to Nigeria's export economy?
During colonial rule, Nigeria's economy was heavily organised around producing and exporting raw materials and agricultural commodities. Products such as palm oil, palm kernels, cocoa and groundnuts were important exports. The colonial economy also relied on importing many manufactured goods.
5. Which of these is the longest river flowing through Nigeria?
The Niger River is the longest river flowing through Nigeria. It enters the country from the northwest, flows southwards and meets the Benue River at Lokoja in Kogi State. The two rivers form a major part of Nigeria's drainage system.
6. In which year did Nigeria first export crude oil commercially?
Nigeria began exporting crude oil in 1958, following the discovery of commercially viable oil at Oloibiri in present-day Bayelsa State in 1956. The first shipment of Nigerian crude oil took place in February 1958.
7. Which pre-colonial Nigerian kingdom became famous for its royal bronze and brass artworks?
The Benin Kingdom, in present-day Edo State, became famous for its highly skilled bronze and brass casting tradition. Its royal court commissioned plaques, commemorative heads and other artworks produced by specialist guilds of craftsmen. Many of these works are collectively known as the Benin Bronzes.
8. In which year did Abuja officially replace Lagos as Nigeria's capital?
Abuja officially became Nigeria's capital on 12 December 1991, during the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. Lagos had served as the country's capital before the transfer.
9. Which Nigerian nationalist founded the Action Group political party in 1951?
Chief Obafemi Awolowo founded the Action Group in 1951. The party became an important political force in Western Nigeria and played a significant role in the struggle for self-government and Nigeria's independence.
10. Where was Nigeria's first petroleum refinery established?
Nigeria's first petroleum refinery was established at Alesa-Eleme, near Port Harcourt in Rivers State. The refinery's first plant was commissioned in 1965, marking an important development in the country's petroleum industry.
11. Which bank, established in 1933, is generally recognised as Nigeria's first indigenous bank?
The National Bank of Nigeria was established in 1933 and is generally recognised as the first indigenous Nigerian bank to survive. It was established to provide banking services under Nigerian ownership at a time when foreign-owned banks dominated the industry.
12. Who wrote the novel Things Fall Apart, first published in 1958?
Chinua Achebe wrote Things Fall Apart, which was first published in 1958 by Heinemann. The novel tells the story of Okonkwo, an Igbo man, and examines the changes that followed the arrival of British colonial rule and Christian missionaries in his community.
13. In which year did Nigeria become a member of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)?
Nigeria joined OPEC in 1971, as the country's petroleum industry was becoming increasingly important to its economy. Membership gave Nigeria a place in the international organisation of major oil-producing countries.
14. Which Nigerian Head of State was assassinated during an attempted coup on 13 February 1976?
General Murtala Mohammed was assassinated in Lagos on 13 February 1976 during an attempted military coup led by Lieutenant-Colonel Buka Suka Dimka. Lieutenant-General Olusegun Obasanjo succeeded him as Head of State.
15. Which Nigerian agricultural product was a major export to Britain during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries?
Palm oil was one of Nigeria's major exports during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. It was used in Britain and other European countries for making soap, candles and other industrial products. Palm kernels were also exported. British commercial interests in palm produce were an important part of the economic relationship between Britain and the territories that became Nigeria.
16. In which year were the Northern and Southern Protectorates of Nigeria amalgamated under British colonial rule?
On 1 January 1914, the Northern and Southern Protectorates were amalgamated under British colonial administration. Lord Frederick Lugard, who became Governor-General, oversaw the process. The amalgamation brought the territories under one administration, although significant regional differences remained.
17. Which Nigerian colonial constitution introduced the first electoral system for selecting representatives into the Legislative Council?
The Clifford Constitution of 1922 introduced an electoral system into Nigeria's Legislative Council. It provided for four elected representatives: three for Lagos and one for Calabar. However, voting was restricted by property and income qualifications, meaning most Nigerians could not participate.
18. Which Nigerian military Head of State annulled the presidential election held on 12 June 1993?
General Ibrahim Babangida annulled the 12 June 1993 presidential election on 23 June 1993. The election was widely regarded as one of Nigeria's freest and fairest elections. Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (MKO) Abiola, the Social Democratic Party candidate, was widely considered to have won.
19. Who became the first woman to serve as Vice-Chancellor of a Nigerian university?
Professor Grace Alele-Williams became Nigeria's first female Vice-Chancellor in 1985 when she was appointed to lead the University of Benin. A mathematician and educationist, she served in the position until 1991.
20. Who became the first woman elected to Nigeria's Senate?
Franca Afegbua made history in 1983 when she was elected Senator representing Bendel North Senatorial District. She became Nigeria's first elected female senator. Her time in the Senate was cut short when the military coup of December 1983 ended the Second Republic.
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