Nigerian Constitutional Development Quiz

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Questions and Answers

What was a key feature of the Macpherson constitution drafted in 1951?

It emphasized regional autonomy.

It abolished the federal legislature.

It was created without public consultation.

It included wide consultation with the people. (correct)

What criticism was directed at the Macpherson constitution?

It had too many amendments.

It provided excessive regional powers.

It failed to address ethnic diversity. (correct)

It was highly endorsed by all political parties.

Which principle was significant in the Lyttleton's constitution of 1954?

Universal suffrage for all citizens.

Integration of regional legislatures.

Revenue allocation based on derivation. (correct)

Complete independence from Great Britain.

What characteristic defined the 1963 Republican Constitution?

It was created through indigenous efforts. Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable issue with the 1960 constitution of Nigeria?

It did not adequately address practical workability. Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes culture according to E.B. Tylor?

Culture is a complex whole that encompasses knowledge, beliefs, and habits. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes the process of learning culture?

Culture is acquired through socialization and can change over time. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is an example of material culture?

Tools and instruments Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of culture indicates that it is shared by members of the society?

Culture involves social interactions and communal activities. Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic of culture refers to its ability to change and adapt over time?

Cultural dynamism Signup and view all the answers

What is non-material culture primarily comprised of?

Ideas, values, and moral beliefs of a society. Signup and view all the answers

How does culture distinguish humans from animals?

Humans create and transmit learned behaviors across generations. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best defines how culture varies?

Culture differs from society to society based on its unique characteristics. Signup and view all the answers

Who was married to a priest and became the mother of the Olowu?

Okanbi Signup and view all the answers

What title did the 4th child of Oduduwa hold?

King of Ila Signup and view all the answers

Which council presided over the governance of the Benin people?

Uzama Council Signup and view all the answers

What does 'Benin' translate to in relation to its name origin?

Land of Vexation Signup and view all the answers

Which governance system is practiced by the Yoruba?

Centralized system Signup and view all the answers

What major organ governed the Igbo society?

Ohane-Eze Council Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of the Arochukwu oracle in Igbo society?

Judiciary court Signup and view all the answers

Who concluded that only a prince of Benin blood could govern the people?

Oranmiyan Signup and view all the answers

What was one major factor that influenced the rise of nationalism in Nigeria?

Western education promoting political awareness Signup and view all the answers

Who was a significant figure in the religious protest movements in Nigerian churches?

Dr Edward Blyden Signup and view all the answers

What was the resolution made during the 1958 conference regarding Nigeria's independence?

Nigeria would be independent on October 1, 1960 Signup and view all the answers

Which two major tools did Nigerian nationalists adopt in their struggle for independence?

Dialogue and propaganda Signup and view all the answers

What was the status of regional self-government granted by the Lyttleton constitution in 1954?

Exclusion of British governors from the executive council Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the economic depression during the interwar period in Nigeria?

Stimulated nationalist agitation for self-rule Signup and view all the answers

Who led the Christ Apostolic Church in Nigeria?

Joseph Ayo Babalola Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements is true regarding the timeline of Nigeria's independence?

Nigeria gained independence and became a republic in 1963 Signup and view all the answers

What do norms specifically provide in a society?

Rules that guide behavior in everyday situations Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes folkways?

They arise unconsciously within a group and are customary traits. Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes mores from folkways?

Violation of mores typically results in severe punishment. Signup and view all the answers

How can beliefs be defined in a social context?

Convictions about what is true Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a characteristic of norms?

They are derived from cultural values. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'folkways' literally mean?

The way of the people Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT an example of mores?

Washing hands before eating Signup and view all the answers

What role do positive mores play in society?

They provide instructions for appropriate behavior. Signup and view all the answers

Who succeeded Sani Abacha after his death in June 1998?

Abubakar Abdusalam Signup and view all the answers

What was a key reason for military intervention in Nigerian politics?

Electoral Malpractices Signup and view all the answers

Which council acted as the super-ordinate body of the military government at different times?

Supreme Military Council Signup and view all the answers

What type of farming system was prevalent in the pre-colonial economy of Nigeria?

Shifting cultivation Signup and view all the answers

Which legacy of military rule is noted for resulting in infrastructural development?

Infrastructure projects Signup and view all the answers

What was the fate of the interim national government led by Mr. Shonekan?

It fell victim to a military coup Signup and view all the answers

What was NOT a factor contributing to poor governance in Nigeria?

Efficient public services Signup and view all the answers

Which sector included practices such as hunting and blacksmithing in pre-colonial Nigeria?

Non-agricultural sector Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Nigerian Peoples and Global Culture GES 122

Course focuses on Nigerian peoples and global culture.

The Concept of Culture

Culture, according to E.B. Tylor, is a complex whole encompassing knowledge, beliefs, art, law, morals, customs, and capabilities/habits acquired by a person as a member of society.
Culture is the way of life of a group of people, including ideas, habits and transmitted across generations (Ralph Linton).
It defines behaviour and thinking patterns within a social group.
It differentiates one group from another and distinguishes humans from animals due to human capacity for transmitting behaviors from generation to generation.

Concept of Culture Continued

Culture encompasses diverse elements: beliefs, behaviour rules, language, rituals, arts, technology, dress styles, food preparation methods, religion, politics, and economic systems.
Culture defines a society's identity (e.g., Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa).

Characteristics of Culture

Culture is learned, not inherited, through socialization; examples include learning language, societal rules, and skills.
Culture is shared by members of a society, influencing common behaviour patterns (food, dress, celebrations).
Culture is idealistic.
Culture is adaptive, varying across societies.
Culture is dynamic and changes over time.
Culture is independent.

Types of Culture

Material Culture: tangible objects created by humans (arts, clothing, tools, houses) representing civilization.
Non-Material Culture: intangible aspects (ideas, values, morals, attitudes) that shape a way of life.

Components of Culture

Ideas: encompass values, myths, superstitions, and beliefs of a particular society.
Norms: according to Donald Light Jr & S. Keller, are rules that guide everyday behavior, stemming from values.
Norms define standards of behavior widely expected and accepted within a society (e.g., respect for elders, paying taxes).
Norms represent the formal rules and regulations of a society.

Folkways

Folkways are customary behaviours, typical beliefs, attitudes, and ways of conduct within a community.
They are expected but not strictly enforced; violations don't usually merit serious consequences.
E.g., greetings, hygiene practices.

Mores are social norms that set moral standards for a society.
They are taken seriously and violations are met with significant punishment.
Define moral or immoral behavior (e.g., prohibitions against murder, theft, assault).

Beliefs

Belief is a conviction that something is true, influencing human actions and social relations (e.g., belief in unseen powers, reincarnation, heaven/hell).
These beliefs help shape behavior and social control.

Customs

Customs are long-established habits that regulate social life, passed down through generations.
Generally accepted ways of acting within a society.

Laws

Law, according to Roscoe Pound, is a recognized standard of values established by politically organized society and supported by the power of the state.
Laws help eliminate harmful actions, ensure individuals respect each other's rights, protect individuals and society, and promote social welfare.

Values

Values are beliefs that something is desirable, defining what's important and worth striving for in a specific society.
Reflect desirable practices for ordered social life, guiding behavior.
Vary across societies (e.g., respect for elders, democracy, fundamental human rights).
Contribute to stability and uniformity in interactions within social groups.

Superstitions and Taboos

Superstitions are widely held, but irrational beliefs related to supernatural influences.
Taboos are social or religious prohibitions against certain practices or associations (e.g., incest).

Origin and Socio-Political Organisation of the Kanuri

Kanem-Bornu was one of the earliest kingdoms in the Nigerian region (10th century).
Its founding is attributed to Saif, and the dynasty is known as Saifawa.
Kanem-Bornu was a centralized state ruled by a Mai and was the first to record Islamic presence in Nigeria.
It reached its peak under Mai Idris Aloma in the 16th century.
European imperialism eventually led to its decline.

Origin and Socio-Political Organisation of the Hausa

The Hausa states were founded by the descendants of the legendary warrior Bayajida, who travelled to Kanem-Bornu and then Daura in Hausa land.
The union of the queen of Daura with Bayajida produced six sons, who established the original Hausa states (Daura, Katsina, Kano, Rano, Zazzau, Gobir).
Subsequently, a seventh state of Biram was formed.
This group of seven Hausa states became known as the Hausa Bakwai.

Origin and Socio-Political Organisation of the Fulani

Fulani are a transnational group primarily residing in the northern regions of Nigeria.
Their origins lie in the Senegal River valley, resulting from a hybridization of indigenous Negroid and Berber immigrants, starting in the 12th century.
The Fulani are divided into two groups - sedentary scholars and nomadic pastoralists (cattle herders).

Traditional-Political Hierarchy in Northern Nigeria

Traditional leadership structure: Emir, Council Members, District Head, Village Head, Ward Head, family household, settlement, communities and city.
Caliphate system—governmental structure that governs the rural-urban (common people - rulers) relationship.

Marriage in Hausa Culture

Marriage is a socio-cultural and religious obligation in Hausa society.
Two marriage types exist: Auren Budurwa (virgin-girl marriages) and Auren Bazawara (marriages after the first marriage).
The father has the right to choose a partner for his daughters without their consent, and the bride price is significant.

Marriage Types

Traditional/Betrothal Marriage, Modern Marriage (Fathia), Household Pattern, Descent-Patrilineal, Authority-Patriarchy.

Marriage in Fulani Culture

Fulani marriages are endogamous, primarily between cousins, believed to strengthen social cohesion.
Child marriage, agreement between adults, and elopement are common marriage styles.

Origin and Socio-Political Organization of the Yoruba

Yoruba history has two versions—Autochthonous and Migratory.
Autochthonous: Yoruba originated from Ile-Ife from the God's messengers (Obatala, others). Oduduwa, the leader, set down the five pieces of iron on the earth and it resulted in the formation of other settlements.
Migratory: Yoruba originated in Mecca in the Middle East and led by the ancestors of Oduduwa, travelling to modern-day Nigeria.

Origin and Socio-Political Organization of the Edo

Edo were ruled by Ogizo and a council of chiefs called Uzama before the rise of Oranmiyan (Oduduwa's son), who formed the basis of Benin kingdom.
Considering that Benin people were hard to govern, Oranmiyan married a daughter from a Benin chief. The marriage produced a son named Eweka, founding the present line of Benin kings.

Origin and Socio-Political Organization of the Igbo

Igbo are a non-centralised people, owing to their kinship-based societies.
Led by the council of elders known as Ohane-eze (Ofo title holders).
Arochukwu oracle functions as a major court.

Marriage in Igbo Culture

Igbo marriage focuses on unions between families, not just individuals.
Four stages are involved: Consent request, appointment of a middleman, bride's character evaluation, bride price and ceremony.
Traditional, modern, women's marriages, and photograph marriage are types of Igbo marriage.

Colonialism and Local Responses

Colonialism is the domination and effective occupation of one country by another.
Nigeria's colonialism, led by Britain, occurred through explorers, missionaries, traders, and diplomatic military invasions.
Local resistance to colonial rule occurred through varied forms of opposition (passive, active, collaborative).

Colonial System of Administration in Nigeria

British indirect rule in Nigeria involved using existing traditional rulers to govern.
Key political instruments were local leaders.
Colonial administration was characterized by suppressing local press, excluding educated elites from politics, and marginalization of Nigerians in federal legislature and executive councils.

Constitutional Development in Nigeria

Lagos separated from the Gold Coast in 1886 and merged with the Southern Nigeria Protectorate in 1906, then amalgamate to form a single entity in 1914.
Constitutions in the colonial era, such as the Clifford's constitution of 1922 (incorporating the elective principle) and the Richards constitution of 1944 (enhancing Nigerian participation).
The 1960 constitution, based on 1954 and amended 1957-58 conferences, was the base for Nigeria's independence.

Home-Made 1963 Republican Constitution

The 1963 Constitution was home-made, free from dictating decree by an alien monarch; a consensus document.
Key was promoting Nigerian unity and international understanding.

Nationalism and Independence

Nigerian nationalism was a reaction against foreign rule, with various phases of resistance, including traditional rulers, educated elites, and popular movements.
Nationalist movements aimed at creating a sovereign Nigerian state.
Notable movements and leaders fought against various oppressive practices.

Means Adopted in Achieving Independence

Nationalist leaders used dialogue and propaganda to achieve independence through conferences with colonial masters discussing the issues of self-rule.

Civil and Military Rule in Nigeria

The 1954 Lyttleton constitution granted regional self-government to Western and Eastern regions deferring the North till March 1959.
Regional self-governance took place, in line with the British administration's regional power structure.

The Development of Nationalism in Nigeria

Defects in indirect rule (the imposition of traditional rulers and warrant chiefs).
Western education sparked political consciousness, influencing Nigerians' constitutional struggles.
Formation of political parties drove nationalist struggles.
Economic depression and the Second World War promoted nationalist sentiment against British colonialism.

Economic Development in Nigeria

Pre-colonial economy was mainly agricultural (shifting cultivation, crop rotation) and non-agricultural (hunting, processing, textile production).
Colonial period saw the rise of cash crops and the emergence of marketing boards, which impacted the agricultural sector's contribution to the GDP.
The state regulated and promoted the agricultural sector using policies for ensuring adequate food supply, production growth, and the creation of employment.
The fall of crude oil prices in the 1970s led to economic problems, and structural adjustment programs were introduced starting in 1986.

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Description

Test your knowledge on the key features and criticisms of Nigeria's constitutions from 1951 to 1963. This quiz covers important aspects like the Macpherson Constitution, Lyttleton's Constitution, and the Republican Constitution, as well as cultural definitions and characteristics. Enhance your understanding of Nigeria's political history and cultural concepts.