A Study of Nigerian History - Key Facts

Fill-in-the-blank flashcards covering geography, economy, politics, culture, demographics, and arts of Nigeria.

Nigeria is officially known as the __.

Federal Republic of Nigeria

Nigeria is made up of ____ states and a Federal Capital Territory.

36

The current capital, __, became Nigeria's capital on 12 December 1991.

Abuja

Before Abuja, Nigeria’s capital city was __.

Lagos

With about 11.4 million residents, __ remains Nigeria’s most populous city.

Lagos

Nigeria’s economy earns over 80 % of its revenue from __.

oil

Nigeria ranks __ among world oil producers.

sixth

The 26-storey Cocoa House in Ibadan was financed largely through proceeds from __.

cocoa

Nigeria gained independence from Britain on __ (day / month / year).

1 October 1960

Nigeria became a republic in __.

1963

Between 1960 and 1966 Nigeria operated a __ system of government.

parliamentary

Nigeria now operates a __ system of government.

presidential

The Nigerian National Assembly is bicameral, consisting of a 109-seat __ and a 360-seat House of Representatives.

Senate

Each Nigerian state elects ___ senators.

3

The __ is the highest court in Nigeria.

Supreme Court

Nigeria’s national flag has the colour pattern __ (left to right).

Green – White – Green

The Nigerian flag was designed by __.

Michael Taiwo Akinkunmi

On the Coat of Arms, the black shield represents Nigeria’s __.

fertile land

Nigeria’s international telephone code is __.

+234

The three largest ethnic groups—Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, and Igbo—constitute roughly __ % of Nigeria’s population.

66

Islam accounts for roughly __ % of Nigeria’s religious adherence.

50

Christianity represents about __ % of Nigeria’s religious adherence.

40

Nigeria’s land area is approximately __ sq km.

923,768

Nigeria is the world’s __ most populous country.

eighth

More than half (about 52 %) of Nigerians live in __ areas (2008 estimate).

rural

Nigeria’s overall literacy rate is about __ %.

68

The first university in Nigeria, established in 1948, is the __.

University of Ibadan

Ancient Nok terracotta sculptures date roughly from BC to AD.

200 BC; 900 AD

Igbo Ukwu bronzes date to the and centuries AD.

9th; 10th

Benin bronze casting flourished around __ AD under Oba Ogunta.

1400

The Ife artistic tradition peaked between and AD.

700; 900

Stone carvings are especially associated with __ in Kwara State.

Esie

Wooden ancestor figures called „ekpu” are characteristic of the __ people.

Oron

Masks representing the sea goddess „Mammy Water” are common among riverine groups such as the __.

Ijaw (accept Ijaw / river-area peoples)

Body painting with henna is a traditional art among Northern groups like the __.

Hausa / Fulani / Kanuri (any of these)

Brides traditionally have their hands and feet decorated with __ designs.

henna

The Yoruba wooden masks used in the Gelede festival represent visiting spirits of the __.

dead ancestors

Pottery is a widespread craft in Nigeria because of its numerous __ and economic uses.

domestic

Nigeria helped found and remains a strong member of __ (regional bloc).

ECOWAS

Nigeria provides technical assistance to other developing nations through its __ programme.

Technical Aid Corps (TAC)

Nigeria’s membership organisations include the African Union, Commonwealth of Nations, and the __.

United Nations

The literacy rate for Nigerian males is approximately __ %.

75.7

Life expectancy at birth for Nigerian females is roughly __ years (2009 estimate).

47.76

The two great rivers symbolised by the silvery band on the Coat of Arms are the and .

Niger; Benue

Under Nigeria’s constitution, Presidents and State Governors may serve a maximum of __ terms.

two

Local Government Councils in Nigeria total __ in number.

774

In some Northern states, Islamic justice is administered in __ Courts of Appeal.

Sharia

The Chief Justice of Nigeria is appointed by the __ on the advice of the National Judicial Council.

President