WAEC History (OBJ & Essay) Questions and Answers 2026

*WAEC HISTORY* 1–10: D B C C D A C A D D 11–20: A A B C C C D C D C 21–30: C C B D D C B D A A 31–40: B B D C D C C A A A 41–50: A B A A B C C C A B COMPLETED BY EXAMGROUP.NET *IF YOURS IS RESHUFFLED USE THIS 👇👇* 1. D – Numismatics (study of coins) is a non-documentary source. 2. B – Financial constraints hinder archaeological studies in West Africa. 3. C – Oral tradition is prone to distortion, so "free from distortion" is not a merit. 4. C – Archaeology is considered most reliable (uses material evidence). 5. D – Spread of indigenous culture was not an effect; trans-Saharan trade spread Islam, not local culture outward. 6. A – Central route started from Algiers. 7. C – Gold was exported from West Africa to North Africa. 8. A – Taghaza was famous for salt mines. 9. D – Swahili (East Africa) did not participate in trans-Saharan trade. 10. D – Promotion of Arabic literacy was a social effect of Islam. 11. A – Before 1800, spread of Islam was mainly through trade. 12. A – Tolerance of some traditional practices helped Islam spread. 13. B – Rulers had power and influence, so converting them helped spread Islam. 14. C – Tekrur was not a great commercial/Islamic centre like Jenne, Gao, Timbuktu. 15. C – Europeans caused decline of trans-Saharan trade. 16. C – Spreading western culture was not an initial motive. 17. D – Mulatto (mixed European-African). 18. C – Portugal first made contact. 19. D – Adoption of European culture was a social effect. 20. C – Recaptives were the last group resettled in Freetown. 21. C – Huge profit made it hard to suppress slave trade. 22. C – Unavailability of slaves was not a factor; slaves were available. 23. B – Charm was not used to restrain slaves. 24. D – To work on plantations in the New World. 25. D – Church Missionary Society (CMS) early condemned slave trade. 26. C – Greatest contribution was in education. 27. B – Undermining traditional religion was a negative effect. 28. D – Major aim was to spread the faith. 29. A – Overcrowding in churches was not a factor affecting their work. 30. A – Scramble driven by acquisition of resources. 31. B – Effective occupation of colonies was a main objective of Berlin Conference. 32. B – Berlin Conference held in Germany. 33. D – Liberia survived the partition. 34. C – Industrial Revolution in Europe caused scramble. 35. D – Re-demarcation of boundaries was a major effect. 36. D – Suppression of slave trade was not an economic effect of colonial rule. 37. C – Western education consolidated European culture. 38. A – Resistance was through protest. 39. A – Assimilation policy made West Africans adopt European culture. 40. A – Warrant chiefs were commoners appointed as rulers/chiefs. 41. A – Boundary disputes slowed economic development. 42. A – Unequal development contributed to political instability. 43. B – Cultural difference was not a major problem of independent states (it existed but wasn't the main issue listed). 44. A – First military coup in independent West Africa was in Nigeria (1966). 45. B – Poor governance hindered progress. 46. C – Political instability inhibited economic development. 47. C – Formation of economic ties with Europe was not an OAU aim. 48. C – Frequent military interference was a major ECOWAS challenge. 49. A – UN Security Council promotes international peace. 50. B – Casablanca and Monrovia groups merged to form OAU. *WAEC HISTORY (PAPER 2 – ESSAY)* *COMPLETE ANSWERS – SECTIONS A, B & C (Q1 TO Q9)* =========================================================== SECTION A: NIGERIA UP TO 1800 =========================================================== QUESTION 1 (a) List any three artefacts found in Igbo Ukwu (3 marks) 1. Bronze ceremonial pot (bronze vessel with intricate designs) 2. Bronze leopard skull (or pendant representing a leopard) 3. Iron swords and bronze staff heads (Also acceptable: Bronze anklets, copper ornaments, glass beads, shell beads) (b) Highlight any four shortcomings of archaeology in the writing of Nigerian history (12 marks) 1. Incomplete evidence – Many archaeological sites have not been fully excavated, leaving gaps in historical knowledge. 2. Destruction of sites – Modern construction, farming, and erosion have destroyed many important archaeological sites before they could be studied. 3. High cost – Archaeological excavations are very expensive, requiring specialized equipment, trained personnel, and long periods of time. 4. Difficulty in dating – Some artefacts cannot be accurately dated using available methods, leading to uncertain chronology. =========================================================== QUESTION 2 Highlight any five evidence of inter-group relations among Nigerians in pre-colonial times (15 marks) 1. Trade routes – The trans-Saharan trade connected the Hausa states with North Africa, and the Niger-Benue trade routes linked different ethnic groups. 2. Inter-marriage – Royal families from different kingdoms married one another, such as marriages between Hausa and Yoruba ruling houses. 3. Migration of peoples – Groups such as the Fulani migrated across different parts of Nigeria, settling among the Hausa and other communities. 4. Religious exchanges – Islam spread from the Hausa states to Yorubaland and other parts of Nigeria through traders and scholars. 5. Political alliances – Kingdoms formed alliances for mutual defence, such as the alliance between Oyo and Dahomey at certain periods. =========================================================== QUESTION 3 (a) List any three objects discovered at Ile-Ife centre of ancient civilization (3 marks) 1. Bronze (copper) head of a king (Ooni) 2. Terracotta figure of a human (clay sculpture) 3. Stone monolith (stele) with carvings (Also acceptable: Glass beads, ivory objects, quartz ornaments) (b) In what four ways were the Ile-Ife works of art important to the people? (12 marks) 1. Religious significance – The artworks were used in worship of gods (Orisa) and ancestors, serving as sacred objects. 2. Political authority – The bronze heads of kings (Ooni) symbolised royal power and legitimacy. 3. Historical records – The artworks preserved the history and traditions of the Yoruba people for future generations. 4. Cultural identity – The works of art promoted Yoruba identity and pride, distinguishing them from other ethnic groups. =========================================================== SECTION B: NIGERIA IN THE 19TH CENTURY =========================================================== QUESTION 4 (a) List any three administrative officials of the Sokoto Caliphate (3 marks) 1. The Sultan (Commander of the Faithful – Amir al-Mu'minin) 2. Waziri (Chief Adviser and Prime Minister) 3. Galadima (Chief of the Palace and administrator of the capital) (Also acceptable: Emir (Hakimi), Alkali (Judge), Sarkin Fada (Palace head), Ma'aji (Treasurer)) (b) Highlight any four political features of the Sokoto Caliphate (12 marks) 1. Federal system – The Caliphate was divided into emirates that were semi-autonomous but owed allegiance to the Sultan in Sokoto. 2. Centralized authority – The Sultan in Sokoto was the supreme political and spiritual leader of the Caliphate. 3. Islamic legal system – Sharia law (based on the Qur'an and Hadith) was the basis of governance and justice. 4. Advisory council – The Sultan was advised by a council of officials including the Waziri and other senior emirs. =========================================================== QUESTION 5 Outline any five factors that facilitated the British conquest of Nigeria before 1900 (15 marks) 1. Superior weapons – The British used modern firearms (Maxim guns, rifles) against traditional weapons like bows, arrows, and swords. 2. Disunity among African kingdoms – Rival groups fought among themselves instead of uniting against the British. 3. Internal conflicts – Civil wars (e.g., Yoruba civil wars) weakened states, making them easy targets for British control. 4. Collaboration of some chiefs – Some local leaders helped the British in exchange for protection or rewards. 5. Economic exploitation – The British used control of trade routes and resources to weaken local economies before military conquest. =========================================================== QUESTION 6 In what five ways were the Christian missionary activities disadvantageous to the people of Nigeria? (15 marks) 1. Destruction of African culture – Missionaries condemned traditional religions, music, dance, and customs as "pagan" or "evil." 2. Introduction of colonial rule – Missionaries paved the way for British colonial conquest by dividing African communities. 3. Loss of political power – Traditional rulers lost authority as missionaries and colonial administrators gained influence. 4. Western education replacing indigenous knowledge – Children were taught European history and ideas instead of African heritage. 5. Promoting European dress and lifestyle – Nigerians were made to feel ashamed of their own clothing, food, and way of life. =========================================================== SECTION C: NIGERIA IN THE 20TH CENTURY =========================================================== QUESTION 7 Identify any five effects of the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970 (15 marks) 1. Massive loss of lives – Over one million people, mostly civilians from the Eastern Region (Biafra), died from fighting, starvation, and disease. 2. Displacement of people – Millions of Igbos and other Easterners became refugees, fleeing to other parts of Nigeria or neighbouring countries. 3. Destruction of infrastructure – Roads, bridges, airports, schools, hospitals, and factories in the East were destroyed during the war. 4. Economic hardship – The war caused inflation, food shortages, and collapse of trade across the country. 5. Post-war reconciliation – The government adopted the policy of "No Victor, No Vanquished" and created the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) to promote unity. =========================================================== QUESTION 8 Highlight any five political contributions of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida's regime in Nigeria (15 marks) 1. Creation of two political parties (SDP and NRC) – He established the Social Democratic Party and National Republican Convention as the only legal parties. 2. Introduction of the Presidential system (1992 elections) – He organized presidential elections won by Moshood Abiola, though later annulled. 3. Establishment of the Directorate for Social Mobilisation (MAMSER) – Created to educate citizens on political participation. 4. Creation of more states – He created states such as Akwa Ibom, Katsina, Kebbi, and Kogi in 1987 and 1991. 5. Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) – Though primarily economic, SAP also involved political and administrative reforms. =========================================================== QUESTION 9 Identify any five social achievements of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nigeria up to 2005 (15 marks) 1. Reduction in child mortality – Immunisation programmes reduced deaths from measles, polio, and other childhood diseases. 2. Improvement in maternal health – More women had access to antenatal care and skilled birth attendants. 3. Increase in primary school enrolment – The Universal Basic Education (UBE) programme increased the number of children attending school. 4. Reduction in extreme poverty – Poverty reduction programmes lifted some Nigerians out of extreme poverty. 5. Access to clean water – More rural communities gained access to boreholes and protected wells, reducing waterborne diseases. =========================================================== END OF ANSWERS – QUESTIONS 1 TO 9 ===========================================================

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