Comprehensive Nigerian History: Politics, Economy, and Culture

What is Nigeria's rank in terms of population in Africa?

Nigeria is Africa's most populous country.

What significant natural resource is Nigeria known for?

Nigeria is the world's eighth largest oil producer.

What challenges has Nigeria faced in recent decades?

Ethnic and religious conflict, political instability, rampant official corruption, and an ailing economy.

Who are the authors of 'A History of Nigeria'?

Toyin Falola and Matthew M. Heaton.

What themes do Falola and Heaton explore in their book?

Colonialism, religion, slavery, nationalism, and the economy.

What is the significance of Nigeria's history according to the authors?

It shows how Nigeria's history has been influenced by external factors and how Nigerians have adapted to challenges.

What is Toyin Falola's academic title?

Frances Higginbotham Nalle Centennial Professor in History at the University of Texas at Austin.

What notable works has Toyin Falola authored?

The Power of African Cultures (2003), Economic Reforms and Modernization in Nigeria, 1945-1965 (2004), and A Mouth Sweeter than Salt: An African Memoir (2004).

What is Matthew M. Heaton's academic role?

Patrice Lumumba Fellow at the University of Texas at Austin.

What topics has Matthew M. Heaton co-edited volumes on?

Health and illness in Africa.

What is one of the key historical periods discussed in the book?

Early states and societies, 9000 BCE - 1500 CE.

What period does the book cover regarding slavery and society?

c. 1500 - c. 1800.

What significant transformation occurred in Nigeria during the nineteenth century?

Political and economic transformations.

What was the transition period to British colonial rule?

1850 - 1903.

What major event occurred in Nigeria from 1960 to 1970?

Instability and civil war.

What economic sector became prominent in Nigeria from 1970 to 1983?

Oil, state, and society.

What significant democratic transition occurred in Nigeria from 1984 to 2007?

Civil society and democratic transition.

What does the concluding remarks section address?

Corruption, anti-corruption, and the 2007 elections.

What is the ISBN for the hardback version of 'A History of Nigeria'?

978-0-521-68157-5.

What is the ISBN for the paperback version of 'A History of Nigeria'?

978-0-521-86294-3.

What is one of the notable illustrations mentioned in the book?

Women selling peppers.

What significant trade occurred during the golden age of trans-Saharan trade?

Gold, slaves, and other commodities were traded across the Sahara.

When did the introduction of Islam occur in northern Nigeria?

1100-1400 CE.

What was the impact of European contact on southern Nigerian states?

Monumental changes to political, economic, and social institutions.

What is the time frame for the foundation of centralized states in Nigeria?

1000-1500 CE.

What evidence of indigenous habitation was found in Nigeria?

Late Stone Age evidence in Iwo Eleru rock shelter, dating back to 9000 BCE.

What significant trade dominated relations between Nigerians and Europeans?

The trade in slaves.

What year did the Islamic revolution begin that led to the creation of the Sokoto Caliphate?

1804.

What was the impact of the British abolition of the slave trade in 1807?

Although the slave trade continued from southern Nigerian ports for another forty years, trade in palm oil and other forms of legitimate commerce expanded rapidly.

What marked the beginning of instability and war among Yoruba states?

The final collapse of the Oyo empire in 1833.

What was the significance of the Niger Expedition in 1841?

It marked the first attempt by Europeans and African Christians to spread Christianity into the interior of Nigeria.

What year did the British annex Lagos as a Crown Colony?

1861.

What was established in southeastern Nigeria in 1885?

The Oil Rivers Protectorate, renamed the Niger Coast Protectorate in 1893.

What was the role of the Royal Niger Company (RNC) established in 1886?

It monopolized trade in the Niger basin until the revocation of its charter in 1900.

What significant event occurred in Nigeria in 1900?

Creation of the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria and a peace treaty ending the prolonged war among Yoruba-speaking peoples.

What was the Aro Expedition (1902-1903)?

Part of the British effort to pacify the hinterlands of eastern Nigeria.

What was the significance of the protests in Lagos in 1908?

They were fueled by Nigerian journalists like Herbert Macaulay, critiquing the colonial government.

What was established in 1912 to represent civil servants in Nigeria?

The Southern Nigeria Civil Service Union, later renamed the Nigerian Civil Servants' Union.

What major political change occurred in Nigeria in 1914?

Amalgamation of northern and southern protectorates.

What was the National Congress of British West Africa (NCBWA) founded in 1920?

A political organization aimed at addressing issues in British West Africa.

What did the Clifford Constitution of 1923 achieve?

It allowed for elected representation in the governance of Nigeria for the first time.

What was the Women's War (Aba Riots) of 1929?

A major protest against British indirect rule in southeastern Nigeria.

Who founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC) in 1944?

Nnamdi Azikiwe.

What significant constitutional reform occurred in 1946?

The Richards Constitution, providing a central legislature and dividing Nigeria into three regions.

What was the outcome of the military coup on January 15, 1966?

General John Aguiyi-Ironsi became the head of state.

What declaration did Emeka Ojukwu make in 1967?

He declared the independence of the Eastern Region as the sovereign Republic of Biafra.

What was the result of the civil war between 1967-1970?

The surrender of Biafra and its reincorporation into Nigeria.

What significant event occurred in Nigeria in 1973?

Nigeria joined the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).

What economic situation did Nigeria face after the oil boom in the late 1970s?

A declining economy and the country became a debtor state.

What was the outcome of the presidential election held on June 12, 1993?

Chief M. K.O. Abiola won, but the election results were annulled, leading to chaos.

What event led to chaos in Nigeria shortly after the election results?

The annulment of the election results.

Who led the Interim Governing Council (IGC) established in Nigeria on August 27?

Chief Ernest Shonekan.

Which general overthrew the Interim Governing Council on November 17?

General Sani Abacha.

What was the international status of Nigeria under General Sani Abacha's rule?

Nigeria became an international pariah state.

What significant event occurred in 1995 related to Ken Saro-Wiwa?

Ken Saro-Wiwa and the Ogoni Nine were executed.

When did General Sani Abacha die, and who took power afterward?

Abacha died on June 8, 1998, and General Abdulsalami Abubakar took power.

What significant political transition occurred in Nigeria in 1999?

The Fourth Republic commenced under President Olusegun Obasanjo.

What was the population of Nigeria according to the 2006 national census?

Over 140 million.

Who was inaugurated as President of Nigeria on May 29, 2007?

President Umaru Yar'Adua.

What was the controversy surrounding Umaru Yar'Adua's election?

The elections were widely believed to have been rigged by the ruling People's Democratic Party (PDP).

Who was General Sani Abacha?

A former military dictator who ruled Nigeria from 1993 until his death in 1998.

What was Chief Moshood Abiola known for?

He was a wealthy businessman and the presumed winner of the annulled June 12, 1993 election.

What is Chinua Achebe recognized for?

Being a prominent African novelist and author of 'Things Fall Apart' and other significant works.

Who was Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi?

The first military head of state of Nigeria after the first military coup in 1966.

What role did Chief Obafemi Awolowo play in Nigerian history?

He was a key figure in the push for Nigerian independence and the founder of the Action Group.

What was Nnamdi Azikiwe's contribution to Nigeria?

He was the founder of the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons and the first indigenous governor-general of Nigeria.

What was the significance of the Ogoni Nine executions?

They became a symbol of the tyranny of the Abacha regime and sparked international protests.

What was the political outcome of the 1993 elections in Nigeria?

The elections were annulled, leading to significant unrest and the rise of military rule.

What was the impact of Abacha's refusal to recognize the 1993 election results?

It led to widespread violence and suppression of dissent in Nigeria.

What was the legacy of Chief S. L. Akintola in Nigerian politics?

He was involved in nationalist politics and was killed during the military coup of January 15, 1966.

What was the role of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) in the 2007 elections?

The PDP was accused of rigging the elections that brought Umaru Yar'Adua to power.

What did General Abdulsalami Abubakar do after taking power?

He organized a quick transition to civilian rule in Nigeria.

What was the economic condition of Nigeria under Abacha's rule?

Nigeria faced a peak economic crisis and became an international pariah.

How did Abiola's wealth influence his political career?

His wealth allowed him to become a leading philanthropist and political figure in Nigeria.

Who became chief of army staff in Nigeria in 1984?

Ibrahim Babangida

What significant action did Babangida take on August 27, 1985?

He mounted a successful coup that removed Muhammadu Buhari from power.

What program did Babangida implement that caused economic hardship in Nigeria?

The Structural Adjustment Program

What was the outcome of the presidential election results on June 12, 1993, under Babangida?

He annulled the results.

Who was the first Prime Minister of Nigeria?

Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa

What was Balewa's role in the Northern People's Congress?

He was one of the founding members and helped it become the largest party in northern Nigeria.

What happened to Balewa during the coup of January 15, 1966?

He was abducted and killed.

Who was Ahmadu Bello and what was his significance?

He was the Sardauna of Sokoto and a key northern politician who promoted the 'northernization' agenda.

What title did Bello take after the death of Usman dan Fodio?

Sultan of Sokoto

What was Major General Muhammadu Buhari known for during his military administration?

His idealistic but unsuccessful 'War Against Indiscipline' (WAI).

What was the outcome of Buhari's rule after just twenty months?

He was overthrown in a coup by Ibrahim Babangida.

Who was Bishop Samuel Ajayi Crowther?

The first African bishop of the Anglican Church and a prominent missionary in Nigeria.

What significant event happened to Crowther at age twelve?

He was captured and sold to Portuguese slave traders.

What was Olaudah Equiano's contribution to the abolitionist movement?

He authored 'The Interesting Narrative of Olaudah Equiano,' detailing his experiences of slavery.

What did Usman dan Fodio lead in the 19th century?

An Islamic revolution that established the Sokoto Caliphate.

What was Sir George Goldie's role in Nigerian history?

He was the largest shareholder in the Royal Niger Company, which facilitated British colonial rule.

What did the Royal Niger Company do under Goldie's leadership?

It negotiated with local rulers and controlled trade on the Niger River.

What was the fate of the Hausa dynasties during dan Fodio's revolution?

They were toppled and replaced by Fulani emirs, establishing the Sokoto Caliphate.

What was the role of the Northern People's Congress in Nigeria's First Republic?

It was the dominant political party that promoted the interests of northern Nigeria.

What was the significance of the coup on January 15, 1966?

It marked the end of the First Republic in Nigeria.

What was the impact of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 election?

It led to political unrest and a complicated transition to civilian rule.

Who was Muhammadu Bello and what did he achieve?

He was a leader in the Sokoto Caliphate who helped spread Islamic education and culture.

What was the educational background of Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa?

He trained to become a teacher and later became an education officer.

What was the significance of the Niger Expedition for Bishop Crowther?

It aimed to establish a missionary presence in the Nigerian interior.

What was the role of the Royal Niger Company (RNC) in Nigeria?

The RNC eroded the sovereignty of local rulers and monopolized trade on the Niger for over fifteen years.

What happened to the Royal Niger Company's charter in 1900?

Goldie's charter was revoked, and the territories controlled by the company came under direct British government control.