2025 NECO History (Essay & OBJ) Answers [25th June]

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NECO JUNE/JULY 2025 FREE HISTORY OBJ & ESSAY QUESTION AND ANSWER ROOM 

Wednesday, 25th June 2025
History (Objective & Essay)
2:00pm – 5:00pm

 

A. 2025 NECO HISTORY OBJECTIVES (OBJ) ANSWERS:

1-10: CBADECCADA
11-20: ACDAAECCDC
21-30: CDBCCDEBBB
31-40: ACBBACABCA
41-50: DAEDCEAACE
51-60: BCABDACDCB

B. 2025 NECO HISTORY ESSAY (THEORY) ANSWERS:

(PICK ANY FIVE, SIX, SEVEN OR EIGHT)
(1)
(i) Geographical and Environmental Factors: Favorable geography played a major role. Regions with fertile soil, rivers, and natural resources. Example is the Niger-Benue basin and the savannahs of the north which supported agriculture, trade, and large populations. These conditions made it easier to organize people under centralized leadership. For example, the Oyo Empire thrived in the savannah due to its suitability for horse-riding cavalry and farming.

(ii) Economic Growth and Long-Distance Trade: The rise of trans-Saharan and trans-Atlantic trade routes brought wealth and influence to certain regions. Cities like Kano, Katsina, and Onitsha became major trade centers. The control of trade routes and markets allowed rulers to collect taxes, fund armies, and build administrative systems. This economic power encouraged the development of centralized political structures.

(iii) Military Strength and Expansion: Strong armies were essential for unifying territories. States like Oyo and the Sokoto Caliphate expanded through military conquest. The introduction of horses in the north and firearms in the south gave some groups a military edge. Conquered communities were brought under central control, and tribute systems were established to maintain authority.

(iv) Religious Influence and Ideology: Religion helped unify people and legitimize rulers. In the north, Islam played a central role in the formation of the Sokoto Caliphate. Usman dan Fodio’s jihad in the early 1800s united many Hausa states under Islamic law (Sharia), creating a theocratic and highly centralized state. In the south, traditional religions also supported centralized rule by linking kingship with divine authority.

(v) Effective political organization: Some societies already had strong political traditions. The Oyo Empire had a well-structured system with the Alafin (king), the Oyo Mesi (council of chiefs), and a standing army. Benin had a centralized monarchy with a bureaucracy that managed trade, justice, and taxation. These systems allowed for efficient governance over large areas.

(vi) Role of Charismatic and Strategic Leaders: Visionary leaders like Usman dan Fodio (Sokoto), Oba Ewuare (Benin), and Alafin Abiodun (Oyo) played key roles in state formation. Their leadership helped unify diverse groups, expand territories, and establish lasting institutions. Their personal authority often became the foundation for centralized rule.

(vii) Intermarriage and Political Alliances: Rulers often used marriage and diplomacy to form alliances with neighboring communities. These relationships helped reduce conflict, integrate different groups, and expand influence without warfare. Over time, these alliances strengthened centralized control.

(viii) Demand for Slaves and European Trade: The transatlantic slave trade created a demand for organized systems to capture and supply slaves. States that could manage this trade, like Dahomey and Oyo, grew powerful. The wealth gained from selling slaves and other goods like palm oil allowed rulers to build stronger governments and armies.

(ix) Urbanization and Rise of Capital Cities:
As trade and governance expanded, cities like Sokoto, Benin City, and Ibadan grew into political and economic capitals. These urban centers became administrative hubs, housing royal courts, markets, and religious institutions. Their growth reinforced centralized authority.

(x) Decline of Smaller or Weaker Communities: As powerful states expanded, smaller and less organized communities were absorbed or displaced. This process reduced the number of independent groups and increased the size and influence of centralized states. The need for protection and stability also encouraged smaller groups to join larger political units.

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(2)
(i) Decentralized political structure: The Isoko people operated a decentralized system of governance without any central king or monarch. Each village or clan was governed by the eldest male, called the Odio, who served as the political and spiritual leader. His decisions were respected and often final on matters affecting the lineage or village.

(ii) Council of Elders: Authority was shared among a council of elders who were selected based on age, wisdom, and experience. This council resolved disputes, maintained law and order, and upheld community customs and traditions. They served as advisers to the Odio and were key decision-makers in both political and religious matters of the village.

(iii) Age-grade system: The age-grade system grouped people based on age and assigned them specific duties. Younger age-grades performed communal labour, maintained public infrastructure, and defended the village when necessary. It also served as a means of training future leaders and ensuring social responsibility, discipline, and cooperation among members of the community.

(iv) Religious authority: Religion was a central part of Isoko political life. The people believed in a supreme deity, Oghene, and other spirits. Traditional priests and diviners held spiritual authority and guided the community through rituals and sacrifices. They played major roles during festivals, crises, and decision-making, especially when spiritual consultation was required.

(v) Extended family system: The extended family was the foundation of Isoko society, with each compound headed by the oldest male. He settled internal disputes, organized marriages, and ensured discipline among family members. Family loyalty was strong, and clan identity determined social status, inheritance rights, and access to communal resources like land and fishing areas.

(vi) Customary laws and sanctions: The Isoko maintained a strong sense of law and order through unwritten but respected customary laws. Violations such as theft, adultery, or disobedience were punished with fines, ostracism, or public shame. These sanctions promoted discipline, social harmony, and adherence to the values and norms upheld by the ancestors.

(vii) Communal decision-making: Though elders held authority, major decisions were made through wide consultation in village assemblies. These meetings, held in open squares, allowed all adult males to voice their opinions. This participatory system encouraged transparency, unity, and collective ownership of decisions, which helped maintain peace and cooperation within the community.

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(3)
(i) Introduction of European goods:
Trade with Europeans introduced foreign goods such as guns, alcohol, textiles, and mirrors into Nigerian societies. These items became symbols of status and wealth, replacing some traditional crafts and materials. Over time, they influenced local tastes and consumption habits, creating dependency on imported products from European traders.

(ii) Growth of the trans-Atlantic slave trade: Commercial relations were heavily centered on the slave trade, in which Nigerians were captured and sold to European merchants. This led to population loss, especially of able-bodied youths, and disrupted local communities. It also encouraged internal wars as some states raided others to capture slaves for European exchange.

(iii) Emergence of powerful coastal states: Some Nigerian coastal states like Bonny, Opobo, and Calabar became wealthy and influential through their control of trade with Europeans. These states served as middlemen between inland traders and European merchants. Their leaders grew powerful by taxing goods and slaves, leading to increased political centralization and rivalry with other communities.

(iv) Introduction of firearms: Europeans traded firearms in exchange for slaves and palm produce. This altered the balance of power among Nigerian societies, as states with more guns could dominate others. It led to increased warfare, insecurity, and expansionist campaigns, particularly in regions like the Niger Delta and parts of Yorubaland.

(v) Cultural and religious influence: Although full missionary activities came later, early European traders began influencing Nigerian cultures. Some Nigerians adopted European lifestyles, dress, and trade practices. Contact with Europeans also opened the door for later Christian missions and Western education, gradually reshaping the values and belief systems of certain communities.

(vi) Decline of traditional industries:
The importation of cheap European manufactured goods led to a decline in traditional Nigerian industries like iron smelting, weaving, and pottery. Local artisans could not compete with mass-produced European items. This disrupted indigenous economies and contributed to the erosion of local skills and self-reliance.

(vii) Expansion of long-distance trade networks: European demand for goods like palm oil and slaves encouraged the development of long-distance trade routes within Nigeria. Traders from the hinterland traveled to the coast, exchanging local products for European goods. This increased interaction among ethnic groups and contributed to urban growth in trade centers like Lagos and Old Calabar.

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(4)
(i) Establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate: The most immediate outcome was the creation of the Sokoto Caliphate, one of the largest and most organized Islamic states in 19th-century Africa. It unified many Hausa states under a central Islamic authority, replacing fragmented kingdoms with a more cohesive political structure.

(ii) Collapse of Traditional Hausa Rulership: Before the jihad, Hausa city-states like Gobir, Kano, and Katsina were ruled by kings who often mixed Islamic practices with traditional beliefs. The jihad overthrew many of these rulers, replacing them with Fulani emirs loyal to the Caliphate and committed to Islamic governance.

(iii) Spread and Reform of Islam: The jihad was driven by a desire to purify Islam and eliminate syncretism. As a result, Islamic law (Sharia) became the foundation of governance. Mosques, Islamic schools (madrasas), and courts were established, leading to a religious revival and increased literacy in Arabic.

(iv) Social Reforms and Justice: Dan Fodio’s movement emphasized justice, education, and moral leadership. Slavery was regulated under Islamic law, and unjust taxation and oppression by former rulers were condemned. The new leadership promoted fairness and accountability, especially toward the poor and marginalized.

(v) Rise of the Hausa-Fulani Identity: The jihad led to the blending of Hausa and Fulani cultures through intermarriage, shared religion, and political integration. This fusion gave rise to the Hausa-Fulani identity, which remains a dominant socio-political force in northern Nigeria today.

(vi) Inspiration for Other Jihads: The success of dan Fodio’s jihad inspired similar Islamic movements across West Africa, including in present-day Mali, Senegal, and Cameroon. These movements sought to replicate the religious and political reforms of the Sokoto Caliphate.

(vii) Long-Term Political Legacy: The emirate system established by the Caliphate endured even after colonial conquest. British colonial authorities later adopted the indirect rule system, using the emirs as intermediaries. This preserved much of the Caliphate’s structure and influence well into the 20th century.

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(5)
(i) Collapse of the Oyo Empire: The fall of the old Oyo Empire created a power vacuum in Yorubaland. Many towns were destroyed or weakened by wars and invasions. This gave Ibadan the opportunity to grow rapidly in power and influence, as displaced people moved there for protection and stability.

(ii) Strategic location: Ibadan was located on a hilly terrain and in a central position, which made it easy to defend and suitable for military operations. Its position also allowed it to control important trade routes between the north and south of Yorubaland.

(iii) Refuge for war victims: During the period of political instability and warfare in Yorubaland, Ibadan provided refuge to people fleeing from destroyed towns like Owu, Ijaye, and Old Oyo. This influx of people increased the population and labor force of Ibadan, contributing to its growth and strength.

(iv) Military strength and organization: Ibadan developed a strong and disciplined military system. It became known as a warrior town, attracting able-bodied men who were trained as soldiers. Military leaders, known as the Are Ona Kakanfo and Balogun, played significant roles in organizing the city’s defense and expansion.

(v) Political organization: Ibadan had an effective political structure where military chiefs governed the city in a form of military oligarchy. This system provided order, unity, and strong leadership, which helped maintain internal peace and allowed the city to focus on expansion.

(vi) Economic opportunities and trade: With peace and security established, Ibadan became a commercial center. The city engaged in long-distance trade in goods like kola nuts, palm oil, and slaves. Its location along trade routes also boosted economic activities and wealth accumulation.

(vii) Alliances and diplomacy: Ibadan formed strategic alliances with neighboring towns and used diplomacy alongside military power to expand its influence. These alliances helped in creating a sphere of influence over many parts of Yorubaland.

(viii) Role of returnee soldiers and leaders: Veteran soldiers and experienced leaders from various war-torn Yoruba towns brought military experience and political ideas that helped in shaping Ibadan’s growth. These men helped to organize the city into an effective military and administrative power.

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(6)
(i) British Economic Interests: The British were attracted to the economic potential of the Benin Kingdom, which had abundant resources such as palm oil, ivory, and rubber. However, the Oba of Benin strictly controlled trade and operated a monopoly that prevented European traders from accessing goods freely. British merchants and officials were frustrated by this restriction, as it limited their profits and opportunities in the region. They viewed the Oba’s policy as backward and a barrier to modern trade expansion, and believed removing him would open the area to full economic exploitation.

(ii) Resistance to British Rule: Unlike other regions in the Niger Delta that had signed treaties and submitted to British authority, Benin remained fiercely independent. The Oba of Benin rejected treaties that would make the kingdom part of the British-controlled Niger Coast Protectorate. This stance was interpreted by the British as a challenge to their authority and a sign of defiance. British officials saw Benin as a major obstacle in their efforts to establish full colonial control over southern Nigeria.

(iii) The Influence of Captain James Phillips: Captain James Phillips, a British Consul, was instrumental in triggering the final confrontation with Benin. In 1896, he sought approval to remove the Oba and led a mission to Benin without full clearance, despite knowing that the Oba was engaged in an important traditional festival. The expedition ended in disaster when his party was ambushed and many members were killed in what became known as the “Benin Massacre.” This incident gave the British the perfect excuse to organize a military expedition to punish and conquer the kingdom.

(iv) Disregard for Benin’s Culture and Customs: The British colonial officials and traders often disregarded the customs and traditions of the Benin people. One notable example was the Oba’s Igue festival, a sacred event during which foreigners were prohibited from entering the city. Captain Phillips ignored this custom, which was seen as a deep insult and provocation. This cultural insensitivity increased hostility and widened the gap between the two sides, making peaceful resolution almost impossible.

(v) Imperial Expansion and the Niger Coast Protectorate: The British were aggressively expanding their control in West Africa, particularly through the Niger Coast Protectorate established in 1891. The independence of Benin stood in the way of their goal to unify the southern regions under British rule. The kingdom’s refusal to sign treaties or submit to British directives was seen as a direct challenge to imperial expansion. Therefore, eliminating Benin’s autonomy became part of Britain’s broader colonial mission to dominate the region.

(vi) British Military Superiority: At the time, the British had advanced military equipment, including rifles, machine guns, and artillery, which far outmatched the traditional weapons used by Benin warriors. The British believed that their technological superiority would allow them to defeat the kingdom quickly and with minimal losses. This confidence led to the planning and execution of a well-organized punitive expedition in February 1897. As expected, the Benin forces were overwhelmed, the city was captured, and much of it was looted and destroyed.

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(7)
(PICK ANY FIVE)
(i) Introduction of cash crop economy: The colonial government encouraged the mass production of cash crops such as cocoa, palm oil, rubber, cotton, and groundnuts. These crops were not meant for local consumption but were exported to Europe to feed British industries. Indigenous food crop farming was neglected, leading to food shortages in some areas.

(ii) Construction of railways and roads for resource extraction: Transport infrastructure such as railways and roads were constructed not to develop Nigeria, but to make it easier to move raw materials from the interior regions to coastal ports for export. For example, the railway lines connected cocoa-producing areas in the west and tin mines in Jos to ports like Lagos and Port Harcourt.

(iii) Use of forced labour and taxation: Colonial authorities imposed taxes such as the poll tax and used them to compel Nigerians to work on plantations, mines, and construction projects. Indirect rule and native authorities were used to enforce these policies, forcing many Nigerians into exploitative labor systems.

(iv) Establishment of monopolistic trading companies: British trading firms like the Royal Niger Company, UAC, and John Holt monopolized trade in agricultural and mineral products. These companies bought produce from Nigerian farmers at low prices and sold imported British goods at high prices, leaving local producers economically disadvantaged.

(v) Exploitation of mineral resources: Colonial rule encouraged the mining of tin, coal, columbite, and later crude oil. These resources were exported in raw form without developing local industries. The wealth from these resources was used to boost the British economy while local communities were left underdeveloped.

(vi) Land alienation and control: Colonial laws such as the Land and Native Rights Ordinance of 1916 gave the government control over land, especially in the north. This enabled easy access to land for plantations and mining, often at the expense of local communities and traditional landowners.

(vii) Absence of value addition and industrialization: Colonial policies discouraged the establishment of processing industries in Nigeria. Instead, raw materials were exported to Britain, processed there, and imported back into Nigeria as finished goods. This system kept Nigeria dependent and prevented the development of a strong local economy.

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(PICK ANY SEVEN, EIGHT OR ABOVE)

(8)
(i) Republican Status: Nigeria became a republic, formally severing constitutional ties with the British monarchy. The Queen of England was removed as Head of State, and her representative, the Governor-General, was replaced by a Nigerian President. This meant that Nigeria could now make independent national decisions without symbolic allegiance to the British Crown.

(ii) Ceremonial President: The constitution created the office of President, who served as the ceremonial Head of State. He was elected by a joint sitting of the Senate and House of Representatives.
Although the position was largely symbolic, it represented Nigeria’s full political autonomy and national identity.

(iii) Parliamentary System of Government: Nigeria retained the parliamentary system of government, where the Prime Minister held real executive power as Head of Government. The Prime Minister was the leader of the majority party in the federal parliament.
This structure encouraged party competition and parliamentary accountability in national governance.

(iv) Federal Structure: The constitution maintained Nigeria as a federation, with four regions: Northern, Western, Eastern, and Mid-Western (created in 1963). Each region had its own constitution, premier, and legislature. This allowed the regions to manage local affairs while still being part of a united federal republic.

(v) Supremacy of the Constitution: The 1963 Constitution was declared supreme, meaning no individual or institution could operate above it. Any law found to contradict it could be struck down by the courts. This principle introduced the concept of constitutionalism and rule of law in Nigeria’s legal system.

(vi) Independence of the Judiciary: The constitution guaranteed judicial independence, ensuring the courts were free from control by the executive or legislature. The Supreme Court of Nigeria replaced the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council as the final appellate court.
This strengthened national sovereignty and allowed Nigerian judges to interpret laws without foreign interference.

(vii) Fundamental Human Rights: The constitution preserved and protected fundamental human rights, including the rights to life, dignity, personal liberty, fair trial, and freedom of speech, movement, and religion.
Citizens could seek legal redress in court if any of these rights were violated, thus promoting civil liberties and democratic governance.

(viii) Citizenship and National Identity: It clearly defined Nigerian citizenship, replacing the concept of British subjecthood. Provisions were made for both birthright and naturalized citizenship.
This helped to foster a shared sense of national identity and belonging among Nigeria’s diverse population.

(ix) Regional Autonomy: The regions were granted a high degree of autonomy, enabling them to legislate on matters such as health, education, agriculture, and local government. This encouraged regional development based on local priorities while maintaining a united national structure.

(x) Removal of British Monarchical Influence: All references to the British monarch, British legal institutions, and imperial authorities were removed. Nigeria now had complete authority over its legal, political, and administrative decisions. This marked the final break from colonial rule and symbolized Nigeria’s full independence on the world stage.

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(PICK ANY SEVEN, EIGHT OR ABOVE)

(9)
(i) Formation of political parties: Nationalists created political parties such as the Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), Action Group (AG), and the Northern People's Congress (NPC). These parties organized Nigerians under common political agendas. Through elections and representation, they pushed for self-government and democratic reforms.

(ii) Use of newspapers and journalism: Nationalists like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ernest Ikoli, and Herbert Macaulay used the press to criticize colonialism and spread nationalist ideas. Newspapers such as The West African Pilot and The Lagos Daily News educated Nigerians and rallied support for independence. This method helped create political awareness among the masses.

(iii) Petitions and constitutional reforms: Nationalist leaders submitted petitions to the British colonial authorities and demanded constitutional changes. They took part in various constitutional conferences (e.g., 1947, 1953, and 1958 conferences). These efforts led to gradual constitutional advancements toward Nigerian self-rule, including the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954.

(iv) Peaceful protests and demonstrations: Nationalists organized strikes, rallies, and street protests to challenge oppressive colonial policies. For example, the 1945 General Strike led by Michael Imoudu paralyzed the colonial economy. These actions showed the strength of mass support and forced the government to reconsider its stance on governance and wages.

(v) Trade unionism: Trade unions such as the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Railway Workers’ Union became platforms for political agitation. Labour leaders like Michael Imoudu and T.O. Okpare used industrial action to demand workers’ rights and political change. Trade unions became strong allies of the nationalist cause.

(vi) Nationalist organizations and movements: Groups like the Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) and the Zikist Movement played active roles. They organized rallies, public lectures, and engaged in civil disobedience. These organizations helped nurture future political leaders and kept the nationalist spirit alive among younger generations.

(vii) Participation in legislative councils: Nationalists contested elections into colonial legislative councils at both local and national levels. Figures like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo used their positions in the legislature to demand independence. This gave the movement legitimacy and a political voice within the colonial structure.

(viii) International lobbying and Pan-Africanism: Some Nigerian nationalists built international alliances with Pan-African movements and anti-colonial groups. They used platforms like the United Nations and Pan-African Congress to press for decolonization. This brought global attention to Nigeria’s demand for independence and increased international pressure on Britain.

(ix) Education and enlightenment campaigns: Nationalists promoted Western education as a tool for liberation. Educated Nigerians became politically conscious and demanded better representation. Schools and literacy campaigns were used to raise awareness and develop a new generation of informed citizens ready to resist colonial domination.

(x) Religious involvement: Some Christian leaders and mission schools supported nationalist ideas indirectly by producing educated elites. While not all religious bodies were politically active, churches provided forums for political discussions. Many nationalist leaders received education and moral support from mission institutions.

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