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Nigerian History: An Introductory Guide
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Nigerian History: An Introductory Guide

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Questions and Answers

What role did geographical factors play in the study of human actions in society?

Geographical factors influence social structures, cultural practices, resource distribution, and economic activities, shaping how communities develop and interact.

Discuss the creation school of thought as recorded in the study.

The creation school of thought examines the origins of Nigerian ethnic groups and emphasizes the significance of cultural and historical narratives in shaping their identities.

What is the definition of culture according to Edward Tylor?

Culture is defined as that complex whole which includes knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, customs, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society.

Why did the British employ 'indirect rule' to administer colonial Nigeria?

<p>The British employed 'indirect rule' to reduce administrative costs and maintain control over local governance while relying on traditional rulers to implement colonial policies.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the two perspectives on the origin of culture.

<p>The two perspectives on the origin of culture include the traditional view, which suggests culture develops as societies evolve, and the interactionist perspective, which sees culture as shaped by interactions among individuals and groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why was the period 1970-1976 christened reconstruction, rehabilitation, and reconciliation (3Rs) in Nigeria?

<p>This period was focused on rebuilding the country after the Nigerian Civil War, addressing social, economic, and political issues to promote unity and development.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Mention and discuss the two major components of culture.

<p>The two major components of culture are material culture, which includes physical objects and artifacts, and non-material culture, which encompasses values, beliefs, and norms.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Explain the term resource control and link it to the agitation of the Ijaw people of the Niger Delta.

<p>Resource control refers to the demand for local communities to have authority over the resources in their territories, particularly in reference to oil extraction. The Ijaw people have agitated for resource control due to their perceived marginalization and environmental degradation caused by oil exploration.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the different characteristics of culture?

<p>Different characteristics of culture include being learned, shared, socially transmitted, adaptive, and dynamic.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the basic elements and concepts associated with culture?

<p>The basic elements and concepts associated with culture include symbols, language, values, norms, and artifacts.</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what ways is culture significant in our society?

<p>Culture is significant in society as it facilitates communication, establishes standards of behavior, aids in socialization, defines identity, creates bonding, and provides means of leisure.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these superpowers have a deep sense of their collective history?

<p>United States of America</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three duties of History as mentioned in the document?

<p>Evaluative duties, investigative duties, informative and educative duties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which ethnic group is identified with the Oduduwa Creation narrative?

<p>Yoruba</p> Signup and view all the answers

The creation school of thought sees man’s origin as a result of natural and chemical actions.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

What do you understand by a pre-colonial society and what were the dominant economic activities in this period?

<p>A pre-colonial society refers to the social structures and community systems that existed before colonial influence. The dominant economic activities included agriculture, trading, hunting, fishing, and manufacturing.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the three schools of thought regarding the origin of man?

<p>The creation school of thought, the evolution school of thought, and the migration school of thought.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Describe the different socio-political systems of the pre-colonial Nigerian society.

<p>Pre-colonial Nigerian societies had various socio-political systems, including the centralized systems of the Hausa-Fulani, the checks and balances in the Oyo Empire, and the village democracy of the Igbo groups.</p> Signup and view all the answers

How do you describe the place of the land tenure system in the agrarian economy of precolonial societies?

<p>The land tenure system was crucial as it determined how land was owned, used, and transmitted among families and communities, directly impacting agricultural production.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The __ school of thought believes that man originated from a supreme being.

<p>creation</p> Signup and view all the answers

Environmental factors do not influence the occupation of the peoples of Nigeria.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

List and explain the four processes that underpinned the reasons for the conquest of Africa, and in deed Nigeria, through colonialism?

<p>Exploration for geographical/scientific knowledge, economic motives, religious/humanitarian reasons, political and military objectives.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the introduction of Islam bring to northern Nigeria?

<p>Sharia law</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why is the post-colonial Nigerian society considered a neo-colonial society?

<p>Post-colonial Nigerian society is considered neo-colonial because, despite political independence, economic control and influence from former colonial powers persist.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which area is described as the stop-gap between the climatic conditions of the north and south of Nigeria?

<p>Middle Belt</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name two well-organized economic systems mentioned in the document.

<p>Market systems and trade networks.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary role of the family institution?

<p>Bearing, rearing, and nurturing new members of society.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following are types of families mentioned in the text? (Select all that apply)

<p>Blended family</p> Signup and view all the answers

The nuclear family is the most basic form of family structure.

<p>True</p> Signup and view all the answers

What defines an extended family?

<p>An extension of the nuclear family typically enlarged with the addition of other kinsmen.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a compound family?

<p>A group of houses built in clustered form around a square yard with a central household head.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes a blended family?

<p>It is a product of remarriage, often following divorce or the death of a spouse.</p> Signup and view all the answers

The family institution has both ______ and ______ attributes.

<p>particularistic, universalistic</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are some functional roles of intimate group organizations such as family?

<p>Companionship, sexual regulation, child-rearing, socialization, economic activities, political aspirations, and religious duties.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these scholars defined culture as a complex whole including knowledge, belief, art, morals, law, custom, and any other capabilities and habits acquired by man as a member of society?

<p>Edward B. Tylor</p> Signup and view all the answers

Culture is only characterized by high culture and does not include popular or low cultures.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Tylor believe about the possession of culture?

<p>Tylor believes that all humans belong to social groups and maintain some level of culture.</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Franz Boas, how should cultural differentiations be viewed?

<p>All cultures should be respected without differentiation.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Culture is an embodiment of the totality of human __________.

<p>existence</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are the two main sources suggested for the origin of culture?

<p>The individual perspective and the group perspective.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes material culture?

<p>The physical objects and tools used to make life more comfortable.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Norms within a culture are always formal and documented.

<p>False</p> Signup and view all the answers

Name one characteristic of culture.

<p>Culture is learned.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Cultural __________ is a process whereby the culture of a group assumes the character of another through contact.

<p>assimilation</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is culture lag?

<p>Culture lag refers to the slow adjustment between cultural elements and technological progress.</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a rite of passage?

<p>A ritual that symbolizes a change in status.</p> Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Introduction to Nigerian History

  • Historical studies are vital for human and national development; superpowers utilize their history for progress.
  • History serves evaluative, investigative, informative, and educative roles in society.
  • The study will focus on the lives and times of ancient Nigerian societies and their origins.

Environment and Peoples of Nigeria

  • Nigeria is between latitudes 4°N and 14°W, bordered by the Sahara Desert in the North and the Gulf of Guinea in the South.
  • Geographical factors shape human actions, influencing occupation and governance systems.
  • Southern Nigeria experiences a long rainy season, while Northern Nigeria is dry and supports Savanna vegetation.
  • Conflicts arise over natural resources, particularly during dry seasons, leading to "Farmers-Herdsmen" clashes.
  • Nigeria is home to over 200 ethnic groups, with cultural diversity and shared histories.

Ethnic Groups in Pre-Colonial Nigeria

  • Pre-colonial ethnic groups include Bini, Hausa, Fulani, Urhobo, Efik, Idoma, Ijaw, Yoruba, Tiv, and Igbo, among others.
  • These groups had distinct cultures and lived with interconnected histories and alliances.
  • The classification of these groups as "tribes" is deemed inappropriate due to its negative connotations; "ethnic groups" is preferred.

Historical Phases of Nigerian Peoples

  • The pre-colonial history spans up to 1895, focusing on the origins, societies, and relations of various Nigerian peoples.
  • British colonial supremacy began consolidating around 1895.

Origins of Nigerian Peoples

  • There are three theories regarding the origins of people:
    • Creation School: Belief in a supreme being creating humanity.
    • Evolution School: Views man as a result of natural processes and chemical evolution.
    • Migration School: Centers on the movement of peoples and the challenges of tracing origins via oral histories.

Nature and Structure of Pre-Colonial Societies

  • Pre-colonial societies were kinship-based, ensuring peaceful coexistence and conflict resolution.
  • Centralized states, like those of the Kanuri and Benin, had kings as authorities, while non-centralized states, like those of the Ijaw and Igbo, distributed responsibility through different officials.
  • Both political systems coexisted, showing that the structure does not necessarily determine stability or governance quality.

Economic Cooperation and Trade

  • No Nigerian community was completely self-sufficient; trade occurred between savanna and coastal peoples.
  • Organized markets existed for trading goods, linking different ethnic groups and promoting intermarriages.
  • Cultural ties were strengthened via trade and intergroup relations.

Religion and Cultural Changes

  • Nigerian ethnic groups had their unique belief systems, but Islam began influencing northern regions in the 7th century AD.
  • Islamic introductions included Sharia law and Arabic historiography, significantly shaping socio-political structures.
  • Christianity was introduced in 1842 by missionaries who aimed to evangelize while engaging in agriculture and trade.

Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade

  • The trans-Atlantic Slave Trade had devastating effects on Nigeria and the African continent, leading to the African Diaspora.
  • It established a racial hierarchy and discrimination against blacks in the Americas, as slavery became hereditary.

Conclusion of Pre-Colonial Era

  • The pre-colonial period ended in 1895 with the British establishing colonial rule to exploit local resources for economic gain, referred to as Mercantilism.### Colonial History of Nigeria
  • The colonial era in Nigeria began around 1837, marked by British interference in local governance following the deposition of Anna Pepple of Bonny.
  • British colonial authorities regularly ousted local rulers like King Kosoko of Lagos and Jaja of Opobo to install preferred leaders, which set a precedent for future political manipulation.
  • The "Indirect Rule" system was implemented by the British to reduce administrative costs and maintain control over diverse ethnic groups.
  • In 1914, the northern and southern protectorates were amalgamated with the Lagos crown colony, which fostered competition and inter-ethnic rivalries.
  • The 1939 division of the southern province into western and eastern regions intensified ethnic competition, particularly affecting communities like the Ijaw.
  • Colonialism created a discriminatory hierarchy among ethnic groups, reinforcing Hausa-Fulani dominance over northern minorities, leading to ongoing agitations for state creation and resource control.
  • The Willink Commission was established in 1957 to address minority fears and promote political inclusivity.
  • British economic control led to the adoption of colonial laws and governance systems that marginalized traditional practices and lifestyles.
  • Significant events, such as World Wars and the introduction of western education, fueled nationalist sentiments, paving the way for self-governance in 1951 and eventual independence in 1960.
  • Nigeria became officially independent on October 1, 1960, with Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe as president and Alhaji Tafawa Balewa as prime minister.
  • Despite political independence, Nigeria remained economically tethered to British interests during the early years of self-governance.
  • The first decade post-independence was marked by ethnic tensions and continued minority agitations, with regions remaining similar to colonial divisions.
  • Isaac Jasper Boro's 1966 revolution attempted to form the Niger Delta Republic, foreshadowing the Nigerian Civil War.
  • The Nigerian Civil War (1967-1970) stemmed from ethnic and political rivalries, triggered by coup d'états and further fueled by religious intolerance and census-related disputes.
  • The era of 1970-1976 focused on reconstruction efforts post-civil war, but widespread marginalization complaints persisted, especially from the Igbo people.
  • The 1970s "Oil Boom" transformed Nigeria's economy, establishing oil as a crucial resource, leading to increased governance challenges.
  • Following coups, Murtala Mohammed and later Olusegun Obasanjo oversaw military rule until the transition to civilian government in 1979.
  • Subsequent military regimes (Buhari, Babangida, Abacha) were characterized by human rights abuses and corruption, alongside seminal events like the June 12, 1993 elections and Ogoni uprisings.
  • Civilian governance resumed post-1999 with President Olusegun Obasanjo, against the backdrop of ongoing Ijaw agitations for equitable resource control.
  • Yar'Adua’s presidency (2007-2010) saw the declaration of an amnesty for Niger Delta militants, addressing longstanding resource control issues that had led to violence and unrest.
  • Goodluck Jonathan succeeded Yar'Adua and served until 2015, amid ongoing political and economic challenges within Nigeria.

Conclusion

  • Nigeria's political history is marked by continuous struggles over identity and allocation of resources among various ethnic groups.
  • Effective nation-building is crucial to mitigate ethnic tensions and foster a unified national identity.
  • The legacies of colonialism and post-independence military regimes significantly impact Nigeria's ongoing issues related to governance, ethnic relations, and resource distribution.### Tools and Techniques in Culture
  • Artefacts encompass physical layout, dress codes, and social interactions, contributing to cultural identity.
  • Emotional intensity and ephemeral phenomena also influence the perception of culture.
  • Archival manifestations include company records, products, philosophy statements, and annual reports, significant for cultural analysis.

Patterns of Behaviour

  • Culture significantly influences behavioral patterns within groups.
  • Norms and values of a culture define expectations for behavior, leading to distinctive behavioral patterns among members.

Shared Values

  • Shared values include beliefs, norms, and rules that shape relationships among individuals and with their environment.
  • Understanding underlying values often requires interviews or content analysis of artifacts.

Origin of Culture

  • Culture has existed since the dawn of humanity and sets humans apart from other animals.
  • Individual perspective suggests culture could originate from innovations by individuals widely accepted by a society.
  • Group perspective posits culture emerges from collective experiences and actions, often spontaneously.

Components of Culture

  • Culture consists of material and non-material components.
  • Material culture includes tangible objects like clothing, tools, and artworks, while non-material culture encompasses intangible aspects like values, norms, and beliefs.

Characteristics of Culture

  • Culture is learned through social interaction and varies according to societal norms.
  • Culture is shared among groups, enabling collective identity.
  • Culture is interrelated and harmonious, with components forming a coherent system.
  • Culture is dynamic, adapting over time to social changes or external influences.
  • Culture is particularistic with unique practices across different societies while sharing universal themes.
  • Culture embodies ideals, reflecting society’s aspirations that may not always manifest in behavior.
  • Culture is abstract, existing conceptually rather than as tangible objects.
  • Culture is adaptive, facilitating human adaptation to various environments.
  • Culture is universal, existing in some form in every human society.

Basic Elements of Culture

  • Norms govern societal behaviors, categorized into formal norms (laws) and informal norms (folkways).
  • Values dictate what is considered good or desirable, significantly shaping norms.
  • Language serves as a crucial cultural symbol, influencing thought and perception.
  • Symbols evoke meanings and emotions, integral to cultural communication.
  • Laws provide codified norms of behavior, with specific punishments for breaches.
  • Rites of passage mark significant life transitions and social statuses.

Key Concepts in Culture

  • Culture trait: Fundamental units of culture, encompassing behaviors, beliefs, and objects.
  • Culture complex: Network of interrelated culture traits forming wholes.
  • Cultural relativism: Understanding culture from the practitioners' perspectives, emphasizing tolerance.
  • Cultural assimilation: Adaptation of a group's culture due to contact with another, often affecting language and practices.
  • Cultural imperialism: Dominance of one culture over another, often through coercion or power imbalance.
  • Visual culture: Represents cultural artifacts that convey lifestyles and societal norms visually.
  • Culture lag: Delay in cultural adaptation to technological advancements, leading to disconnection.
  • Cultural change: Ongoing modifications in cultural practices over time.
  • Culture shock: Disorientation experienced by individuals encountering unfamiliar cultural practices.
  • Ethnocentrism: Judgment of other cultures based on one’s cultural norms, often demonstrating bias.
  • Xenocentrism: Preference for foreign cultures over one's own, often prevalent in comparisons with Western cultures.

Significance of Culture

  • Culture enables communication, sharing of knowledge and beliefs among members of society.
  • The integration of norms and values provides standards for behavior, distinguishing right from wrong.
  • Culture is essential for socialization and instilling appropriate behaviors in youth.
  • Culture defines group identity through distinctive behaviors and practices.
  • Cultural bonding fosters social connections and communal values, creating unity.
  • Cultural practices provide avenues for leisure, aesthetics, and tourism, enhancing social experiences.

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Explore the foundational aspects of Nigerian history through this quiz, designed to enhance your understanding of the country's past and its significance for national development. This resource serves as an essential starting point for anyone interested in the historical context of Nigeria.

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