WAEC 2026 NIGERIAN HISTORY QUESTIONS
WAEC 2026 NIGERIAN HISTORY QUESTIONS BELOW

WAEC 2026 NIGERIAN HISTORY QUESTIONS

WAEC 2026 NIGERIAN HISTORY ANSWERS BELOW
WAEC 2026 NIGERIAN HISTORY OBJ
1-10: DBCCDDCADD
11-20: AABCCDDCDC
21-30: CCBDDCBDAA
31-40: BBDCDDCAAA
41-50: AABBBCCAAB
*NUMBER ONE*
(1a)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Bronze vessels (pots and bowls)
(ii) Bronze ornaments (necklaces and bangles)
(iii) Bronze staff heads
(iv) Copper objects
(v) Iron tools and weapons
(vi) Beads of different colours and sizes
(1b)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Archaeology cannot provide exact dates for many historical events.
(ii) Archaeological evidence is often incomplete because many artefacts have been destroyed.
(iii) It does not provide detailed information about people’s beliefs, customs and traditions.
(iv) Excavation is expensive and requires skilled personnel.
(v) Archaeological findings can be misinterpreted by researchers.
(vi) Many artefacts remain buried and undiscovered.
(vii) It gives little information about the names and activities of historical individuals.
(viii) Natural disasters and human activities may damage or destroy archaeological sites.
*WAEC HISTORY*
*NUMBER TWO*
(2)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Trade and commerce: Different Nigerian groups exchanged goods and services through local and long-distance trade. For example, salt, fish, livestock, cloth, kola nuts and agricultural products were traded, which promoted regular contact and cooperation among communities.
(ii) Inter-marriages: Marriage between people from different ethnic groups helped to strengthen social relationships and foster peaceful coexistence. It also encouraged the sharing of customs, traditions and cultural values.
(iii) Migration and settlement: Many groups migrated from one place to another and settled among other communities. This led to the exchange of ideas, languages, technologies and cultural practices, thereby promoting inter-group relations.
(iv) Wars and military alliances: Although wars sometimes caused conflicts, they also brought different groups into contact with one another. In some cases, communities formed military alliances to defend themselves against common enemies and external threats.
(v) Diplomatic relations: Traditional rulers maintained peaceful relations through the exchange of envoys, messengers and gifts. These diplomatic activities helped to resolve disputes, strengthen friendships and promote cooperation among different groups.
(vi) Spread of religion: The spread of traditional religions and later Islam encouraged interaction among different Nigerian peoples. Religious teachers, pilgrims and worshippers travelled across communities, helping to establish social and cultural links.
(vii) Cultural exchanges: Different groups borrowed and shared aspects of their culture such as music, dances, festivals, dressing styles, language and artistic practices. This exchange increased understanding and unity among the various communities.
(viii) Common markets and trade routes: Markets and trade routes served as important meeting points where people from different ethnic groups interacted regularly. These contacts encouraged friendship, cooperation, exchange of ideas and peaceful coexistence.
*WAEC HISTORY*
*NUMBER THREE*
(3a)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Bronze heads
(ii) Terracotta heads
(iii) Stone sculptures
(iv) Brass figures
(v) Pottery objects
(vi) Beads
WAEC 2026 NIGERIAN HISTORY QUESTIONS
(3b)
(PICK ANY FOUR)
(i) Religious purposes: Many works of art were used in religious worship and traditional ceremonies. They served as sacred objects in shrines and were believed to connect the people with their gods and ancestors.
(ii) Preservation of history: The artworks helped to preserve the history, traditions and cultural heritage of the people. They provided information about past rulers, events and ways of life.
(iii) Decoration and beautification: The works of art were used to decorate palaces, shrines and public places, thereby enhancing the beauty of the environment.
(iv) Source of income: Artists and craftsmen earned a living through the production and sale of artworks. Trade in art objects also contributed to the economic development of the society.
(v) Political significance: Some artworks were used to symbolize the authority, power and prestige of kings and chiefs. They helped to strengthen respect for traditional institutions.
(vi) Promotion of culture and identity: The artworks reflected the beliefs, values and customs of the Ile-Ife people. They helped to promote cultural identity and unity among the people.
*NUMBER FOUR*
(4a)
(PICK ANY THREE)
(i) Sultan (Caliph)
(ii) Waziri (Vizier)
(iii) Emir
(iv) Alkali (Judge)
(v) Madawaki
(vi) Galadima
(4b)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Centralized administration: The Sokoto Caliphate had a well-organized central government headed by the Sultan, who was the supreme political and religious leader of the state.
(ii) Emirate system: The Caliphate was divided into emirates, each governed by an Emir who administered the territory on behalf of the Sultan.
(iii) Islamic system of government: The administration was based on Islamic principles and the teachings of the Quran and Sharia law.
(iv) Appointment of officials: Various officials such as the Waziri, Alkali, Galadima and Madawaki assisted in the administration and ensured the smooth running of government affairs.
(v) Efficient judicial system: The Caliphate had a well-structured court system headed by Alkalis who administered justice according to Islamic law.
(vi) Taxation and revenue collection: The government collected taxes such as zakat, tributes and other levies which were used to maintain the administration and support public activities.
*WAEC HISTORY*
*NUMBER FIVE*
(5)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Superior military technology: The British possessed modern weapons such as machine guns, rifles and artillery, which were far more effective than the locally made weapons used by most Nigerian societies. This military advantage enabled them to defeat many communities with relative ease.
(ii) Disunity among Nigerian states: Many Nigerian kingdoms, emirates and communities were not united. Frequent conflicts and rivalries among them prevented the formation of a common front against British expansion, making conquest easier.
(iii) Treaties and agreements: The British entered into various treaties with local rulers. Although some rulers did not fully understand the implications of these agreements, the British later used them to justify their political control over different territories.
(iv) Activities of Christian missionaries: Christian missionaries introduced Western education, Christianity and European culture. Their activities increased British influence in many areas and helped prepare the ground for colonial administration.
(v) Activities of traders and chartered companies: British traders and companies, especially the Royal Niger Company, established extensive commercial networks. To protect their economic interests, they encouraged the British government to extend political authority over Nigerian territories.
(vi) Naval superiority: Britain had a powerful navy that controlled important rivers and coastal areas. This enabled the movement of troops, weapons and supplies, thereby strengthening British military operations
(vii) Political instability in some areas: Many Nigerian states experienced succession disputes, civil wars and internal struggles for power. Such instability weakened resistance and provided opportunities for British intervention and eventual conquest.
(viii) Financial and administrative support from Britain: The British government provided funds, trained personnel and administrative structures to support military campaigns and territorial expansion. This strong backing contributed greatly to the successful conquest of Nigeria before 1900.
*WAEC HISTORY*
*NUMBER SIX*
(6)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Decline of traditional religion: The activities of the Christian missionaries led to the decline of African traditional religion in many parts of Nigeria. Many converts abandoned the worship of local gods and ancestral practices in favour of Christianity.
(ii) Erosion of cultural values: Missionaries condemned several traditional customs and practices which they considered incompatible with Christianity. As a result, some important cultural values and traditions gradually disappeared.
(iii) Destruction of traditional religious objects: Many shrines, idols, sacred groves and other religious objects were destroyed by converts and missionaries. This led to the loss of valuable cultural and religious heritage.
(iv) Division among communities and families: The introduction of Christianity sometimes created disagreements between converts and non-converts. In some communities, this resulted in conflicts, family disputes and social divisions.
(v) Undermining of traditional authority: Traditional rulers and religious leaders lost some of their influence as many people began to follow Christian teachings instead of traditional customs and institutions.
(vi) Promotion of European culture: Missionaries encouraged the adoption of European languages, dressing, names and lifestyles. This reduced the importance attached to some indigenous cultural practices and ways of life.
(vii) Support for colonial expansion: Missionary activities often increased European presence and influence in Nigeria. In several areas, this indirectly assisted the establishment and consolidation of British colonial rule.
(viii) Neglect of indigenous education and knowledge: The emphasis placed on Western education led many people to pay less attention to traditional systems of education, local knowledge, folklore and indigenous methods of transmitting culture and skills from one generation to another.
WAEC 2026 NIGERIAN HISTORY QUESTIONS
*NUMBER SEVEN*
(7)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Loss of lives: The Nigerian Civil War led to the death of a large number of soldiers and civilians. Many people lost their lives through military confrontations, hunger, diseases and other hardships associated with the war.
(ii) Destruction of property and infrastructure: Numerous houses, schools, hospitals, markets, roads and bridges were destroyed during the conflict. This caused severe damage to the social and economic life of the affected areas.
(iii) Economic setback: The war disrupted trade, agriculture, industry and other economic activities. Large sums of money were spent on military operations, thereby slowing down national development and economic growth.
(iv) Displacement of people: Millions of people were forced to leave their homes and communities because of the fighting. Many became refugees or internally displaced persons and suffered various forms of hardship.
(v) Promotion of national unity and reconciliation: After the war, the Federal Government adopted policies aimed at reuniting the country. Programmes such as Reconstruction, Rehabilitation and Reconciliation were introduced to promote peace and national integration.
(vi) Creation of more states: The war encouraged the creation of additional states in Nigeria. This helped to reduce fears of domination by major ethnic groups and brought government administration closer to the people.
(vii) Increased military influence in politics: The military became more powerful after the war and continued to play a major role in the governance of the country for many years through military administrations.
(viii) Reconstruction and rehabilitation of affected areas: The government undertook various projects to rebuild damaged roads, schools, hospitals and other public facilities. Efforts were also made to rehabilitate victims of the war and restore normal economic and social activities.
*WAEC HISTORY*
*NUMBER EIGHT*
(8)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Creation of additional states and local governments: The Babangida administration created new states and local government areas in order to bring government closer to the people. This helped to improve administration, promote grassroots development and reduce the concentration of power in a few areas.
(ii) Introduction of a political transition programme: The regime introduced a carefully planned transition programme aimed at returning Nigeria to democratic civilian rule. This programme outlined the steps and procedures for establishing democratic institutions and conducting elections.
(iii) Establishment of two political parties: The government created and funded the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC). These parties provided a platform for political participation and competition among Nigerians.
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(iv) Strengthening of local government administration: The regime introduced reforms that enhanced the powers and responsibilities of local governments. This enabled local councils to play a more active role in grassroots governance and development.
(v) Creation of political institutions: Several political and electoral bodies were established to supervise the transition programme and ensure the orderly movement from military rule to civilian government. These institutions contributed to political development in the country.
(vi) Constitutional development: The Babangida administration sponsored constitutional reforms and facilitated the drafting of a constitution for the proposed Third Republic. This helped to provide a legal framework for democratic governance.
(vii) Expansion of political participation: The regime encouraged more Nigerians to participate in political activities through voter registration, political campaigns, elections and public debates. This increased political awareness among the citizens.
(viii) Conduct of elections: The government organized local government, state and national elections as part of the transition programme. These elections gave Nigerians practical experience in democratic processes and prepared the country for civilian administration.
*WAEC HISTORY*
*NUMBER NINE*
(9)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Improvement in access to education: The MDGs encouraged policies aimed at achieving universal basic education. As a result, more children were enrolled in primary schools, and efforts were made to reduce the number of out-of-school children across the country.
(ii) Improvement in healthcare services: The implementation of MDG programmes led to increased attention to healthcare delivery. More health centres were established and efforts were made to improve access to basic medical services, especially in rural communities.
(iii) Reduction in child mortality: Through immunization campaigns, improved healthcare services and better awareness of child health practices, progress was made towards reducing the rate of deaths among infants and young children.
(iv) Promotion of gender equality: The MDGs encouraged equal opportunities for both males and females, particularly in education. More girls gained access to schooling, and awareness of women’s rights and empowerment increased in many parts of Nigeria.
(v) Improvement in access to safe water and sanitation: Government and development partners implemented projects aimed at providing clean drinking water and better sanitation facilities. This helped to improve public health and reduce the spread of water-borne diseases.
(vi) Poverty reduction efforts: Various poverty alleviation programmes were introduced to improve the living conditions of low-income earners. These programmes provided support for employment, skills acquisition and income generation.
(vii) Increased public awareness of diseases: MDG initiatives helped to create awareness about diseases such as HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis. This encouraged prevention, early diagnosis and proper treatment.
(viii) Improvement in maternal health: Greater attention was given to the health of pregnant women through antenatal care services, health education and improved access to medical facilities, helping to reduce maternal health risks.
