GST 201 Nigerian Peoples and Culture

Questions and Answers

Who is the course developer for GST 201 Nigerian Peoples and Culture?

Dr. Cyrille D.Ngamen Kouassi (correct)

Prof. Yesufu

Prof. Bertram A. Okolo

Which university is associated with course GST 201?

National Open University of Nigeria (correct)

University of Lagos

Igbinedion University

Obafemi Awolowo University

What is the ISBN of the published course GST 201?

978-058-425-0 (correct)

978-058-425-1

978-058-425-3

978-058-425-2

Which of the following positions does Prof. Yesufu hold?

Dean School of Arts and Social Sciences Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of the course GST 201?

Nigerian Peoples and Culture Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary role of the council of the twelve, or the 'Nokena', in the Kanem-Bornu political structure?

To offer the king useful advice. Signup and view all the answers

Which person held a crucial role as the chief judge and legal adviser to the Mai in Kanem-Bornu?

The Maini Kanendi. Signup and view all the answers

How was the army of the Kanem-Bornu traditionally structured?

It had a home division and a bush garrison. Signup and view all the answers

What role did the titled nobility have in the Kanem-Bornu political structure?

They administered fiefdoms and held significant influence. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguished the servile institution within the Kanem-Bornu society?

It included slaves and eunuchs who held administrative offices. Signup and view all the answers

Which capital of the Nupe state was significant for its location near trade routes?

Gbara. Signup and view all the answers

What significant geographic area is primarily associated with the Yoruba ethnic group?

Western and Central States of Nigeria Signup and view all the answers

What geographical feature was significant in the development of the Nupe state?

The Niger River as a key trade artery. Signup and view all the answers

According to Rev. Samuel Johnson, where did the Yoruba originally come from?

North-Eastern Africa Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary function of the queen mother, or Magira, in the socio-political organization of the Kanem-Bornu?

To provide support and counsel to the king. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Oduduwa play in Yoruba history according to Johnson's account?

The first leader who led the Yoruba to Ile-Ife Signup and view all the answers

Which city do the Yoruba associate with their historical origins?

Mecca Signup and view all the answers

What is the significance of Oke Oramfe in the Yoruba belief system?

It is regarded as the center from which the world was created. Signup and view all the answers

Who is identified as the leader among the messengers sent by God in the Oke Oramfe legend?

Obatala Signup and view all the answers

What cultural aspects were cited as similar between the Yoruba and Egyptians, indicating a historical connection?

Religious observances and burial practices Signup and view all the answers

What concept does the phrase 'Mecca is the East' signify for the Yoruba people according to Johnson?

A cultural affinity with all things originating from the East Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following accurately describes the role of the British in the evolution of Nigeria as a political unit?

The British were responsible for the initial unification of Nigeria. Signup and view all the answers

Who were the first Europeans to arrive in Nigeria?

The Portuguese in the 15th century. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event happened in May 1906 related to Nigeria's political structure?

The amalgamation of the northern and southern protectorates occurred. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following constitutes a major issue resulting from colonial rule in Nigeria?

The imposition of foreign governance structures on local populations. Signup and view all the answers

The Trans-Atlantic slave trade primarily connected which parties?

British traders and West African victims. Signup and view all the answers

What impact did the period of legitimate commerce have on Nigeria?

It marked a shift away from exploitative trade to legitimate trade. Signup and view all the answers

What does Nigerian nationalism signify in the context of colonial history?

A unified stance towards foreign rule and demand for independence. Signup and view all the answers

What question remains about the status of Nigeria as a political unit?

Does Nigeria face challenges in maintaining its sovereignty? Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary aim of the 1906 amalgamation of Nigeria?

To cover the costs of administration and development in Lagos Signup and view all the answers

Which individual is recognized as the father of the January 1914 amalgamation?

Sir Frederick Lugard Signup and view all the answers

What economic reason was cited for the 1914 amalgamation of Nigeria?

To reduce British Treasury obligations Signup and view all the answers

Which societal aspect posed a challenge to the amalgamation process according to Hatch?

The traditionalist outlook of the Fulani emirates Signup and view all the answers

What central objective of British policy is questioned in the context of the Nigerian amalgamation?

The establishment of a unified government Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable effect of the amalgamation described in the content?

Failure to achieve political unity Signup and view all the answers

Which underlying financial issue was a driving force behind the amalgamation in both 1906 and 1914?

The high operational costs of British colonial governance Signup and view all the answers

What concern did the British have regarding the amalgamation process in terms of societal dynamics?

Potential ethnic conflicts arising from local politics Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Course Information

Title: Nigerian Peoples and Culture
Course Code: GST 201
Developed by: Dr. Cyrille D.Ngamen Kouassi, Department of Sociology/Anthropology, Igbinedion University, Okada
Edited by: Prof. Bertram A. Okolo, Faculty of Arts, University of Benin
Programme and Course Coordinator: Prof. Yesufu, Dean, School of Arts and Social Sciences, National Open University of Nigeria

Yoruba Ethnic Group

One of the major ethnic groups in Southern Nigeria, predominantly found in Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Ondo, Lagos, Kwara, and Kogi states.
Practices include Islam, Christianity, and traditional beliefs; deeply rooted in traditionalism.
Believed to have originated between 2000-1000 BC, with controversial theories regarding their true origins.

Theories of Yoruba Origins

Rev. Samuel Johnson's Version: Asserts the Yoruba originated from the East, specifically North-Eastern Africa, linked culturally with Egyptians.
Oke Oramfe Legend: Central to Yoruba belief, explaining that Oke Oramfe in Ile-Ife was the world's creation point, with Obatala leading messengers to create the world.

Kanem-Bornu Socio-Political Organization

Kinship-based political structure with the Mai (king) as the highest authority and significant roles held by the Queen Mother and the King's sister.
Existence of the "Nokena" council, an imperial state council advising the king.
Maini Kanendi: Chief judge and legal advisor to the Mai.
The army was a key administrative entity, strategically divided into home and bush divisions.

Nupe People

Early history not well documented; developed around the Niger and Benue valleys in the Middle Belt of Nigeria.
Capital: Gbara, which served as a vital trading center located at the confluence of the Niger and Kaduna rivers.

Dynamics of Nigeria’s Evolution as a Political Unit

Focuses on Nigeria's historical stages under British colonial rule.
Addresses the impact of amalgamations (1906 and 1914) that joined Northern and Southern Nigeria for economic efficiency without consulting local perspectives.

British Involvement and Colonial Impact

The Portuguese were the first Europeans to reach Nigeria, establishing contacts in the Benin Kingdom in the 15th century.
The trans-Atlantic slave trade marked the initial British contact with Nigeria and laid the groundwork for economic motives driving colonization.
1914 Amalgamation: Designed to integrate the economically weaker Northern protectorate with the prosperous South, intending to reduce British Treasury obligations.

Consequences of Amalgamation

The amalgamation faced continuous challenges, including cultural and political tensions between historically rival states.
Questions about effective administration and national identity emerged as different societies were forced to coexist under one government.

Conclusion

Understanding the origins and socio-political structures of Nigerian ethnic groups provides context for Nigeria's colonial history and present-day dynamics.

Contact Information

National Open University of Nigeria, Lagos: [email protected]
Abuja Office: No. 5 Dar es Salam Street, Wuse II, Abuja
URL: www.nou.edu.ng

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Description

Explore the diverse peoples and rich cultural heritage of Nigeria in this GST 201 course. This quiz will test your knowledge of various ethnic groups, traditions, and sociocultural dynamics within the Nigerian context.