TOPIC: MEANING AND CONCEPTS OF HISTORY

INTENDED LEARNING OBJECTVE: by the end of the lesson, the students should be
able to:
1. Define history
2. State the reasons why we study history

History is the study of life in society in the past, in all its aspect, in relation to present
developments and future hopes. It is the story of man in time, an inquiry into the past based on
evidence. Indeed, evidence is the raw material of history teaching and learning. It is an Inquiry
into what happened in the past, when it happened, and how it happened. It is an inquiry into the
inevitable changes in human affairs in the past and the ways these changes affect, influence or
determine the patterns of life in the society. History is, or should be an attempt to re-think the
past.
History is derived from the Greek word ‘historia’, meaning 'inquiry: knowledge acquired by
investigation history is the study of the past

REASONS WHY WE STUDY HISTORY

1. To promote self-understanding.

2. To enable the pupils to assess the values and achievements of their own age
3. To teach tolerance: History teaches tolerance- tolerance with different faiths, different
loyalties, different cultures, different ideas and ideals.
4. To develop right attitudes: Development of right attitudes is based on an appreciation of
things which are worth-while in life.
5. To foster national feelings: An important objective of teaching history is the emotional
and national integration of Indian people.

ASSIGNMENT

Write a brief history of your village or community

TOPIC: CONCEPTR OF HISTORY

SUB-TOPICS: IMPORTANCE OF HISTORY, DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HISTORY

AND STORY TELLING; QUALITIES OF A GOOD HISTORIAN
 1. It helps us have a good understanding of our nation’s past
2. History makes people and individuals to aware of the character of their own time
3. The study of history satisfies man’s instinct of curiosity about the past development in all
aspects of life

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN HISTORY AND NARRATION/ STORY TELLING

A lay man on the street sees history as all about story telling. They tend to confuse history with
narration or story, most times adopts the use of narratives in it’s explanation and presentation.

History is not all about story telling. It deals with only facts that have proofs and evidence in it’s
sources. Historians do not just accept anyhow information without further analysis and
investigations.

History is not an imaginary work or fiction determined by the Historian. The Historian is bound
to record events as they happened unlike in narration or story telling where the story teller
ONLY adopts the use of creative imagination and emotion to present what he or she desires
aimed at entertaining people. History uses and pays attention to facts, dates and sequence of
events.

QUALITIES OF A GOOD HISTORIAN

Historians should also possess the following specific qualities:

1. Analytical skills. Historians must be able to examine the information and data in
historical sources and draw logical conclusions from them, whether the sources are
written documents, visual images, or material artifacts.
2. Communication skills. Communication skills are important for historians because
many give presentations on their historical specialty to the public. Historians also need
communication skills when they interview people to collect oral histories, consult with
clients, or collaborate with colleagues in the workplace.
3. Problem-solving skills. Historians try to answer questions about the past. They may
investigate something unknown about a past idea, event, or person; decipher historical
information; or identify how the past has affected the present.
 4. Research skills. Historians must be able to examine and process information from a
large number of historical documents, texts, and other sources.
5. Writing skills. Writing skills are essential for historians as they often present their
findings in reports, articles, and books.
ASSIGNMENT
1. Explain the roles played by History in national development

TOPIC:PERIODIZATION IN HISTORY

Periodization in history refers to an attempt by the Historian to split the wide history of man and
societies into smaller and distinct periods to make it a lot easier and interesting to study.
Periodization is the process or study of categorizing the past into discrete, quantified named
blocks of [Link] is usually done in order to facilitate the study and analysis of history,
understanding current and historical processes, and causality that might have linked those events.
It is important to note that periodization is coined from the word ’period’ . periodization is used
to set aside a particular period or time frame in the history of any society to be studied. For
example, history of Nigeria before 1800 AD, Nigeria 1900-1960, Nigeria 1960-1979 and Nigeria
1960-preesent.

WEEK 4

TOPIC: SOURCES OF HISTORY

Meaning and definition

Historical source is original source that contain important historical information. These sources
are something that inform us about history at the most basic level, and these sources used as
clues in order to study history Historical sources include documents, artifacts, archaeological
sites, features etc. sources of history means the various means and ways the Historian gathers
historical information. The Historian is free to use many sources as possible as there are no best
or most reliable sources of history.

Classification or types of sources of history

There are two main sources of history. They are:

1. Primary sources of history

2. Secondary sources of history

1. Primary sources of history

This refers to first hand, undiluted, unpolluted, uninterrupted information. They are raw
information OR data in relation to the past and which are relevant to specific, historical
reconstruction. They are first hand information. Example of primary sources are: written
documents such as personal letters, antiquities, relics, artifacts, archaeology, missionary records,
official diaries, minutes of meetings, gazette, manifestoes, colonial reports , oral tradition (this is
a historical information passed by words of mouth from one generation to another. Oral
traditions are stored in human memory), archival (this is a place where historical records and
documents are kept. E.g. National Archive Kaduna, National Archive Ibadan)

2. Secondary sources of history

Secondary sources are mostly written and published works. Secondary sources interprete or
analyze data using primary sources. They include the following: textbooks, official publications,
research projects, journals, internet materials

ASSIGNMENT

Differentiate between primary and secondary sources of history

WEEK 5

TOPIC: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN HISTORY AND OTHER DISCIPLINES

The scope of History is vast; it is the story of man in relation to totality of his behavior. The
scope of history means the breadth, comprehensiveness, variety and extent of learning
experiences, provided by the study.

History shares a relationship with other subjects especially those in social sciences, humanities
and arts.

Relationship between history and government

Government is concerned with the control of powers, politics and administration. Political
history is one of the most popular branches of history. It has to do with the study of political
ideas, government institutions, past governments and the over-all thoughts of the people in a
given period of time.

History and it’s relationship with archaeology

The word archaeology comes from the Greek words “archae” and “logo” which means the study
of past remains of dead plants, animals, fossils and human relics. Both history and archaeology
deals with the study past of man. Archaeology is not only one of the sources of history, it is the
major source of history in human culture. Therefore, without archaeological contributions to
history, the history of man will be incomplete.

History and it’s relationship with geography

Geography, as a discipline, has assisted the Historian to understand the physical factors in human
life. In studying the history of pre-history era,the changes in climate have been identified as an
important factor in historical reconstruction e.g. in pre-history Europe, the ice ages have been
studied in detail to determine the historical development of that age. In Nigeria, we see the
possible effects of geographical factors in the history of peoples living in such places as the
Savannah Regions of the far North, the mountains of the Jos Plateau, or the watery swamp lands
of the Niger Delta.

History and sociology

This is one of the ways in which we can study man’s culture history. Topical sociological issues
like revolution, social evolution, laws, economy, political crisis etc are of interest to the
Historians.

ASSIGNMENT

History is a subject that is very broad in scope. Do you agree? Please kindly give reasons for
your answer(s)

LAND AND PEOPLES OF NIGERIA

THE REGION AND LOCATION

Nigeria is located in western Africa on the Gulf of Guinea and has a total area of
923,768 km2 (356,669 sq mi), making it the world's 32nd-largest country. It is comparable in size
to Venezuela, and is about twice the size of the U.S. state of California. Its borders span 4,047
kilometres (2,515 mi), and it shares borders with Benin (773 km or 480 mi), Niger (1,497 km or
930 mi), Chad (87 km or 54 mi), and Cameroon (including the separatist Ambazonia) 1,690 km
or 1,050 mi. Its coastline is at least 853 km (530 mi) Nigeria lies between latitudes 4° and 14°N,
and longitudes 2° and 15°E.
The highest point in Nigeria is Chappal Waddi at 2,419 m (7,936 ft). The main rivers are
the Niger and the Benue, which converge and empty into the Niger Delta. This is one of the
world's largest river deltas, and the location of a large area of Central African [Link]
is Africa’s most populous country.

ASSIGNMENT
1. Mention the countries that shares boundaries with Nigeria
2. Which state in Nigeria has the largest landmass?
WEEK 7
TOPIC:GEOLOGY AND RELIEF
The geology of Nigeria could be described as Pre-Cambrian, Cretaceous, Tertiary, Quaternary
and Volcanic. The pre-Cambrian rocks are made up of igneous and metamorphic rocks and cover
almost fifty percent of the country. They are crystalline in nature and consist of granite, gneiss
and schist and they are commonly referred to as the Basement Complex. When weathered, the
older granites give rise to smooth-domed hills known as inselbergs. The Cretaceous rocks are
relatively younger rock types than the Pre-Cambrian rock types. They consist of various
sandstones that are basically classified as older sedimentary rocks. Cuesta relief forms are
characteristic of these rocks; and coal, lignite and limestone are important minerals found in
these rocks. These rocks occupy the basins of Niger, Benue, Gongola and Cross Rivers. The
younger sedimentary rocks are the rocks of the Tertiary Age consisting mainly of sandstone but
with some clay and lime- stone.

WEEK 8:

CLIMATE

Nigeria has a tropical climate with variable rainy and dry seasons, depending on location. It is
hot and wet most of the year in the southeast but dry in the southwest and farther inland.
A savanna climate, with marked wet and dry seasons, prevails in the north and west, while a
steppe climate with little precipitation is found in the far north.

TOPIC:THE PEOPLE OF NIGERIA

Nigeria is the most populous black nation in the world and the most populated in Africa with a
population of over 180 million people. There are over 250 ethnic groups with over 550
languages. The three major ethnic groups are Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. There are 36 states in
Nigeria and the capital of Nigeria is F.C.T Abuja while the commercial nerve center is Lagos
state. Nigeria got her independence from Britain in October 1 st 1960 and got her republic on the
1st of October, 1963. The country is divided into six geo-political zones.

Map showing the six geo-political zones in Nigeria

MULTI CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. In terms of tracing the origins of Nigerian ethnic groups, the most useful source is (a)
written source (b) oral sources (c) geographical source (d) linguistic source
2. Nsibidi was a written system found among only one of the following Nigerian peoples:
(a) the Igbo (b) the Kalabari (c) the Gwari (d) the Ibibio
3. Terminology ‘history’ is derived from the -------- word (a) English (b) Greek (c) Latin (d)
French
4. ‘historia’ means --------- (a) enquiry (b) meet (c) purchase (d) moral
5. Historical events takes place in the ------------ (a) toilet (b) society (c) sleep (d) while
eating
6. Which of these is not a characteristics of history (a) it is about human’s action in the
society (b) it is all about animals (c) it is outdated (d) it is awkward
7. -------- is the study of the past (a) maths (b) history (c) English (d) Geography
8. One of the reasons why we study history is to (a) hate ourselves (b) to promote national
integration and national consciousness (c) to embark on whistle blowing (d) to
discourage others
9. -------- is referred to as the period before the documentation of events (a) pre-history (b)
post history (c) the late stone age (d) the middle stone age
10. The ways and manners through which the historian collects information and necessary
data for historical construction is referred to as the (a) sauce of history (b) socks of
history (c) sources of history (d) suck of history
11. The ------- is a place where historical monuments and works of arts are kept (a) churches
(b) homes (c) museums (d) temples
12. The source of history that is first hand information, original and undiluted is a --------------
- source of history (a) primary (b) secondary (c) universal (d) general
13. An example of a secondary source of history is (a) textbooks (b) personal letters (c)
autobiographies (d) archaeology
14. The systematic method excavation of the remains of human culture, dead plants and
animals is referred to as (a) archaeology (b) anthropology (c) fossils (d) manue
15. One of these countries shares border with Nigeria (a) Niger Republic (b) Tanzania (c)
Tunisia (d) South Africa
16. The major reason for the study of Nigerian history is to (a) wipe out illiteracy (b) fight
the country’s enemies (c) promote proper understanding of the country’s past (d) show
the validity of oral tradition
17. Which of the following is the most popular country in Africa? (a) Ghana (b) Nigeria (c)
Gabon (d) Liberia
18. Which of the following is not correct about the country’s geology and relief? (a)
topography and rivers played no role in Nigeria’s history (b) both rivers Niger and Benue
were important for communication purpose (c) mining activities were done before AD
1800 (d) the Jos plateau is part of the country’s highland
19. The following are climatic factors except (a) air masses (b) winds (c) temperature (d)
moon masses
20. Which air mass is responsible for harmattan (a) just any wind (b) tropical continental (c)
tropical uncontinental (d) tropical maritime
21. The country’s forest falls into one of the following groups (a) mangrove swamp and
Sudan (b) tropical rain and semi savannah (c) mangrove swamp, fresh water swamp and
tropical rain
22. The Bayajidda legend refers to the rise of states among the (a) Kanuri (b) Nupe (c)
Hausa (d) Igala
23. Only one of these is associated with the origin of the Hausa: (a) Prophet Muhammed (b)
Tsoede (c) Agadu (d) Queen Daura
24. Urhobo tradition indicate that the Urhoobo had contacts with (a) Igala, Igbo and Bini (b)
Igbo, `Hausa and Bini (c) Bini, Ijo and Igbo (Igbo, Idoma and Bini)
25. --------- is an example of an archaeological material (a) skeletal remains (b) ice (c)
computer (d) tooth brush
26. Which of these is an archaeological site in Nigeria (a) Nok culture area in Kaduna (b) Nok
culture area in Enugu (c) Nok culture area in Abuja (d) Nok culture area in Benin
27. The materials derived from the study of the meaning of words is referred to as ---------
material (a) language (b) link (c) linguistic (d) lingua franca
28. Nigeria’s relief comprises of low land, highland and -------- (a) low Ibaban (b) low plateau
(c) low Lafia (d) low Kaduna
29. The most prominent savannah in Nigeria is the -------------- savannah (a) Guinea (b)
Sudan (c) Sahel (d) Sahad
30. Time and ------------ affects the course of history (a) man (b) stone (c) table (d) bird
31. Which of the following is not among the large ethnic groups in Nigeria (a) Fulani (b)
Yoruba (c) Ibo (d) Ibibio
32. The oldest source of Nigerian History is the (a) oral tradition (b) written source (c)
special from (d) format
33. In terms of tracing the origins of Nigerian ethnic groups, the most useful source is (a)
written source (b) oral sources (c) geographical source (d) linguistic source
34. Nsibidi was a written system found among only one of the following Nigerian peoples:
(a) the Igbo (b) the Kalabari (c) the Gwari (d) the Ibibio
35. Terminology ‘history’ is derived from the -------- word (a) English (b) Greek (c) Latin (d)
French
36. ‘historia’ means --------- (a) enquiry (b) meet (c) purchase (d) moral
37. Historical events takes place in the ------------ (a) toilet (b) society (c) sleep (d) while
eating
38. Which of these is not a characteristics of history (a) it is about human’s action in the
society (b) it is all about animals (c) it is outdated (d) it is awkward
39. -------- is the study of the past (a) maths (b) history (c) English (d) Geography
40. One of the reasons why we study history is to (a) hate ourselves (b) to promote national
integration and national consciousness (c) to embark on whistle blowing (d) to
discourage others
 41. The ways and manners through which the historian collects information and necessary
data for historical construction is referred to as the (a) sauce of history (b) socks of
history (c) sources of history (d) suck of history

CHAPTER 1: CENTERS OF EARLY CIVILIZATION/HISTORICAL SITES IN NIGERIA

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: At the end of, the students should be able to:

1. Define early centers of civilization/historical sites in Nigeria

2. Identify .some historical sites in Nigeria

CENTERS OF EARLY CIVILIZATI ON/HISTORICAL SITES IN NIGERIA

Historic site or heritage site is an official location where pieces of political, military , cultural, or

social history have been pre served due to their cultural heritage value. Historic
sites are usually protected by law, and many have been recognized ... landscape, site or structure
that is of local, regional, or national significance.

Examples of centers of early civilization in Nigeria includes:

1. Ife Artifacts and culture

2. Igbo- Ukwu Culture And Artefacts
3. Benin Culture And Artefacts
4. Nok culture area in Kaduna and Jos
ASSIGNMENT

MENTION THREE AREAS WHERE NOK CULTURE IS LOCATED IN NIGERI

CHAPTER 2:

TOPIC: EARLY CENTERS OF CIVILIZATION IN NIGERIA

SUB TOPIC: NOK CULTURE AREAS AND ARTIFACTS

LEARNING OBJECTIVE: At the end of, the students should be able to:

3. Describe the Nok culture area and artifacts

4. State the significance of the Nok culture area and artifacts to Nigeria
NOK CULTURE AREA AND ARTIFACTS

The Nok culture was dated as far as 500 BC. The Nok culture is found in the Western part of Jos
Plateau and some parts of Kaduna. It extends as far as Ankiring, Kagara, Taruga and Yelwa. It
was characterized by Terracotta figurines mostly heads of human beings/figures. The Nok
culture represents the period of cultural transition . other artefacts include round stone axes, iron
axe blades, small stone arrow point etc.
The Nok culture is an early Iron Age population whose material remains are named
after the Ham village of Nok in Kaduna State of Nigeria, where
their terracotta sculptures were first discovered in 1928. The Nok Culture appeared
in Nigeria around 1500 BC and vanished under unknown circumstances around 500
AD, having lasted approximately 2,000 years. [2]
The first Nok terracotta was discovered in 1928 by Colonel Dent Young, a co-owner of a
mining partnership, near the village of Nok in Kaduna State.

Significance of the Nok culture in Nigeria’s history

a. It demonstrates social relations between Nigerian people in time past

b. It shows the richness of the Nigerian people
c. It proves the artistic potentials of Nigerians
d. It shows the stages of development in the stone age period

EVALUATION/ASSIGNMENT
1. The Nok culture was dated as early as
a. 500BC
b. 600BC
c. 700BC
d. 800BC
e. 900BC
2. The Nok culture is found in the western part of -------------
a. Owerri Imo
b. Jos Plateau
c. Osogbo Ondo
d. Lafia Nasarawa
e. Imo
3. The Terracotta consists of solid heads of
a. Whole tiger figures
b. Whole lion figures
c. Whole human figures
d. Whole cat figures
e. Whole face figure
4. The Nok culture represents the period of --------------------
a. Religious transition
b. Economic transition
c. Development transition
d. Cultural transition
e. Ultural growth
5. Nok culture is also found in these locations except
a. Taruga
b. Yelwa
c. Kagara
 d. Ankiring
e. Aba
6. Which of these is not a significance of the Nok culture in Nigeria’s history?
e. It shows that Nigerians are very lazy
f. It shows the richness of the Nigerian people
g. It proves the artistic potentials of Nigerians
h. It shows the stages of development in the stone age period
i. It proves the artistic potentials of Nigerians
7. Apart from human figures, which of the following is found in the Nok culture?
a. Rice
b. stone axes
c. book
d. pen
e. pen
8. one of these is not a historical site in Nigeria
a. Nok culture
b. Ife culture
c. Lafia culture
d. Igbo Ukwu culture
e. Lagos culture
CHAPTER 3

TOPIC: IFE CULTURAL AREA AND ARTIFACTS

IFE CULTURAL AREA AND ARTIFACTS

. Ife is an ancient town regarded as the cradle and spiritual home of the Yorubas. Ife is 320
Kilometers South West of Nok. The first Ife works to be discovered were glass beads known as
Segi. It was discovered by Richard and John Lander in 1836. But Ife is best known for it’s life-
size brass heads executed in naturalistic style. The Ife brass and Terracotta heads have tribal
marks known as striations.

Ife (aka Ile-Ife) was an ancient African city which flourished between the 11th and 15th
century CE in what is today Nigeria in West Africa. The Yoruba considered the site of
Ife the exact place of creation, that is where the gods descended from heaven and
created the world as we know it. This was done by the creator god Oduduwa who
separated earth from water and made all living creatures. Oduduwa’s children were
sent forth to rule over twelve cities and so became their first kings and queens. From
these figures all subsequent rulers claimed descendance. Specifically at Ife, the first
divine ruler was Oni, whose name means 'king'.Ife was the capital and principal
religious centre of the Yoruba kingdom of Ife, which prospered thanks
to trade connections with other West African kingdoms. Ife is particularly famous today
for the magnificent metal sculptures its artists produced which include serene-looking
human heads so masterfully crafted that Europeans once wrongly considered them the
work of another civilization.

Significance of the Ife culture and history in Nigeria

i. Ife culture demonstrates the technological development of the Ife people especially in
the areas of tools used to carve images and heads.
ii. The culture shows that the people took part in the various stages of human
development like in the stone age period.
iii. The Ife culture shows the cultural heritages and richness of he Nigerian people.
iv. It proved the artistic potentials of the Nigeria people.
v. It marked the transitional era between stone age and iron age in Nigeria.

EVALUATION/ASSIGNMENT
1. Ife is _________kilometers South West of Nok
a. 300
b. 301
c. 302
d. 303
e. 320
2. The first Ife works to be discovered were
a. Human head
b. Glass beads
c. Goat head
d. Animal beads
e. Human beads

3. The glass beads known as Segi was discovered by ____________________

a. Godswill and John Lander
b. Richard and John Lander
c. Ken and John Lander
d. John Lander and Ken
e. John Lander and Godswill
4. The glass beads was discovered in
a. 1830
b. 1836
c. 1820
d. 1840
e. 1889
5. Ife is best known for it’s life-size _____
a. Band heads
b. Brass heads
c. Bronze heads
d. Big heads
 e. Small heads
6. The brass and terracotta heads of Ife had tribal marks called
a. Start
b. Trate
c. Striations
d. Trait
e. Team
7. Which of the following is not a significance of Ife Culture in Nigerian history
a. It shows the rich cultural heritages of Nigeria
b. It shows the rich artistic potentials of the Nigerian people
c. It marked the transitional era between the stone age and iron age I Nigeria
d. Its shows the technological development of the Nigerian people
e. It shows that Nigerians are coward
8. The Yoruba nation originated from Ife through the legendary figure of ____________
a. Amina
b. Zaria
c. Chineke
d. Oba
e. Oduduwa
9. The spiritual head of the Yoruba nation is the
a. Ooni of Lagos
b. Ooni of Jos
c. Ooni of Ife
d. Ooni of Niger
e. Ooni of Aba

CHAPTER 4
TOPIC: EARLY CENTERS OF CIVILIZATION IN NIGERIA

SUB: TOPIC: BENIN CULTURAL AREA AND ARTIFACTS

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able to:

Describe the BENIN cultural area and artifacts

State the significance of BENIN cultural area and artifacts

Benin is South East of Ife, Benin is notable for her bronze work. The people of Benin speak Edo
language . The Bini had a ruling line or dynasty made up of Kings or Rulers called Ogiso dynast.
The first Ogiso king was in the ancient Benin was called Obagodo. The second Ogiso dynasty of
the ancient Bini was founded by Prince Oranmiyan. The Igue is a festival that marks the end of
the Edo calendar. Benin had a powerful empire which maintained regular diplomatic contacts
with Portugal early as the 15th century. The spiritual and political head of the Benin empire is the
Oba of Benin. Benin derived it’s wealth from Collecting tolls and taxes form slave traders.
Before the Europeans arrived, the Benins used cowries as currency. The king in benin culture
had a Council called Uzama. The Uzamas were made up of six hereditary Nobles.

the major characteristics of the Benin culture are identified from the people’s political, economic
and social life.

Benin political way is seen in it’s political organization. The King was the head of he
administration . he had a Council known as the Uzama , which assisted him. The Uzama was
made of six hereditary nobles. The Benin villages were under the leadership of Chiefs called
Enogie who assisted theking or Oba.

Economically, the people had a flourishing trade . this helped the kingdom in the area of revenue
generation and development of Benin infrastructures. Benin trade comprised of products like cast
brass, ivory, pepper and clothes.

In the social sphere, the Edo people of Benin had an elaborate festival called Igue. This festival
amrks theend of the Edo calendar which ushers in a new one with renewed hope for peace and
prosperity. It is celebrated during the month of September.
EVALUATION/ASSIGNMENT
 1. Benin is South ___ of Ife
a. South South
b. South West
c. South East
d. North East
e. North West
2. The people of Benin speak _______ language
a. Ibo
b. Yoruba
c. Edo
d. Hausa
e. Ibibio
3. The Bini had a ruling line or dynasty made up of Kings or Rulers called
a. Ogisa
b. Ogis
c. Oga
d. Ogiso
e. Osha
4. The first Ogiso king was in the ancient Benin was called
a. Ceejay
b. Oba
c. Owodo
d. Obagodo
e. Ehse
5. The second Ogiso dynasty of the ancient Bini was founded by
a. Prince Ceejay
b. Prince Oba
c. Prince Owodo
d. Prine Oshi
e. Prince Oranmiyan
6. The _______ is a festival that marks the end of the Edo calendar
a. Igu
b. Agu
c. Ogu
d. Igue
e. Ague
7. Benin had a powerful empire which maintained regular diplomatic contacts with
________ as early as the 15th century
a. Nigeria
b. America
c. Senegal
d. United Kingdom
e. Portugal
8. The spiritual and political head of the Benin empire is the
a. Oba of Benin
b. Oba of Ondo
c. Oba of Lagos

23
 d. Oba of Osun
e. Oba of Kwara
9. Benin derived it’s wealth from _____________________
a. Collecting tolls and taxes form slave traders
b. Fighting others
c. Marrying people’s wives
d. Building churches
e. Building wicked men
10. Before the Europeans arrived, the Benins used ________ as currency
a. Cowries
b. Naira
c. Kobo
d. Pounds
e. Dollars
11. The king in benin culture had a Council called _________
a. Ozioma
b. Ozi
c. Oza
d. Ozzasa
e. Uzama
12. The Uzamas were made up of _________ hereditary Nobles
a. Ten
b. Seven
c. Eight
d. Nine
e. Six

CHAPTER 5
TOPIC: EARLY CENTERS OF CIVILIZATION IN NIGERIA

SUB: TOPIC: IGBO UKWU CULTURAL AREA AND ARTIFACTS

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES: At the end of the lesson, the students should be able
to:

1. Describe the IGBO-UKWU cultural area and artifacts

2. State the significance of IGBO-UKWU cultural area and artifacts

IGBO-UKWU CULTURAL AREA AND ARTIFACTS

Igbo-ukwu is located along the lower Niger River basin in Onitsha area. Igbo ukwu scultures
and bronzes were unearthed by a man digging a well in 1939 by name Mr. Isaiah Anozie.
Further excavation on the site by Professor Thurstan Shaw between 1960 and 1964 revealed
sacred vessels used for some ceremonial or ritual purposes. Most of the objects were made of
copper and lead bronze and linked with sacred Kingship, Eze Nri. Eze Nri is linked to the

24
Igbo-ukwu culture. The Igbo-ukwu sites includes three major areas- A man’s skeleton from a
burial ground , Abandoned treasures, and Dump sites of broken materials.

SIGNIFICANCE OF IGBO UKWU CULTURE

1. The Igbo-Ukwu has shown a long history of trade relations between Nigerians and other
parts of the world.
[Link]-ukwu has shown that there were indigenous artists who had created beautiful art
works in various forms before the coming of the white men.

ASSIGNMENT/EVALUATION
1. Igbo-ukwu lies about 30km South East of ____________
a. Aba
b. Owerri
c. Onitsha
d. Umuahia
e. Awka
2. The name of the man hired to dig a latrine pit in 1939 who discovered some objects
and ornaments made of Bronze was
a. Mr. Isaiah Chijioke
b. Mr. Isaiah Bronze
c. Mr. Isaiah Anon

25
 d. Mr. Isaiah Jeremiah
e. Mr. Isaiah Anozie
3. The name of the Archaeologist that excavated on the Igbo-Ukwu site between 1960
and 1964 is
a. Flora Shaw
b. Lord Luggard
c. Neil Armstrong
d. John Cena
e. Thurstan Shaw
4. Which kingship is linked to the Igbo Ukwu Culture?
a. Eze Okere
b. Eze Amadi
c. Eze Nri
d. Eze Nnamdi
e. Eze Eze
5. The Igbo-ukwu sites includes three major areas except
a. A man’s skeleton from a burial ground
b. Abandoned treasures
c. A factory
d. Dump sites of broken materials
6. Which of these is a significance of Igbo ukwu in Nigerain history?
a. It has shown a long history of trade relations in Nigeria
b. It has shown how unuseful Nigerians are
c. It has shown that we are corrupt
d. It has shown that we are people without a history
e. It has proved to the world that we are lazy
7. Which of these materials were found at the original site of Igbo ukwu culture
a. Bronzes
b. Indomie
c. Carton
d. Fan

TOPIC: CENTRALIZED STATES

SUB-TOPIC: Meaning of centralized states, Characteristics of centralized states, Examples

of centralized states in pre-colonial Nigeria

26
INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME: By the end of the lesson, the students should be able
to:

a. Define centralized states

b. State the characteristics of centralized states
c. List examples of centralized states
d. State the factors that contributed to the emergence of centralized states

MEANING OF CENTRALIZED STATES

The term centralized states refers to states in which authority was centered on an individual
or a group of individuals which were made up of large political units . It also means large
political units, each of which covered large territorial areas and in some cases thousands of
square kilometers.

CHARATERISTICS OF CENTRALIZED STATES

1. Political power was always vested in an individual or group of individuals

2. The leader’s authority comes either by consent or is forced
3. They had standing armies
4. They had large population
5. Most centralized states were located along, on or near major trade routes or natural
resources like salt, tin, iron ore or suitable geo graphical areas.

EXAMPLES OF CENTRALIZED STATES

1. Kanem-Borno Empire
2. The Hausa states
3. Benin empire
4. The old Oyo empire
5. The Nupe kingdom
6. Ife kingdom
7. Igala empire

FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO THE EMERGENCE OF CENTRALIZED STATES

A. Geographical factors: this played important roles in the emergence of centralized

states I Nigeria. The terrain was a geographical factor which encouraged the
movement of people and forces. The open savannah in the northern part encouraged
the movement of not only men but horses.
B. Fertility of the soil and its suitability for agriculture
C. Presence of mineral resources: the presence of mineral resources like iron, salt and
gold made many groups to come together in order to claim and harness the materials.

ASSIGNMENT

27
 1. Mention 10 mineral resources in Nigeria and their locations

TOPIC: THE KANEM- BORNU EMPIRE

SUB-TOPIC: History of Kanem-Borno Empire, Factors that led to the rise of Kanem-Borno
Empire and

Factors that led to the fall of Kanem-Borno Empire

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME: By the end of the lesson, the students should be able
to:

1. History of Kanem-Borno Empire

2. Factors that led to the rise of Kanem-Borno Empire
3. Factors that led to the fall of Kanem-Borno Empire

HISTORY AND ORIGIN OF KANEM- BORNO EMPIRE

The Kanem–Bornu Empire was an African trading empire ruled by the Saf dynasty from
the ninth to the nineteenth centuries. It encompassed, at varying times, the areas belonging to
the modern nations of southern Chad, northern Cameroon , northeastern Nigeria,
eastern Nige, and southern Libya.. Kanem comes from anem, meaning south in the Teda and
Kanuri languages, and hence a geographic term. During the first millennium, as the Sahara
underwent desication, people speaking the Kanembu language migrated to Kanem in the
south. This group contributed to the formation of the Kanuri people. Kanuri traditions state
the Zaghawa dynasty led a group of nomads called the Magumi. The Kanem Empire is
estimated to have originated around 800 C.E. to the northeast of Lake Chad.
The history of Kanem-Borno empire falls into two phases. The first phase was between the
9th and 14 centuries. This was when the seat of power was located in Kanem, north east of
Lake Chad. The second phase began in the 15th century and lasted up to the 19th century in
Borno.
FACTORS THAT LED TO THE RISE OF THE BORNO EMPIRE
1. They had able leadership
2. Trade: Kanem-Borno was strategically located for trade along trans-Saharan routes.
They imported fire arms from North Africa in exchange for slaves in the 16 century.
3. Introduction of Islam as a religion
FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF KANEM BORNO EMPIRE
the 17 and 18 centuries were often described as the period of decline for Borno. It was caught
between two aggressive enemies; the Tuaregs of the north and the state of Kwararafa to the
south.
the factors that led to the fall of the Borno Empire included the following:

28
 1. Borno had problems with her neigbours the Kanembu and could not control Fezzan.
They were always at war.
2. The destruction of the ‘mune’ a sacred object by Borno kings.
3. Economic and climatic factors- over a period of 1000 years, the sahara had become
much drier. The lost many things economically.

TOPIC: CENTRALIZED STATES

SUB-TOPIC: HAUSA STATES

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME: By the end of the lesson, the students should be
able to :

1. Describe the Hausa states

2. Explain the factors that led to the rise of the Hausa states
3. Explain the factors that led to the fall of the Hausa states

The Hausa states existed between 800 and 1808 A.D. they were founded by originally by an
ethnic group called Hausa who claimed blood relationship with the Kanuri of the old Borno
empire. The Hausa live in the vast region lying between Bauchi and the Southern fringes of
the Sahara and stretches from the Niger, Eastwards towards the Lake Chad. The Hausa were
known for fishing, hunting, agriculture, salt-mining, and blacksmithing. By the 14th
century Kano had become the most powerful city-state. Kano had become the base for the
trans-Saharan trade in salt, cloth, leather, and grain. The Hausa oral history is reflected in
the Bayyajida legend, which describes the adventures of the Baghdadi hero Bayajidda
culmulating in the killing of the snake in the well of Daura and the marriage with the local
queen Magajiya Daurama. According to the legend, the hero had a child with the queen,
Bawo, and another child with the queen's maid-servant, Karbagari.

These states were of two distinct groups-

1. The Hausa Bakwai (legitimate hausa states )- the Hausa Bakwai are seven in number
and they are: Daura, Gobir, Zazzau, Katsina, Kano, Rano and Biram.
2. Banza (pseudo states): these included Illorin, Yauri, Jukun, Kebbi, Zamfara and
others.

The word HAUSA, does not refer to a race, rather, it refers to the Hausa speaking people. It
refers to the mixed tribes who speak Hausa language. The origin of the Hausa can be traced
through a mass of oral traditions and post jihad jihad records such as Zaria and Kano
Chronicles.

THE SOCIO-POLITICAL ORGANIZATION OF THE HAUSA STATES

29
 1. GALADIMA: he was a high official who was in charge of the town when the king
and other officials went to war.
2. WAZIRI: he was the administrator of the capital
3. MADAWAKI: he was the Commander in Chief of the Army
4. MAGAJI- officer in charge of treasury
5. Sarkin Dogara- Head of the king’s body guards

FACTORS THAT LED TO THE RISE OF THE HAUSA STATES

1. Geographical factor- the terrain in Hausa land was very important. It facilitated easy
movement and because of it’s fertility, it made cultivation of crops possible. There
was great quantity of grass for raising livestock like cows, goats and sheep.
2. They were blessed with powerful leaders. These leaders helped the states to expand.
3. External factors such as introduction of Islam into Hausa land

FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF THE HAUSA STATES

1. internal wars: The Hausa kingdoms fought many wars with each order. Kano and
Katsina were often at war
2. political instability
3. Usman Dan-Fodio’s jihad of 1804
4. Invasion of the Hausaland by Songhai from the west, and Borno from the east.

ASSIGNMENT
1. Discuss the economy of the Hausa land before 1800
2. State four effects of Islam in Hausa land before 1800
3. Trace the two accounts of the origin of Hausa states

TOPIC: CENTRALIZED STATES

SUB-TOPIC: NUPE KINGDOM

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOME: By the end of the lesson, the students should be
able to :

1. Describe the NUPE KINGDOM

2. Explain the factors that led to the rise of the Nupe kingdom
3. Explain the factors that led to the fall of the Nupe kingdom

Nupe is in the present day Niger state. The Nupe are located at the extreme west of Niger-
Benue confluence area of Nigeria. The Nupe kingdom comprised eleven-12 related groups.
These were Beni, Beni Ebe, Gbedeje, Kusopa, Dibo, Kyedye, Batsoi, Kupa, Cekpan, and
Gwagba.

30
The origin of Nupe kingdom is linked to Tsoede, also known as Edeji. He was believed to be
the son of an Igala prince who resided in Nupe. The Prince got married to the daughter of the
chief of Nku and the union produced Tsoede. Before Tsoede was, his father was recalled to
Idah to become the Attah of Igala. On his departure, he left two presents for his unborn
unborn child, Tsoede. The presence were a charm and a distinctive ring. Many years later,
this gifts enabled the Attah to identify his son Tsoede when he was latter sent to Idah as a
slave tribute of the royal house of Nku.

Delighted by the revelation, the Attah treated his son, Tsoede very well and favoured him
more than his other children. The jealousy shown by his Igala half brothers consequently
made Tsoede to flee back to his maternal relations in Nupeand organized the various groups
under his leadership.

This marked the beginning of the growth of the Nupe kingdom.

Tsoede’s flight from Idah was discovered by his half brothers who pursued him. However,
Tsoede was aided by his twelve Nupe slaves and two other men who were appointed to rule
the ‘kyedye’. Having eluded his half brothers by hiding in the creeks of Ega, he sank his
bronze canoe, and made himself master of the town. He proceeded and conquered all the
Nupe areas making his twelve companions sub-rulers of the town.

FACTORS THAT LED TO THE RISE OF NUPE KINGDOM

1. Expansionist activities of Tsoede: he was a great fighter and warrior who conquered
many kingdoms and territories.
2. Economic activities of the Tsoede in the area: Tsoede was credited with the
introduction of new and important skills to the Nupe area. He was said to have
brought the first blacksmiths and casters from Idah.

FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF NUPE KINGDOM

1. Outbreak of the jihad

2. Division of the kingdom into rival groups
3. Penetration of the kingdom by the jihadists.

ASSIGNMENT

1. Explain the economy of the Nupe kingdom

2. Discuss the socio-political organization of the Nupe kingdom

THE OLD OYO EMPIRE

The founding of old Oyo empire is ascribed by tradition to Oranmiyan, the youngest of all
the children of Oduduwa and the progenitor of the Bini Dynasty. Oyo emerged as the biggest
nad largest Yoruba kingdoms with it’s defeat of Bariba (Borgi) and Tpa (Nupe). It

31
consolidated it’s authority and embarked on imperial expansion by the beginning of the 17trh
century. The history of Oyo can be divided into phases (1) the pre-Igboho period (2) the
Igboho phase (3) the post-Igboho era.

POLITICAL ORGANIZATION AND ADMINISTRATION OF THE OLD OYO EMPIRE

1. Political head: The Alafin was seen as the political head of the empire. He was chosen
by bthe Oyomesi (seven hereditary kingmakers of the empire) the Alafin was assisted
by the Bashorun, Aremo, the Oyomesi and others.
2. The Aremo: he was the eldest son of the ruling Alafin but cannot succeed his father
at hos demise. He can only ,work or assist the father (Alafin) in the administration of
the empire.
3. The Oyomesi: these are the seven hereditary kingmakers in the empire. The leader
was Bashorun. They are responsible for installing the new Alafin, if the ruling oone
happens to die.
4. Provincial Governors: (Oba or Baale) each .province was administered by a Ajele or
Oba. They gurantee the payment of tribute and paying of homage to Oyo. There was
the claim that this rulers had the power to threaten any hardened Alafin or Chief by
involking the god of thunder through the cult of Sango.
5. The Army: the army was headed by the Are-Ona-Kakanfo. Oyo, had for long
maintained a strong army and was involved in different wars. It was claimed that if
the army suffers any defeat, the Kakanfo must commit suicide .
6. The Ogboni society: this society possessed judicial powers and was also involved in
policy making. The Ogboni society was a secret cult that influenced events in the
society.

FACTORS THAT LED TO THE RISE OF OYO

1. Geographical location- the soil around Oyo was fertile and crops could be grown with
good harvest. This sustained the people.
2. Oyo’s location in the savannah- this made movement possible, and determined the
expansion of it’s territory and the coercion of a large population.
3. They had a highly strong and disciplined army
4. Oyo had an efficient administration
5. The socio and cultural unity among the Yoruba also contributed to the rise of Oyo

ASSIGNMENT

Discuss the factors that led to the fall of the old Oyo empire

THE BENIN KIGDOM

According to Benin traditions, the people migrated from the East. After, a long period of
wandering.

32
The Kingdom of Benin, also known as the Benin Kingdom, was a pre-colonial kingdom in
what is now southern Nigeri. It is not to be confused with Benin, the post-colonial nation
state. The Kingdom of Benin's capital was Edo, now known as Benin City in Edo state. The
Benin Kingdom was "one of the oldest and most highly developed states in the coastal
hinterland of West Africa", it was formed around the 11th century CE",until it was annexed
by the British empire in 1897.

Benin is South East of Ife, Benin is notable for her bronze work. The people of Benin speak
Edo language . The Bini had a ruling line or dynasty made up of Kings or Rulers called
Ogiso dynast. The first Ogiso king was in the ancient Benin was called Obagodo. The second
Ogiso dynasty of the ancient Bini was founded by Prince Oranmiyan. The Igue is a festival
that marks the end of the Edo calendar. Benin had a powerful empire which maintained
regular diplomatic contacts with Portugal early as the 15 th century. The spiritual and political
head of the Benin empire is the Oba of Benin. Benin derived it’s wealth from Collecting tolls
and taxes form slave traders. Before the Europeans arrived, the Benins used cowries as
currency. The king in benin culture had a Council called Uzama. The Uzamas were made up
of six hereditary Nobles.

the major characteristics of the Benin culture are identified from the people’s political,
economic and social life.

Benin political way is seen in it’s political organization. The King was the head of he
administration . he had a Council known as the Uzama , which assisted him. The Uzama was
made of six hereditary nobles. The Benin villages were under the leadership of Chiefs called
Enogie who assisted theking or Oba.

Economically, the people had a flourishing trade . this helped the kingdom in the area of
revenue generation and development of Benin infrastructures. Benin trade comprised of
products like cast brass, ivory, pepper and clothes.

In the social sphere, the Edo people of Benin had an elaborate festival called Igue. This
festival amrks theend of the Edo calendar which ushers in a new one with renewed hope for
peace and prosperity. It is celebrated during the month of September.

33
MEANING OF NON-CENTRALIZED STATES

Non-centralized states refers to states where authority does not exist. It also means
decentralized states or stateless societies.

Examples of Non-Centralized pre-colonial state in Nigeria are: the Igbo, Tiv, Idoma,
Ebira, Ibibio, Anang, Urhobo and Ijaw (Ijo) states

CHARACTERISTICS OF NON-CENTRALIZED PRE-COLONIAL STATES

The following are some major characteristic of many of these non-centralized pre-colonial
states.
1. The Village is administered through Council of Elders
The village allows for the formation of Age Grades.

34
2. Dispute in non-centralized state are being settle by the council of elders who select
someone among them to act as the head.
3. Leadership in non-centralized state is not hereditary and not acquired by force or
conquest.
4. The political system in a non-centralized state is Repubican in nature.
5. Most of the non centralized state have shrines where they jointly consult their gods and
the village priest becomes a rallying point for the spiritual protection of the state and the
unity of the people.

SOCIO-POLITICAL INSTITUTION IN NON-CENTRALIZED STATES

Non-centralized states do not have a centralized political institution in which the state,
community or group is governed. However they develop institutions though less elaborate
than centralized states. These institutions include kingship relations, secret cults, oracles,
chieftaincy titles and age grade institutions.
In all non-centralized states, the lowest unit was the family or household from which the clan
and then village emerged. Thus within, a village , there were clan who lay claim to a
common ancestry or kingship relations.
Closely related is the fact that leadership of families, clans and villages was instituted in the
person of the oldest male or assigned leadership figure at each level. It was these individuals
that made up the council of elders, each representing his clan or family.

IGBO PRE-COLONIAL STATE

Igbo ethnic group is the third largest ethnic group in Nigeria. They are located in South-East
part of Nigeria in: Anambra state, Imo state, Abia state, Ebonyi state, Enugu state. There

35
are also Igbo population living in: Rivers state, Edo state and Delta state.

Igbo land is bounded by the Igala Land (people,) Ogoja Land (people,) and Idoma Land
(people,) to the North; by Ijaw Land ( people) to the South; by Edo Land (people) to the
West and by Ibibio Land (people) to the East.
Igbo people are popularly call Ibo.
Onitsha, Owerri, Orlu, Enugu, Umuahia, Aba, Nnewi, Abakaliki, Asaba, Okigwe,
Arochukwu, and Aba are important Igbo towns in Nigeria.

Origin Of Igbo People

There are many school of thought (or oral tradition) on the origin of Igbo people.
While some people believe that Igbos are some of the lost race Israel who settled in North
Africa around 2000BC and later migrated to their current location in Nigeria; others believe
that Igbo Ethnic group originated from Awka-Nri and Orlu (Isuama) are from where they
spread to other part of Igbo land.
It is belived that Igbo people first settled and lived in the ‘core Igbo centre’ area we have
earlier mentioned i.e. Orlu and Awka-Nri area) from 2, 500BC and it was from Orlu and
Awka-Nri that they first migrated Northward to Nsukka area and then Southward to Ikwerre,
Asa, Ndoki and Uratta area. Also from Orlu area, Igbo people migrated to the East and
South-Eastern area like: Arochukwu, Umuahia, Edda, Ohafia and Ngwa.
Igbo oral tradition (myth) also believed that the core Igbo (i.e. Nri and Aguleri people) came
from Umueri clan who can trace their ancestral lineage to a king-priest called Eri.
Eri was said to be a “sky being” sent by God (who in Igbo language was called Chukwu) to
the Earth.

36
Eri gave birth to two sons who are Agulu the founder of Aguleri clan and Menri the founder
of Umunir/Nri clan. Arecheologist suggested that Eri founded the Igbo ethnic group around
948AD.

Socio-Political Structure Of Igbo Nation

Igbo society in general operates a village republican system while some Igbo. Communities
operate presidential monarchy system.
Even through a typical Igbo society was (is) a statesless society where power was (is) not
centralized; most western Igbo communities who lived in River area like: Onitsha, Agbor,
Asaba and Oguta because of their nearness to and interaction with centralized states like:
Igala kingdom and Benin empire developed the culture of establishing their own Igbo
kingdoms with kings called Obi, Igwe or Dein etc.
Most of Igbo society however operate a Republican system where people ruled themselves
through the Village Assembly and Village Group in a direct or representative form of
democracy.
The political structure in Igbo-land is such that household grow into sub-lineage unit which
grow into lineage assembly which eventually grow into Village Assembly.
The household which is made up of the husband, his wife and children constitutes the bottom
(primary) Socio-Political unit in Igbo land.
This is where local administration in Igbo-land start from.
Household that share common ancestors come together to form the sub-lineage unit. This is
the second level of Socio-Political group or local administration unit in Igbo land. In the
actual sense, real governance start at the sub-lineage unit and the Okpara is the head of a
sub-lineage unit.
Sub-Lineage Unit sharing common remote ancestors come together to form a Lineage
Assembly.
The Sub-Lineage Unit is made up of the extended family which include a man his wife
(wives) children, brother, married and unmarried sisters with their children. The first son of
each family (Sub-lineage) called Okpara is the head of the household and is the official
representative of the Sub-lineage unit in the Lineage Assembly.

37
Note that membes of theses Village Assembly are male members from each family, sub-
lineage unit and lineage assembly who come together on regular interval to discuss the affairs
of their various Socio-Political Units.
However the most significant of this assembly in Igbo land is the Village Assembly that
comprises of all adult members of the village. It is important to note that the Village
Assembly has an inner council made of the heads of Lineage called Amaala or Oji-Ofo.
These councils of Amaala make important decision for the entire village. When the Village
Assembly cannot reach a consensus on any matter, the Amaala with withdraw to the council
and take a decision which will be announced to the Village Assembly.
We can therefore see that through the Sub-Lineage Units, Lineage Assembly and Village
Assebly, Igbo Society practiced a Republican System where every male member or citizen in
Igbo Land participate in the affair of their village.
There are also Age grades and Secret Societies that assist the Lineage Assembly and Village
Assembly in executing certain decisions within their community.
Villages in Igbo Land come together by sending their representatives to form Village Group
or Clan Assembly.
Villages in Igbo Land expand and develop to become a Clan. The Clan is made up of
Lineages that trace themselves to common ancestor and this is the highest Socio-Political
Unit of any Igbo Society. It is at the Clan lever that the Village Group operates. There are
representatives of secret societies, senior tilted men and Ofo-holder (that is head of Lineages)
in the Village Group.

Economy of Igbo Pre-Colonial States

Igbo people are majorly into farming, trade and manufacturing of local farming tools like:
Hoes, Knives etc.
Igbo people mostly plant Yam, Cocoyam, Cassava, Palm Oil, Palm Kernel and Vegetables.
Some villages in Igbo Land produce salt.

TIV
The Tiv nation or ethnic group is located in North Central part of Nigeria in Benue State,
Taraba State, Nasarawa State and part of Cameroon Republic.
Tiv is the largest ethnic group in Benue State and the Seventh largest ethnic group in Nigeria.

38
Tiv people live on both sides River Benue.

ORIGIN OF TIV PEOPLE

Oral tradition has it that Tiv people migrated to their current location in Benue state Nigeria
from South East Africa (probably from the Democratic Republic of Congo) through South
Central and West Central Africa until they got to Cameroon and later migrated further until
eventually they settle in what today we know as Tiv land in Benue state Nigeria. The Tiv
people when they first came to their current land in Nigeria were said to have met the Fula
and Idoma people and eventually settled on the Bank of River Benue.
According to oral tradition, Tiv people had earlier settle on the east of Cameroon mountain
until they were driven away by the Ugenyi people who were their enemies.
While they were migrating away from Cameroon, they came to a great body of water called
River Aya and were stranded because they could not cross the River.
Miraculously a friendly green snake appeared and stretched itself across the river to enable
the Tiv people cross the River on its back to the other side of the River. The mysterious green
Snake was called Ikyarem.
Tiv people kept migrating and fighting different communities on their way until the y finally
settled in the present Tiv land around the bank of River Benue.
Tiv people trace their history to a man called Tiv who gave birth to two sons Ichongo and
Ipusu. That is why Tiv people will always refer to themselves as Ichongo and Ipusu meaning
descendants of Ipusu.
Over time these two lineages of Tiv nation grew to become a racial nation who speaks the
same language.

TRADITONAL INSTITUTION OF TIV PEOPLE

The pre-colonial Tiv nation was more of an egalitarian society which had no king. There
were no administrative divisions, no councils and no chiefs in pre-colonial Tiv Society. Age,
Influence and affluence only played a key role in determining who lead the Tiv society per
time.
It was only after their contact with British colonial master that office of the Tor-Tiv was
created and a place was built for the Tor-Tiv in 1948. The Tor-Tiv was to be king and

39
traditional ruler of Tiv people so as to enable the British Colonial Administration to be able
to effectively administer the people.
The Palace of the Tor-Tiv is at Gboko which is the traditional headquarters of Tiv People.

SOCIO-POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF TIV PEOPLE

Tiv nation was a stateless society without a central authority or kings. Law and order was
maintaind by the elders council in their meetings.
The smallest segmentary lineage in Tiv land was called ‘Ityo’ and every member of ‘Ityo’
was seen as a citizen of Tiv nation and as such has right to land and to reside in any part of
Tiv land. A group of ‘Ityo’ family who are related through the father lineage live together in
a hut called ‘YA’. This (that is ‘YA’.) we can call a compound in our modern day society.
These compounds (i.e. ‘YA’) become the basis of political organization in Tiv land, the head
of each compound is called ‘ORYA’ and his role is to administer the council of senior male
member of his compound.
Every Tiv family or Sub-Lineage also send a representative to ‘ITYO council’. This council
has the power to make binding decisions on members’ family on religious, funeral, economic
and political issues.
There is also the formation of age grade called ‘KWAV’ this Kwav is formed every three
years for the people within an age bracket that does not exceed three years. What this means
is that between ages seventy to twenty years there could be as much as 15 different age
grades (Kwav).
These age grades mutually help one another in areas like farming and ceremonies like
marriage.
The ‘Kur’ is also an important institution recognized in the Tiv nation. The kur is the leader
of the Tiv militia. He is a brave warrior and military Chief of the Tiv society.
The Kur is expected to the strongest man in the Tiv community.

OCCUPATION OF TIV PEOPLE

Tiv people are predominantly farmers.
They grow crops like: Yams, Millet and Sorghum.

40
THE IDOMA
IDOMA PRE-COLONIAL STATE

INTRODUCTION
Idoma people are located in Benue state and a part of Nasarawa State and Cross River State.
Idoma land is situated in the South of the River Benue and is bounded by the River Benue to
North, Igbo land and Ogoja land to the South, Tiv land and Igede land to the East and Igala
land to the West. Today Idoma nation is the second largest ethnic group in Benue state. They
occupy nine (9) Local Government Area in Benue state which are: Otukpo, Ado, Agatu, Apa,
Okpokwu, Obi, Ohimini, Oju and Ogbadibo Local Government Area.
There area also Idoma people in present day Nasarawa State and Cross River.

ORIGIN OF IDOMA PEOPLE

41
Idoma Society is made up of heterogeneous number of people speaking the same languages.
These people migrated to Idoma land at various time when the Kwararafa Kingdom was
defeated by Ali Ghaji (1476-1503) the then Emperor of Kanuri (Bornu) Empire and
Kwararafa Kingdom was no longer able to provide safety for herself. There was also power
tussles among the Jukuns as to who rules the lefts over of Kwararafa Kingdom.
These and some other factors made Idoma people who lived in Apa (a Society within
Kwararafa confederacy) as well as the Igala people and Ebira people to leave Apa (in
Kwararafa Kingdom) for Idomaland and Igalaland respectively between 1535AD and
1625AD. While some Idoma people first moved (migrated) to Igala land together with Igala
people and Ebira people. Families (Clan) like: Otukpo, Adoka and Ugbju went straight to
settle towards the South of River Bunue in what is today known as Idoma land and even
some part of Tiv land before they were displaced by Tiv people who later arrived at the land
where some Idoma people were sparsely settled.
It was easy for the Tiv people to displace some Idoma villages because the Idomas were
living in fragmented societies and were not powerful enough to resist a more populated and
powerful, well organized Tiv nationa when they came to occupy the land. Between 1685AD
and 1715Ad, the other set of Idoma people who first migrated to Igala land left Igala land
and travelled westward towards Idoma land. Most of these new settlers who initially traced
their origin to Apa in the defunct kwararafa kingdom settled in the western part of Idoma
land in areas like: Otukpa, Ichanma, Orakam and Edumoga.
By the end of eighteen century, Idoma nation had been fully formed as a fragmented or non-
centralized pre-colonial society in Nigeria. Idoma people speak Idoma language. It is
however important for us to note that Idoma languages is made up of Eight (8) dialects which
are: Agatu, Otukpo, Otukpa, Iyala, Etilo, Orokam-Aalala, Utonkon and Akpa-Agila.

SOCIO-POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF IDOMA NATION

Family is the smallest social unit in traditional Idoma society. A Family in Idoma land is
‘Ole’ and is under the leadership of he family head called ‘Adoole’.
Family from the same lineage come together to form ‘Ipoopu’ (or Partri-lineage).
The highest Political Institution in Idoma society is the gathering of all adult male in Idoma
land called ‘Ojila’ or ‘Ojira’.

42
Ojira which is an important meeting where decisssions are made in Idoma land. It is being
conducted by elders and influential adults in Idoma society.
The palace of ‘Och’ Idoma the paramount chief of Idoma people is in Otukpo.
His Royal Highness Elias Ikoyi Obkpa is the current Och ‘Idoma’.

OCCUPATION OF IDOMA PEOPLE

Idoma land is very fertile and rich in nutrients. Hence, the people of Idoma land are great
farmers.
Idoma land can grow almost all type of crop plant ranging from Yam to Millet, Sorghum,
Cocoyam, Sweet Potatoes, Melon, Cowpea, Guinea corn, Beans, Bambara nuts, Rice and
Cassava etc.
Idoma people are also involved in the craft of Basket making, making of Agricultural tools
and weapons of war like: Hoes, Knives, Machetes, Axes, Spears and Anklets.
INTER-RELATIONSHIP OF SOME CENTRES OF CIVILIZATION IN PRE-COLONIAL NIGERIA

INTRODUCTION

43
 People of Nigeria have been occupying the geographical area called Nigeria today
even though not as a country long before the advent of Europeans who colonized us.
At different time in our pre-colonial existence, there were communities, town and
villages that had a well organized structure socio-political and economic system at
various time of their civilization either as kingdoms or empires.
Take for instance we had a very srong Benin empire and Ife kingdom in the
Southern part of Nigeria; we had the Kanem-Bornu Empire in the north Eastern part
of Nigeria,the Sokoto Caliphate and Hausa City States in the North Western part of
Nigeria, the nupe kingdom and Igala kingdom in the North Central part of Nigeria
and the non-centralized or fragment Igbo society,Ibibio society, Ijaw society etc.

44
 FACTORS THAT PROMOTED RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PRE-COLONIAL
STATES IN NIGERIA
1. INTER-STATE TRADE
Inter states trade was very important since no single state at that time could produce
all that they needed. As a result of differences in geographical distribution, there were
some agricultural produce that could only grow in the Northern part of Nigeria
(Savanna region) while there were some other crops that could only grow in the
Southern part of Nigeria (forest region).
ESTABLISHMENT AND MAINTENANCE OF TRADE ROUTE
Given that Trade played a vital role in the civilization and expansion of the
economies of pre-colonial states in Nigeria, many of these individual states had to
create (individually or jointly) trade routes between and among themselves. Some of
these trade route were water-ways like the water-way between Igala Kingdom and
Nupe Kingdom and trade route on the River Niger which enabled trader to move their
product from Sokoto state to Kebbi state to Niger state to Kwara state, to kogi state
and eventually to Igbo land in the South Easteren part of Nigeria.

2. REIGIOUS,SOCIAL AND CULTURAL INSTITUTIONS

It was believed the members of one community or state marries member from
another community or state, peaceful co-existence will be promoted and war will be
prevented. Hence through inter-cultural marriage among various pre-colonial political
institutions, relationships were strengthened among them.

3. MIGRATION
In the ancient days, people were always moving from one place to another in search
for greener pasture. Take for instance, they were Fulanis who migrate from Sokoto to
Kano and some continued moving until they got to Adamawa in the Eastern part of
Northern Nigeria. As they move from one State to the another during the pre-colonial
era, they were leaving some of their siblings and relation behind and this experience
made it needful to keep the relationship on with their other brothers in other state
even thought they were living apart.

45
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN IFE KINGDOM AND BENIN KINGDOM

both kingdom shared common ancestral history.

The Yoruba kingdom that spread from Ile-Ife and the Edo kingdom that spread from
Benin City were two major civilized communities (cities) in the southern part Nigeria
before Europeans (British) come to colonize our land.
The relationship between Ife and Benin is believed to have dated back to the 12 th
century (1100AD).
One of the oral tradition of Yoruba land believed that Oduduwa who founded Ife
Kingdom was a prince from Benin Kingdom whom was a result of injustice done to
him become angry and left Benin kingdom at Ife. In-fact after the of Ogosi dynasty
that rule Benin Kingdom from 900AD and 1170AD, Benin kingdom have a
problem of choosing a new king to rule over the and for a period about 10 years they
were a republican state until the sent for Oduduwa in Ile-Ife to come back and rule
over them as king . Oduduwa declined their request but sent his last Grandson in the
person of ‘Oranmiyan’ to go and become the king of Benin kingdom.
Oranmiyan could not stay long in Benin kingdom because he discovered that
only a person from Benin can effectively and successfully rule over them.
However, before he left the Benin kingdom, the wife betrothed to him (who
was the daughter of an important chief in Benin kingdom ) was pregnant with a baby

46
and the son she give birth to was to become the new Oba (king) of the Benin
kingdom.
The name of the son given birth to was called ‘Eweka’ and he rule about 1180AD.
Eweka dynasty is still dynasty ruler of Benin kingdom till today. That is why
Benin monarchy is refereed to as the largest monarchy in Africa.
The above tradition goes along way to show that they is a long standing blood
relationship between Ife kingdom Royal institution and Benin kingdom Royal
institution.
As the matter of fact, they are some part of Benin kingdom in Benin City that
speak Yoruba language.
Any time a new king is installed or corona-ted in either Ife or Benin kingdom; the
other kingdom will send a strong emissary (sometimes including the Oba) to go and
greet the new Ooni of Ife or the new Oba of Benin as the case may be.
This is done as the sign of mutual respect the kingdom have for one another.
Infact the kingdom of Benin is called Oba of Benin. Oba is a Yoruba word
that means king.
They are occasions were both kingdom give out one of their princess to become the
Royal Queen of a new Ooni or Oba.
The Yoruba town of Lagos (called Eko) was founded by the Benin kingdom.
one other important area where relationship was established between Ife kingdom and
Benin kingdom w a s i n t h e a r e a o f craftsmanship. You will notice the
Artifacts and Terracotta produced from both Ife and Benin shared similar features.
This because initially artifacts and figurine produce in Ife kingdom were
exported and sold to Benin while the people of Benin eventually came to Ife learn
bronze casting.
Thus we can see that Benin people initially learnt their craft from Ife people
and later built on it to the big industry that is today for people of Benin.

47
WEEK 8: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN KANEM-BORNU EPIRE AND

HAUSA STATES

They was a strong religions marital and trade relationship between Kanem-
Bornu empire and the Hausa City State.
Kanem-Bornu empire was (is) located towards the northern eastern part of
Nigeria why the Hausa City state were located towards the northern western part of
Nigeria.
Going back to the history of Hausa land. It was believed that Bayajidda who
is the ancestor of Hausa people first settled in Kanem-Bornu empire after he left
Baghdad.
The king of Kanem-Bornu empire give Bayajidda one of his daughter
(princess Magira Daud) in marriage.
After some period of stay within the territory of Kanem-Bornu empire,
Bayajidda relationship with the king of Kanem-Bornu was getting weaker such that
he became afraid and he ran away with his wife (princess Magira Daud) to Hadejia
(now in Jigawa State). By this time princess Magira Daud was pregnant and she later
give birth to a baby boy why she called ‘Biram’. Biram was the one who founded

48
 Biram (Hadejia) State one the seven Hausa States. Biram for many years was the
original seat of government in Hausa land.
Bayajidda left his wife at Hadejia continue migrating until he got to ‘Daura’. He
settled in Daura and married Queen Magajiva Dauarama who was the queen of Daura at
the time. Queen Magajiva Daurama give birth to a son for Bayajidda called ‘Bawo’. Bawo
give birth six (6) sons who founded the other six Hausa City state of Kano, Rano,
Katsina, Zaria Daura and Gobir.
The seven (7) Hausa state were not always united but they were very viable in trade
and commerce.
Since Kanem-Bornu Empire controlled the Trans-Saharan trade route towards Tripoli and
Egypt, the Hausa City state known for commerce and trade has to r e l a t e w e l l w I t h
Kanem- Bornu Empire in exchanging slave captured from communities located towards the
Niger River, their Agricultural produce (Cotton, Maize Millet etc) with horses and War
weapons from Arab and Berber traders.
Religion also played a vital role in influencing the relationship between Kanem-Bornu
empire and Hausas City States.
Thus we can said that religion, trade and marriage were the basis relationship between the
Kanem-Bornu Empire and Hausa City States.

RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN IGBO AND NIGER DELTA STATES

Igbo was fragmented society without a centralized government. However, Igbo was one of
the first civilization during the Iron Age even before the civilization of Ife and Benin.
As far back as 800AD, Igbo people were engaged in modern bonze and metal work.
The people had many artifacts and developed small farming tools like Knives, Hoes,
cutlasses etc. for farming and hunting purposes.
Nri and Arochukwu played a significant role in the civilization because of the casting of Iron
tools using in f a r m i n g, a g r i c u l t u r a l production in Igbo land grew so well that the
people were able to produce yam, cassava, palm Oil, vegetable, fruit and cocoyam in large
quantities that they could sell to their neighbors from Ijaw land and Ibibio and who lived in
the Riverine area,
Igbo people sell their farm produce in exchange for the fish, snail and crayfish etc.
T h u s t h e b a s I s of relationship trade (commerce) in nature.

49
 During the reign of the Oba Eware the Great who ruled Benin kingdom from around
1440AD to 1473AD, the western Igbo land came under the domain of Benin Empire and the
culture of Igbo people at that time influenced Benin culture and vice versa. Today we have
the Anioma tribe who are Igbo peaking people in Delta State and the Ikwerre people who
are Igbo in River state.
We can have these tribe because of the influence Igbo c u l t u r e h a d o n t h e I r
e neighboring Niger Delta state.
Also the Igala culture and Igbo culture interacted in the 17 th and 118th century
(1600AD-1800AD) when Igala Became the strong kingdom in north West of Igbo land their
conquered some northern Igbo and around Nsukka Area.

EBIRA PRE-COLONIAL STATE

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION
Ebira people are located in about Eight (8) states majorly in the North Central part of
Nigeria.
Being fragmented nation or society, there are various groups of Ebira people of which Ebira
Tao is the largest of the sub-ethnic groups in Ebira Nation.
Ebira Tao is the headquarter of the Ebira nation and |Ebira Tao people are majorly in: Okene,
Adavi, Okehi and Ajaokuta Local Government Area in Kog State.
Next to Ebira Tao in population is the Ebira Koto who are located in Kotonkarfe, Kogi,
Lokoja and Bassa Local Government Area.
Other sub-groups of Ebira Nation are Ebira Mazum in Kogi State. Ebira Panda and Ebira
Toto in Nasarawa State and the Federal Capital Territory Abuja; Ebira Etuno in Edo State,
Ebira Oloko in Ondo, Oyo and Osun state. Ebira land is bordered by the Etsako of Edo
(Benin) to the South, Kabba to the West and Igala to the East.

UNIT 2: ORIGIN OF EBIRA NATION

50
Ebira people according to oral tradition were under the wukari kingdom or kwararafa
confederation until around 1650AD. When they migrated from (left) wukari to settle in the
present location they are now between 1680AD and 1750AD .
Wukari was (is) the headquarter of Junkun people in present day Taraba State. It means that
Ebira people can trace their people left Wukari land, they did not leave alone, the left with
other Ethnic groups (Nations) like: the Idoma and the Igala Nations.
According to History; Ebira Tao people Led by Itaazi (who is said to be the father of Ebira
Tao People) first settled at Idah together with Igala people after they left Wukari. After
sometime, Itaazi led his family and a few others to Cross River Niger westward as they
settled at Ebira Opete now in Ajaokuta Local Government Area.
Itaazi had five sons who later left Opete to form other district of Ebira land.
Adaviruku (Ohizi) went to form Adavi, Ododo went to form Okehi, Obaji went to form
Eyika, Uga went to form Okengwe an Ochuga (Onutu) went to form Ihima
The descendant of these sons Itaazi who have founded several Ebira districts became clans in
Ebira land and formed basis for communal relationship and administration.
According to similar history, the Ebira Panda and Ebira Toto people who stretched more
the Northern part of Ebira land in Abaji (Federal Capital Territory-FCT Abuja) and
Nasarawa state was established by Ohimnagedu who was the first chief and progenitor of the
people of Ebira Panda. They also left Igala land after they all migrated from Jukun land.

UNIT 3: SOCIO-POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF EBIRA NATION

Many of the villages (communities) in Ebiraland from inception are autonomous unit. There
was (is) no central king nor royal families that people are subject to; hence it was (is) more of
a Republican or fragmented society.
Each family in Ebira land was headed by the father or the oldest male in the family.
The head of this nuclear fmily called ‘Ireh’, is the religious leader and the provider for the
nuclear family.
The extended family formed a compound called ‘Ohuoje’ and related compounds come
together to form a clan called ‘Iresu’. Each clan is led by ‘Otaru’.
We have earlier said that there are two major sub- ethnic group in Ebira land. These are
Ebira Panda located in the Northern part of Ebira land and Ebira Tao located in the Sothern
part of Ebira land.

51
The government of the Ebira Panda was more centralized with a powerful chief who was the
head and leader of other chiefs from different royal families that report to him. On the other
hand, Ebira Tao was less centralized giving recognition to the five founding families of the
five districts in Southern Ebira land.
Okene is the administrative center of Ebira people and the Palace of Ohinoyi of Ebiraland is
located in Okene.
Ado Ibrahim is the current Ohinoyi and the traditional leader of Ebira people.
Ebira people are known for the celebration of annual masquerade festival called ECHE=ANE
or women festival in which betrothed girls would be given away in marriage to their various
suitors.
They also celebrate EKUECHI which is a night masquerade festival used in marking the end
of Ebira cf calendar year and the beginning of a new one.

UNIT 4: OCCUPATION OF EBIRA PEOPLE

Farming and cloth weaving is the major occupation of Ebira people.
The people of Ebira land cultivated Yam, Cassava, Guinea corn, Maize, Rice, Millet,
Groundnut and Cowpeas.
Ebira people rear goat, pig, sheep and cows for Local consumption. Because of the presence
of large number of rivers and streams in Ebira land, the people also engange in fish farming.

Chapter Summary
1. Ebira people are located in about Eight (8) states majority in the North Central part of
Nigeria.
2. Ebira Tao is the largest of the sub-ethnic groups in Eibira Nation.
3. Ebira Tao is the headquarter of the Ebira nation and Ebira nation and Ebira Tao people
are majorly in: Okene, Adavi, Okehi and Ajaokuta Local Government Area in Kogi State.
4. Next Ebira Tao in population is the Ebira Koto who is located in Kotonkarfe, Kogi,
Lokoja and Bassa Local Government Area.
5. Other sub-groups of Ebira Nation are Ebira Mozum in Kogi State, Ebira Toto in
Nasarawa State and Federal Capital Territory Abuja; Ebira Etuno in Edo State, Ebira
Agatu in Benue state and Ebira Oloko in Ondo, Oyo and Osun State.

52
6. Ebira land is bordered by the Etsako of Edo (Benin) to the South, Kabba to the West an
Igala to the East.
7. Ebira people according to oral tradition were under the Wukari Kingdom or Kwararafa
confederation until around 1680AD when they migrated from (left) Wukari to settle in
the present location they are now between 1680AD an 1750AD.
8. According toHistory; Ebira Tao people Led by Itaazi (who is said to be the father of
Ebira Tao people) first settled at Idah together with Igala people after they left Wukari.
9. According to similar history, the Ebira Panda and Ebira Toto people were established
by Ohimnagedu who was the first chief and progenitor of people of Ebira Panda.
10. Far mining and cloth weaving is the major occupation of Ebira people.

Students Exercise
MULTIPLE CHOICE
QUESTIONS
1. Ebira Koto are in the following Local Government Area in Kogi State except________
A. Kotonkarke
B. Okene
C. Lokoja
D. Bassa
2. Ebira people are located in which of these geographical region in Nigeria.
A. North Central
B. South East
C. South South
D. South West
3. According to Ebira oral tradition, Ebira people left Kwararafa confederation
around___________
A. 1680AD
B. 1630AD
C. 1750AD
D. None of the above
4. ________________ is the largest sub-ethnic group in Ebira nation.
A. Ebira mozum

53
B. Ebira Toto
C. Ebira Panda
D. Ebira Tao
5. _______________ is the father of Ebira Tao people.
A. Itaazi
B. Adavi
C. Ohimnagedu
D. None of the above
6. The following except_______________ are sons of Itaazi
A. Adaviruku
B. Ododo
C. Obaji
D. Ohiminagedu
7. ________________ is the headquarter of Ebira land.
A. Eyika
B. Okene
C. Okehi
D. Panda
8. Ebira Toto was established by__________
A. Ohimnagedu
B. Itaaz
C. Ododo
D. Uga
9. _____________ leads a clan inEbira land.
A. Ireh
B. Ohuoje
C. Ododo
D. Uga
10. A nuclear family in Ebira land is called__________
A. Ireh
B. Iresu
C. Ohouje

54
D. Otaru

CHAPTER SIX
IJAW (IJO) PRE-COLONIAL STATE

Performance Objectives
Students at the end of this chapter should be able to:
1. Describe Ijaw pre-colonial stateless society.
2. Describe the origin of Ijaw People.
3. Describe the socio-political structure of Ijaw society.
4. Highlight the economy of Ijaw society.

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION
Ijaw people are located in Niger Delta region in the South-Southern part of Nigeria. Ijaw is
the fourth largest ethnic group in Nigeria.
The homeland of Ijaw people in Nigeria are in Beyelsa State. Delta State, Rivers State, Edo
State, Akwa Ibom State and part of Abia State and Ondo State.
The geographical land space occupied by IJaw people are categorized into Central Ijaw,
Eastern Ijaw and Western Ijaw.
Ancient Ijaw Clans that today have become major towns and Cities are: Kalabari, Okiraka,
Sagbama, Bassan, Apoi, Ekeremor, Tarakiri, Kolokuma-Opokuma (yenagoa), Brass Nembe
and Akassa.
Ijaw ethnic group is also called Ijo Izon.

UNIT 2: ORIGIN OF IJAW PEOPLE

Ijaw people are believed to have been living in the lower Niger and Niger Delta region since
500BC. They are people who have great affinity with water because most of them live in
riverine area and their major occupation is fishing and salt production.
One oral tradition suggests that Ijaw people have ancestral links with Yoruba people, Benin
people and Igbo people.

55
The oral tradition that links Ijaw people to the Benin, Yoruba and Igbo people suggest that
Ijaw clan (Ibe) of Benin, Tarakiri, Kabowel, Kumbowel and main once lived in Benin
territory before they migrated to Central Delta.
Tarakiri whose father (Tarakiriowel) was from Ondo (Yoruba land) stayed in Benin until he
was forced to move to Aboh area because of the hostility of Oba of Benin.
He stayed in Aboh Area for a while and later migrated to Sagbama creek in Central Delta. It
was from Sagbama creek that further migration took place which led to the founding of other
Ijaw Villages or Clans.
Ijaw people are believed to be descendants of the autochthonous people (ancient Africa tribe)
known as (H)ORU. These distinct set people (H)ORU who speak ORU language have
existed as an ethnic group for nearly 5000 year (3000BC), but only settled in the lower Niger
and Niger Delta region around 500BC.
Ijaw people believed that their ancestors (Oru Otu) descended from sky.
Ijaw people first settled in Central Delta before some of them migrated to the East and the
West of Niger Delta Area.
Towns (Cities) like: Kalabari, Okirika and Ibani are Eastern Ijaw.
Towns (Cities) like: Warri, Patani, Igbematoru, Burutu and Amapere Ondo are Westeren
Ijaw.
Towns (Cities) like: Yenegoa, Sagbama, Oporoma, Olugbobiri, Oloibiri, and Anyama, are
central Ijaw.
Ijaw people first settled in central Delta (Ijaw) before they migrated to those places we refer
to as Easthern Ijaw Area and Western Ijaw Area between 500BC and 1000AD.
Possibly it was the search for better living environment and land space that made the people
to migrate to the East and to the Western part of Niger Delta. The water in the Central Delta
was fresh water hence people were more into farming.
However, the water in the Eastern Region where a part of the Ijaw clans migrated to was salt
water; hence people had to change their occupation to fishing and salt making.
Since people in the Eastern Delta Area could not farm because of the limited land space they
had, they have to exchange their salt and fishes for Iron tools and to Crop foods produced by
their neighboring cousins in Central Delta, Igbo neighbors and Efik neighbors along Calabar
estuary.

56
UNIT 3: SOCIO-POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF IJAW NATION
Most Ijaw society were egalitarian while some Ijaw communities developed into city states.
Every Family lineage that constitute a village has a head. The village head is called
Amanayanabo in Eastern Delta and Amaokosowei in Central Delta.
Some of these village heads became trading chiefs with the power to control trade within
their village.
There were (are) assemblies of all adult males with a president who is usually the oldest
person.
However from around 1200AD, Eastern and Central Ijaw started building a Kingship system
that turned some of the clans into city states.
‘Ibe’ as it was (is) called by the Ijaw means clan.
Clan is the basic political unit in Ijaw land. These clans consist of people or families that can
trace their descent or origin to a common ancestry.
Village (clans) in Ijaw land are therefore divided into wards called ‘Polo’ in Ijio language to
better enhance effective administration of the villages, Secret Society like ‘Ekine’ was (is)
also recognized and played a key role in the political system of Ijaw land especially in (clans)
town like Kalabari and Nembe.
Ekine was more or less a Masquerade society of people who understood Ijaw culture and can
dance to drum performance.

UNIT 4: OCCUPATION OF IJAW PEOPLE

As we have earlier observed, Ijaw people are into fishing, hunting, salt making and farming.
They were also into trade as they had to exchange their salt and fishes for other things they
needed.

Chapter Summary
1. Ijaw people are located in Niger Delta region in the South-Southern part Nigeria.
2. The geographical land space occupied by Ijaw people are categorize into Central Ijaw,
Eesthern Ijaw and Western Ijaw.
3. Major Cities: Kalabari, Okiria, Sagbama, Bassan, Apoi, Ekeremor, Tarakiri, Kolokuma-
Opokuma (yenogoa), Brass Nembe and Akassa.

57
4. Ijaw people are belived to have been living in the lower Niger and Niger Delta reion
since 500BC.
5. Ijaw people are believed to be descendants of the autochthonous people (ancient African
tribe) known as (H)ORU.
6. Towns (Cities) like: Kalabari, Okirika and Ibani are Eastern Ijaw.
7. Towns (Cities) like: Warri, Patani, Igbematoru, Burutu and Amapere Ondo are Western
Ijaw.
8. Towns (Cities) like: Yenegoa, Sagbama, Oporoma, Olugbobiri, Oloibiri, and Anyama,
are Central Ijaw.
9. Evey family lineage that constitute a village had a head. The village head was called
Amanyanabo in Eastern Delta and Amaokosowei in the Central Delta.
10. ‘Ibe’ as it was (is) called by the Ijaw means clan.
11. Village (clans) in Ijaw land were therefore divided into wards called ‘Polo’ in Ijo
language to better enhance effective administration of the village.
12. Ijaw people are majority into fishing, hunting, salt making and farming.

Students Exercise
1. Western Ijaw are in the following cities (towns) except___________
A. Warri
B. Burutu
C. Patani
D. Yenegoa
2. Ijaw people have ancestral link to the following people except_________
A. Hausa
B. Igbo
C. Benin
D. Yoruba
3. Ijaw people are based in these Nigerian states except _________
A. Bayelsa
B. Delta
C. Rivers
D. Taraba

58
4. The following except ____________ are in eastern part of the Niger Delta making up the
Easthern Ijaw
A. Okirika
B. Warri
C. Kalabari
D. Ibani
5. When Tarakiri left Aboh, he went to which of these towns.
A. Sagbama
B. Oloibiri
C. Yenagoa
D. Warri
6. The following cities are in Central Ijaw Except ___________
A. Olobiri
B. Oporoma
C. Sagbama
D. Warri
7. Another name for clan in Ijaw is ___________
A. Ibe
B. Amanyanabo
C. Amoakosowei
D. All of the above
8. Ijaw people are located in the _____________ region of Nigeria.
A. South South
B. South West
C. South East
D. North Central
Chapter Seven
IBIBIO PRE-COLONIAL STATE
Performance Objectives
Students at the end of this chapter should be able to:
1. Describe Ibibio pre-colonial stateless society.
2. Describe the origin of Ibibio People.

59
3. Describe the socio-political structure of Ibibio society.
4. Highlight the economy of Ibibio society.

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION
Ibibio is the largest Ethnic group in Akwa-Ibom state and the sixth largest ethnic group in
Nigeria.
Ibibio people are located in South-South region of Nigeria in Akwa-Ibom state. Cross River
State and Eastern part of Abia State.
UNIT 2: ORIGIN OF IBIBIO PEOPLE
Ibibio people are the earliest settler in the Cross River valley of South Eastern Nigeria.
Although not fully verified, oral tradition says that Ibibio people first settled in their present
location around 7000BC. Infact it is arguable being said that Ibibio is perhaps the most
ancient ethnic group in Nigeria.
It is argued that the original homeland of Ibibio people is at Usak Edet (Isangele) in the
present day Republic of Cameroon.
The migration of Ibibio people from Cameroon to Nigeria was in two dimension.
The first group of Ibibio migrants passed through an overland route.
This group are the first settlers at Ibom (Arochuku) where they erected the famous shrine
popularly called ‘the long juju of Arochuku’.
It was from Ibom that this group of Ibibio people spread to other Ibibio communities like:
Uyo, Abak, Ikot-ekpene.
The second group of Ibibio migrants passed through the sea to the mainland and settled in
Uruan, oron, eket and Ibeno.
It is worthy of note that other ethnic groups like Efik, Anaang and Oron had relationship with
Ibibio people. Infact some argue that Efik and Anaang ethnic groups are sub-clan of Ibibio
Ethnic group.
UNIT 3: SOCIO POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF IBIBIO NATION
Ibibio people are self governed or stateless society. They govern themselves through the
family system. Ibibio communities were made up of large families (extended) whose head
was known as Ikpaisong. The Ikpaisong is the constitutional and traditional head of his
family.
The head of Ibibio community is Obong Ikpaisong.

60
Each of these families (Nuclear) in Ibibio society has a head called Mbong Ekpuk. The
Traditional council or the traditional court in Ibibio society was made up of the Obong
Ikpaisong, Mbong Ekpuk and the head of cults and secrets societies.
The traditional council was called ‘Afe’ or ‘Asan’. When the traditional council or Obong
Ihpaisong makes a decision, members of the Ekpo society has the resoisubility to enforce
such a decision. Ekpo society acted like military and police of Ibibio society. They see
themselves as messangers of the spirit .
Whenever Ekpo members are t carry out their police function, they usually wear mask.
Ekpo society was an equivalent of Ekpe secret society in the Efik nation and its membership
is open to all Ibibio men.
Villages make up clans in Ibibio society. These villages comprises of individual families,
made up of the husband, the wife or the wives, the children and the grandparents.
Each village in an Ibibio society is relatively autonomous is status. The eldest male in the
village is automatically the head of the village.
It is from among the village heads that the head of the clan was appointed or elected.
The primary duty of these heads is to settle dispute that rises among members of their family
and to promote the well being of every member of their family.
Special organizations or secret societies were allowed for both men and women in Ibibio
society .
While Ekong, Ekpo, Ekpe(or Egbo) and Idiong were in the predominant men association in
Ibibio society; Ebere and Njama were the predominant women association in the Ibibio
society.
The Ekpo society perform both religious and political functions in every Ibibio society as
they build (own) shrines at the central location of every Ibibio village.
Just like their Ekpe counterpart in Efik nation, members of Ekpo secret society commuinicate
using Nsibidi.
Nsibidi is a language writing expressed in the form of tattoo on women faces and bodies on
calabashes and marked house walls or road etc. to preserve information and to take
proceedings in court.
Their sports includes: Wrestling Swimming and Arrow shooting

Chapter summary

61
1. Ibibio is the largest ethnic group in Akwa-Ibom state and the sixth largest ethnic group in
Nigeria.
2. Ibibio people are located in South-South region of Nigeria in Akwa-Ibom state, Cross
River State amd Eastern part of Abia state.
3. It is argued that the original homeland of Ibibio people is at Usak Edet (Isangele) in the
present day republic of Cameroon.
4. Ibibio people are self governed or stateless society. They govern themselves through the
family system.
5. Ibibio communities were made up of large families (extended) whose head was known as
Ikpaisong.
6. The head of Ibibio community is Obong Ikpaisong.
7. Each of these families (Nuclear) in Ibibio society has a head called Mbong Ekpuk .
8. The traditional council was (is) called ‘Afe’ or ‘Asan’.
9. While Ekong, Ekpo, Ekpe(or Egbo) and Idiong were the predominant women association
in Ibibio society; Ebere and Njama were the predominant women association in Ibibio
society.
10. Ibibio people are majorly into farming, fishing and trading. They were also great cavers
of woods.

Students Exercise
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS
1. Head of Ibibio extended (large) families are known as___________
A. Mbong Ekpuk
B. Obong Ikpaisong
C. Ikpaisong
D. None of the above
2. ______________ is the society that ahas the responsibility to reinforce the decision of the
traditional council in Ibibio society.
A. Afe
B. Ekpo
C. Ikpaisong
D. None of the above

62
3. The first set of Ibibio people who settled at Ibom (Arochukwu) spread to settle in the
following villages except__________
A. Oyo
B. Ikot Ekpene
C. Abak
D. Oron
4. Ibibio people are located in the_________ region of Nigeria
A. South east
B. South west
C. South south
D. North central
5. Head of Ibibio nuclear family are called ____________
A. Mbong Ekpuk
B. Obong Ikpaisong
C. Ikpaisong
D. None of the above
6. Ibibio people are not fond in which of these states in Nigeria
A. Akwa-Ibom
B. Abia
C. Cross River
D. Ekiti
7. Ibibio traditional council was called__________
A. Afe
B. Ekpo
C. Ekpuk
D. All of the above
8. According to oral tradition, Ibibio people first settled in their current location around
________
A. 2000 BC
B. 7000 BC
C. 5000 AD
D. 100 AD

63
THEORY QUESTIONS
1. Narrate the origin of Ibibio people.\
2. Describe the socio-political structure of Ibibio society.
3. Identify the occupation of the Ibibio people.

Chapter ONE
GHANA EMPIRE
Performance Objectives
Student at the end of this chapter should be able to
1. Identify the location of Ghana Empire on the map of Africa.
2. Describe the sociopolitical structure of Ghana Empire.
3. Explain the factor that led to the rise of Ghana Empire.
4. Explain the factor that let to the fall of Ghana Empire.
UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION
The old Empire of Ghana came into existence from 300AD.
The Empire however became the prominent Empire between 700AD and 1240AD. It was
around 1240AD that the Malian Empire was ended by emergency Mali empire.
The empire was established by Soninke people who probably came to the southern
part of the Sahara from North Africa.
Mande language was the language in Sinonke people Ghana Empire.
The original name of Ghana Empire was Wagadu. The name Ghana was initially the title of
the ruler (Empire) of Wagadu just like we have the ‘Alafinof Oyo’ in the South-Western
Nigeria and Shehu of Bornu in North Eastern Nigeria.
When the capital of the Empire was move from Aukar to Koumbi, the word Ghana
was often use especially in its court. Old Ghana Empire was located in the Southern part of
the Sub- Sahara West Africa in the present day country of South eastern part of Mauritania,
Western Mali and Eastern Senegal.
Ghana Empire was situated to North West of the Niger River. It is important to note
that old Ghana Empire was not the same (location) as the present day Republic of Ghana.
It was in the effort to honor the old Ghana Empire that the country ‘Gold Coast’ at
independence in 1957 decided to change her name to ‘Ghana’
UNIT 2: ORIGIN OF GHANA

64
Oral tradition reveals to us that the kingdom of Wagadu (popularly called Ghana Empire)
came into existence in 4th country (300AD.
The Empire grew because of the Significant role played by the Soninke people (who
dominated the kingdom) as intermediaries between Arab and Barbar salt trader coming from
the Northern part of Africa and the Gold and Ivory producer and trader coming the southern
part of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dinga Cisse was the first king of the Soninke people of Wagadu kingdom.
The word Ghana meant ‘Warrior king’. It was the title Soninke people use in calling
their king. This was however the name the Arabs (Berbers) use to call the place. Overtime,
the kingdom of Wagadu was popularly called Ghana Empire. The presence of Arabs in the
Empire of Ghana explain the introduction of Islam into Wagadu kingdom.
Even though Ghana empire was an autonomous kingdom for a better part of its
existence, the kingdom was briefly rule by Berbers from 1076AD to 1088AD.
At first, the capital of Ghana Empire was located in Aukar. About forty four (44) kings
ruled the kingdom until the end of eight (8th) century, (that is 900AD).
In 1070AD the negro Sonike dynasty began to rule the kingdom until 1076AD when the
Negro dynasty was conquered by the Amorvids (Berber muslim dynasty from morocco) and
fled to Tekrur in the north of lower Senegal.
UNIT 3: LOCATION OF GHANA EMPIRE ON THE MAP OF AFRICA
It is important for us to note that Ghana Empire was located in the western Africa region.
Countries like Mauritanial, Mali and Senegal were within the old Ghana Empire. The area
was a savanna grassland with Senegal River, Ghana River and Niger River serving as its
major means of transportation and trade. These River were used by merchants except for the
traders who used camels to trade through the land trading route.
UNIT 4: SOCIO-POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF GHANA EMPIRE
The kingdom of Wagadu (Ghana Empire) had a central Emperor who resides in the capital
of Ghana Empire.
The Empire also had court of justice and a court of Appeal where the Emperor hear and
judge the petition and appear of his subjects.
Various territories or provinces in Ghana Empire were administered by a Governor
who is the representative of the Ghana Emperor in the territory. The Emperor is being
assisted by a council of the minister in the administration of the entire Empire.

65
Because of the strong influence of Islam on the kingdom of Wagadu, most of the people in
the council of minister were Muslim. They was a well structured system put in place by the
Emperor to make sure that taxes were paid by traders who import and export Gold, salt and
Ivory into from his Empire .
Take for instance in 10th century, a Donkey load of salt was said to worth about one hundred
and thirty pounds in Gold.
For any merchant bringing in a Donkey load of salt into the capital of Ghana Empire, the
Emperor is to be paid ten shillings worth of Gold.
Also a Donkey load of Gold taken out of the capital attracts a payment of one pound as tax
to the Emperor tax payment for copper was 3/8 ounce per or donkey load and 11/4 ounce per
Donkey load for general goods.
The revenue generated through this tax system helped the Emperor to finance the
administration of his Empire and to pay the Ministers, governor and soldiers.
The empire eventually structured its tax system into two.
First was the import and export taxes allowed merchants (trades) to be able to bring to goods
in and out of Ghana Empire.
The taxes were unified in such a way that one Dinar of Gold was paid on each donkey load
of salt that came into Ghana and two Dinars of Gold on each Donkey load of slat taken out of
the empire’s capital.
Similar taxes were placed on Ivory, Kolanuts and other goods.
The production tax was majority on Gold. Every Gold mine located with the territory of
Ghana Empire belong to the Emperor and he monopolized the production activities in the
mining of Gold from the ground. With this monopoly, the Emperor was able to enjoy and
exert more political control over his kingdom since he could dictate the price of Gold within
his Empire.
Gold mined with Ghana Empire were to be sold to North Africans, Europeans, and Asians
who were demanding for Gold in exchange of salt and other items.
The Emperor however allowed other people access to Gold dust.
At the peak of its reign Ghana Empire had vassal states that wee ruled by their own kings.
These kings were however subject to Emperor of Ghana.

UNIT 5: RISE OF GHANA EMPIRE

66
1. INTRODUCTION OF CAMEL TO GHANA EMPIRE
Prior to the time Ghana became an Empire, the introduction of Camels as a means of
transportation o the Western Sahara in the 3rd century paved way for the emergence of
Ghana empire.
2. ADVANTAGE OF EDUCATION IN GHANA EMPIRE
Another factor that leads to the expansion of Wagadu kingdom was that the kingdom was
an education hub at that time.
3. TRANS-SAHARAN TRADE ROUTE PASSING THROUGH THE EMPIRE
Koumbi-Saleh the capital of Ghana Empire was a trade centre and played a linking role
in the trans-sahara trade with Gold Salt being transported and traded through Ghana
Empire.
Archeologist said that about 20,000 people lived in Koumbi-Saleh the capital of Ghana
Empire. Ghana Empire from 8th century to 12th century (900AD-1300AD) was the most
powerful well organized kingdom in Sub-Sahara Africa.
4. PRESENCE OF GOLD DEPOSIT IN GHANA EMPIRE
The rise in the kingdom of Wagadu is majorly accounted for by the deposit of high
quality Gold in the entire kingdom.
Al-Fazari an Arab writers usually call Ghana Empire as “The Land of Gold”. Also Al-
Masudi from Bahgdad said in the 10th century that “Gold was visible on the ground of
Ghana”. Infact Ibn Hawqal also from Baghdad called the Emperor of Ghana “the riches
man in the world” by the 10th century because of his possession of Gold.
By the Twelfth (12th) century, it was said that the worth of Gold produced in the Empire
of Ghana was about 140,000 ounce in year.
5. FORMATION OF A STRONG MILITARY BASE
The presence of Gold in Ghana Empire helped the Emperor to grow in influence. The
Emperor had a lot of wealth and military power in the 10 th (tenth) and eleventh century
(i.e between 100AD and 1200AD)

Infact the Emperor’s army at about that time was about 200,000 men with about 40,000
of the men fully armed with bows and arrows.

67
The expansion of trading activities helped the king of old Ghana to increase in influence
and to centralize power in his kingdom until he became a powerful Emperor was within
his territory.
Ghana Empire was the clearing house between the Arabs/Berbers traders who produce
and import Salts into Ghana Empire and the Southern Negros who produce Gold and
Ivory which are exported to Europe through the North African Arab/Berber merchants.

The influence of Ghana Empire at the peak reached the state of Tekrur (now in Senegal
Republic). Ghana Empire exercised political control over Tekrur who had to pay tax
(tribute) to Ghana Empire.

UNIT 6: FALL OF GHANA EMPIRE

It will be interesting to know that the products traded in Ghana capital (Koumbi-Salah
was not produced by the Soninke people of the kingdom. Most of the products (Salt
Gold, Kolanuts and Ivory) were produced from down South of the kingdom while other
were brought by the nomadic camel riding Berber/Arabs.

The Soninke people were only intermediaries between the two parties and the army of the
empire provided the traders protection such that the Berber traders preferred transporting
and trading along Ghana Empire trading route.

There was however a trading desert called Audaghost. This trading centre was owned by
Berbers until the Emperor of Ghana in early 11th Century gained control over
Audaghost. Since Berbers had vested interest in Audaghost, they decided to make effort
the control of Ghana Emperor such that by the mid of 11 th century (in 1040AD to
1147AD), the Almoravid dynasty of Morocco started making friends with Berbers and
they helped the Berbers to launch an attack against Ghana Empire and captured
Audaghost in 1055AD. The Berbers with help of Almoravid dynasty was able to conquer
the city of Koumbi in 1076AD and ruled the Empire unitll 1088AD when the Soninke
people were able to expel them from Koumbi Saleh.

68
 Unfortunately the kingdom was not able to return its old glory as Sumanguru in 1203AD
took control of Susu area (a major subject of Ghana Empire) and he conquered Koumbi
Saleh. Eventually by 1240AD, Sundiata the ruler of the emerging Empire of Mali
conquered Sumanaguru, destroyed and annexed Wagadu Kingdom into Mali Empire.

Student Exercise
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1. _________________ was the later capital of Ghana Empire.
A. Wagadu
B. Senegal
C. Koubmi
D. Morocco
2. ______________ people dominated Wagadu Kingdom and played significant role in its
expansion.
A. Berber
B. Arab
C. Soninke
D. Hausa
3. Almoravid dynasty conquered the city of Koumbi in ________AD
A. 1055
B. 1076
C. 1088
D. 1203
4. Sumanguru was the king of _____________ people
A. Susu
B. Soninke
C. Berber
D. Madanike
5. Sundiata started Mali Emperor around ____________
A. 1076AD

69
B. 1088AD
C. 1203AD
D. 12040AD
6. Which of these West Africa Countries was not directly under Ghana Empire.
A. Mali
B. Senegal
C. Mauritania
D. Nigeria
7. The Kingdom of Wagadu grew to become______________
A. Ghana Empire
B. Mali Empire
C. Songhai Empire
D. All of the above
8. Almoravid Dynasty rule in Ghana Empire ended in ____________
A. 1055
B. 1076
C. 1088
D. 1203
9. ___________ was the first capital of Wagadu Kingdom
A. Tekrur
B. Aukar
C. Morocco
D. None of the above

THEORY QUESTIONS
1. Identify the location of Ghana Empire on the Map of Africa.
2. Describe the socio-political structure of Ghana Empire.
3. Explain two (2) factors the led to the rise of Ghana Empire.
4. Explain (2) factors that led to the fall of Ghana Empire.

70
 Chapter Two
MALI EMPIRE

Performance Objectives
Students at the end of this chapter should be able to:
1. Identify the location of Mali Empire on the map of Africa.
2. Describe the socio-political structures of Mali Empire.
3. Explain the factors that led to the rise Mali Empire.
4. Explain the factors that led to the fall of Mali Empire.

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION
Mali Empire also known as Manden Kurufaba was an Empire in the West African Sub-
Region founded by Sundiata Keita in1235AD.
The Empire was strong until around 1470AD when it started to decline and eventually ended
around 1670AD.

Madding language (majority of Mandinka language) was the official language of Mali
Empire and it was one of the largest Empire that ever existed in West Africa Sub-Region.
Naini now in the present day Republic of Guinea was the capital of Mali Empire for many
years before it was moved to Kangaba now in the present day Republic of Mali around
1559AD.

UNIT 2: ORIGIN OF MALI EMPIRE

It is worthy of note that Mali Empire originally started as a small Mandinka Kingdom
around Naini in the upper area of Niger River in the eleventh century with Barmandana as
the first ruler of the Kingdom around 1050AD.

At that time, Mandinka Kingdom was a subject to Ghana Empire until Sandiata Keita was
able to defeat Ghana Empire and Emperor Sumanguru of Sosso (Susu) Empire and he was
able to gain Independence for his kingdom and eventually expanded the territory of his
Kingdom until he founded Mali Empire around 123AD.

71
The emergency of Mali Empire started immediately after Sundiata Keita the exiled prince of
Kangaba mobilized a coalition of smaller kingdoms to fight Emperor Sumanguru Kante
around 1235AD in ‘the battle of kirin’ in the Koulikoro region of present day Republic of
Mali.
The moment Sundiata Keita defeated Sunmanguru the Emperor of Sosso people, both the
Emperor of Sosso and the declining Empire of Ghana became his subject and the new Mali
Empire took charge of the Trans-sahara trade routes.
Sumanguru who was the kingof Sosso people of Kaniaga kingdom was forcing people to
pay high taxes, he was providing bad leadership and Kdinapping (seizing) Mandinka women
of the Kangaba Kingdom. So during the battle of Kirna, Sumanguru was shot with an arrow
that had been tripped with the spur of a white cock by Sundiata and he (Sumaguru) vanished
(disapppered) and his army was defeated. Sundiata captured the land of Sosso and other ally
of Sumaguru and he was declared the “Faama of Faamas” with the title of ‘mansa’ which
means an Emperor.
Sundiata was just about 18 years of age when he became the Emperor of Mali around
1235AD. Since the time o Sundiata Keita till the end of Mali Empire, Malian Kings or
Emperors where called ‘Masa;.

UNIT 3: LOCATION OF MALI EMPIRE ON THE MAP OF AFRICA

Malie Empire was located in what today is called the west Africa Region.
At its peak, Mali Empire under Laye Kieta Mansa when Mali Empire controlled over 400
cities, towns and villages and covered a land area about 1,240,140km2.
In fact in the century (between 1300AD and 1400AD), Mali Empire was the second largest
Empire in the world after Mongol Empire.
Mali Empire covers modern day coutries of Sengal Mali, Gambia, Guinea, Bissua, Ivory
Coast, Southern Mauritania, Northern Burkina Faso, Western Niger and Northern Ghana.
At its peak, Mali Empire expanded from the Atlantic Ocean in the West to Central parts of
Sahara Desert in the East.

UNIT 4: POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF MALI EMPIRE

72
The entire Empire of Mali was made up of three city states of Mali, Mema and Wagadou
aong side the twelve Doors of Mali. All these were cities that came together to free the
Mandinka people from the Sosso Kingdom of Kaniaga.
The twelve doors of Mali were territories that had sworn allegiance to Sundata and his
descendants hence they remained part of the entire Mali kingdom .
The twelve king of these territories released their kingdom to the Keita Dynasty by simple
stabling their spears in to the ground before Sundiata’s throne after the battle of Kirina and
for this reason they were made farbas who were to rule their former (old) kingdom in the
name of the Mansa (Mali king).
They was also the Gbara or great assembly which served as the deliberative body for the
Mandinka people of Mali empire.
Power in the Mali Empire was decentralized in such a way that the farther you go from Niani
the capital of Mali empire, the more decentralized the power of Mansa (empire) became.
The implication of this was that the ‘Farbas’ were was powerful in their territories as the
Mansa except in few matter (especially tax money) and for the fact that their had to excursive
their powers in the name of the Mansa.
The governors of provinces within the empire appoints administrator at county level called
‘Kafo tigui’ or county master who reports to the province Governors.
These governors were appointed by the people of the province either by the election or
through inheritance.
The province Governors or master were called ‘Dyamani-tigui’ and they report to the mensa
(King) it si only when the Mensa do not believe in the Dyamani-tigui (province master) that
he appoints a Farba to take charge of that province.
The farba has the responsibility to report activities in his territory to the mensa, he is to
collect taxes and make sure that the native administration in his territory dose not disobey
orders from Niani, the capital of Mali Empire.
When a province is conquered and annexed into Mali Empire. ‘Farins’(the family that
conquers the area from which a farba is appointed by the Mansa) tahe charge of the province
until the suitable and trusted native of that territory (a Dyamani-tigui) is found to rule over
his people. For territories which are crucial to trade or area where the people regularly revolt,
the Mansa directly choose a farba to rule over them.
UNIT 5: MANSA MUSA THE GREATEST EMPEROR OF MALI EMPIRE

73
The most famous king of mali Empire was Mansa Kankan Musa.
Mansa Musa was the Grandson of Sundiata Keita’s sister and came into power in 137AD.
Mansa Musa was able to restore peace in the Western region of west Suda (the fallen Ghana
Empire area) and through the pilgrimage to mecca he was able to spread the fame of Mali
empire. it was during the reign that Mali grew to become large empire controlling the trade
routes and Gold producing region of Galam, Boure and Banbouk in south.
It was also during his reign that the important cities of Timbuktu and Gao came under control
of Mali Empire. In-fact he forced his rule to southern fringes of the Sahara in places like
Wlata an important salt producing region.
Mansa Musa expanded his territory to the east as far as reaching the borders of Hausa land in
presend day Nigeria. He controlled Tekrur, Tuculor and the land belonging to Fulanis
towards the west.
Mansa Musa during his reign sent ambassadors and loyal agent to Morocco, Tripoli (Libya)
and Egypt and he brought many scholar from Egypt to Mali to advance the course of
education in his empire.
Mansa Musa converted to Islam in 1334AD; he went on pilgrimage to mecca passing through
Cairo in Egypt. He wsa being accomplained by more than 600 entourage (People). He took a
large quantities of Gold along with him which he gave as a gift to people as he journeyed to
Mocca. It was estimated that the Gold Mansa musa took along with him on the pilgrimage
worth about 30,000 (pounds)
Mansa Musa was a very wise leader who was able to maintain relative peace in his empire
and was efficient in his management style.
In 1327AD he completed the Great Mosque in Timbuktu and constructed many other
magnificent building in Timbuktu making the area (Timbuktu) a center of Architecture in
Sub-Sahara Africa that time. He also build the largest library in Africa that time. This library
could accommodate between 250,000 and 700,000 manuscripts.
Mansa musa died around 1337 and was succeded by his son Mansa Maghan.

UNIT 6: FACTORS THAT LEAD LED TO THE RISE OF MALI EMPIRE

1. TRADING ACTIVITIES
Economy and trade was the one important reason why Mali Empire become a very strong
empire between 1300AD and 1400AD.

74
When Mansa musa become the new king of Mali empire in 1307AD, he was able to
maintain peace and order by reducing Civil Wars in the Empire through out the thirty (30)
years of reign. This enabled Mali Empire to be able to renerate more taxes fro trader who
come and go out of Mali territory for trading purpose.
Hence trading was an important factor that helped Mali Empire to rise and become successful
Empire.

2. INCREASE IN TAXS REVENUE GENERATION FROM TIMBUKTU

3. AVAILABILITY OF GOLD MINES

4. ORGANIZATION OF A FORMIDABLE ARMY
Because of the important Trade, Mali Empire established a strong military and army
base who guarded its borders to protect traders and the people moving in and out in
the Empire. In-fact Mali Empire at its peak could boast of an army of more than
100,00 Soldiers

UNIT 7: FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF MALI EMPIRE

1: IN FIGHTING AND INTERNAL CIVIL WAR
There were constand Civil war between leadrers within Mali Empire and this conflicts
weakened the strength of Mali Empire. Most the conflict were on who controls trade route
within the Empire.
2: BAD LEADERSHIP
Mali Empire continued to decline since the time of the death of Mansa Musa. But remained a
great Empire in Western Sudan until about 1470AD when the Songhai Empire began to rise.
Between 1360AD and 1390AD Mali Empire suffered from bad relationship and short reign
of king which enventually weakened the Empire
Between those period a man named Mahmud who was not from Mali nor from the ruling
family seized powr and became the king of Mali Empire.
Mansa Mari Djata 11 late regained the throne from the Mahmud and return the reign of the
Mali Empire to Keita Dynasty.
3: RISE OF SONGHAI AND BAMANA EMPIRE
The rise of Songhai Empire and Bamana Empire contributed to the fall of Mali Empire .

75
Mali Empire started becoming weak from around 1470AD.
The Empire was eventually ended around 1670AD When the Bamana Empire captured and
burnt down Niani and force the Keita Dynasty to finally retrieve back to their original
homeland (Kangaba).
4: REBELOIN FROM MAJOR TRADING CENTRES (TOWNS)
By the time Mansa musa dead, Mali Empire has grown into a big Empire successors to
Mansa Musa was not able to maintain the political and military instruction already put in
place by Mansa Musa.
People in place like Gao started to rebel against the central authorith by refusing to pay
taxes, the Targui of the southern Sahara was able the seize Walata from Mali. People of
Tekrur and Woloff also rebelled and eventually Mali Empire began to reduce in size and
power.
5: SUCCESSION RIVALRY DEATH OF MAHMUD KEITA
The death of Mahmud Keita around 1610AD also contributed to the final collapse of Mali
Empire. This was because his three sons were fighting on who will become the king and
succeed their father and Empire was getting weaker day by day because of the rivalry.
6: THE DISTRACTION AND BURNING OF NIANI
The finally collapse of Mali Empire occurred when Mama Maghan the Mansa of Kangaba
attack Bamana people and laid siege on Segou-Koro from 1667 to 1670. In a revenge
attack, Bamana attact and burnt Niani in 1670 and marched further North towards Kangaba
with a view to attack Kangaba also. Mama maghan had to make peace with the Bamana
army promising not to attack them again after which Bamana army also vowed not to
attack Kangaba again

Chapter Summary
Student Exercise
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1. Sundiata Keita died in the year__________________
a. 1235AD
b. 1245AD

76
 c. 1255AD
d. 1265AD
2. Mansa Musa become the Emperor of Mali in ______________
a. 1307AD
b. 1312AD
c. 1337AD
d. 1347AD
3. Mali Empire was founded in _______________
a. 1235AD
b. 1470AD
c. 1670AD
d. None of the above
4. At what Age did Sundiata Keita became the Emperor of Mali
a. 16
b. 17
c. 18
d. 19
5. Mensa Musa pilgrimage to Mecca was in the year________________
a. 1307AD
b. 1324AD
c. 1337AD
d. None of the above
6. Mali Empire was founded by____________
a. Sundiata Keita
b. Mansa Musa
c. Sumanguru
d. None of the above
7. Naini the capital of Mali Empire is located in which of these modern day country.
a. Mali
b. Ghana
c. Nigeria
d. Guinea

77
 8. Sundiata Keita defeated Sumanguru Kante at battle in______________
a. Naini
b. Kirina
c. Kangaba
d. Sosso
9. Which of these modern country was not under Mali Empire
a. Senega
b. Guinea
c. Mali
d. Kenya
10. City of Naini was burnt by the Bamana arm in_____________
a. 1470AD
b. 1670AD
c. 1417AD
d. 1617AD
THEOEY QUESTION
1. Identify the location of Mali Empire in the map Africa.
2. Describe the socio-political structure of Mali Empire.
3. Explain two (2) factors that led to the rise of Mali Empire.
4. Explain two (2) factor that led to the fall of Mali Empire.

Chapter Three
SONGHAI EMPIRE

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION
Songhai Empire between 15th century and 16th century (i.e. 1500AD – 1700AD) was the
strongest and the largest Empire in the West Africa Sub-Region.
The Empire at its speak was larger in size than the previous Empire of Ghana and Mali in the
Western Sahel (West African Region).

78
Songhai Empire was established by Sonni Ali in 1464AD when he made Goa. The capital of
the new Empire. It is interesting to note that Gao has been existing since the 11 th Century
(1000AD) but it was a town (City) under previous Empire Mali Empire. It was around
1430AD that Gao (Songhai Empire) became an independent state from Mali Empire.
After establishing Songhai Empire in 1464AD, Sonni Ali between 1468AD and 1475AD
conquered important trade cities of Timbuktu (1468) and Djenne (1475) ad he made them
part of Songhai Empire. Throughout the life span of Songhai Empire, there are two Dynasties
that ruled the Empire.
First was the Sonni dynasty who ruled from 1464AD to 1493AD. Sonni Ali was the person
that started this dynasty . second was the Askia dynasty who ruled from 1493AD to 1591AD.
Muhammad Toure who was formerly a Prime Minster to Sonni Ali and his successor was the
person who started the Askia dynasty after overthrown Sonni Baru who ruled between
1492AD and 1493AD after the death of his father (Sonni Ali)l.
Muhammed Toure was called Askia the great and that was why the name Askia dynasty
came into being.

UNIT 2: ORIGIN OF SONGHAI EMPIRE

Long before Gao became the capital of Songhai Empire, there were group of people who
were early settlers around Goa origin. Some of them the ‘Sorko’ people, the ‘Gow’ people ,
the ‘Do’ people etc. It was around the 10th century that Songhai people came to Goa region
and eventually established control over area as a small kingdom.
As an important trading centre, Gao attracted the interest of Mansa Musa the then Empire of
Mali Empire, he conquered and brought Gao under the control of Mali Empire in the 14 th
century (1300AD – 1400AD). The king of Gao (Songhai king) was however paying taxes on
traded goods in his area to the Emperor of Mali until around 1430AD when Songhai was able
to successfully rebel against Mali Empire and stopped paying taxes to Mali Empire. Sonni
Ali took advantage of the weakened Mali Empire to expand Songhai, he was able conquer
some previous Mali territory and to increase the wealth and power of the Empire under his
rule. When Sonni Ali died in 1491AD his son was enthroned as the new Emperor of Songhai
but he only rueld between 1492AD and 1493AD. Sonni Baru ledership was short because he
was not as powerful and tactical like his father and Muhammad Toure (who was popularly
know as Askia the Great) took advantage of the weakness of Sonni Baru being the Empire’s

79
Prime Minister to Over-throne Sonni Baru in 1493AD and he became the new Emperor of
Songhai Empire thereby starting a new dynasty for the Empire.

UNIT 3: LOCATION OF SOGHAI EMPIRE ON MAP OF AFRICA

Songhai Empire dominated the western Sahel between the 15 th and 16th century and its
capital is in Gao.
Gao is a city in the current Republic of Mali.
Songhai Empire at its peak covered almost all the modern day West African countries
expanding to the Atlantic Ocean in the West and to the Hausa land of Niger Republic and
Nigeria in the East of Gao of capital of the Empire.
Songhai Empire territory covers present day courtiers

UNIT 4: EMPEROR WHO RULED SONGHAI EMPIRE

It is important for us to note that between 1464AD and 1592AD Songhai Empire was ruled
by about Nine (9) Emperors which include:
1. Sonni Ali: he reigned between 1464AD and 1492AD.
2. Sonni Baru: he reigned between 1492AD and 1493AD.
3. Muhammad Toure: he started the Askia dynasty and reigned from 1493AD to 1582AD.
He was called Askia the Great.
4. Askia Musa: he reigned from 1528AD to 1531AD.
5. Askia Isma’iI: he reigned from 1537AD to 1539AD.
6. Askia Ishaq I: he reigned from 1549AD to 1549AD.
7. Askia Daoud: he reigned from 1549AD to 1583AD.
8. Askia Ishaq II: he was the last Emperor who ruled Songhai Empire before its fall or
collapse. He ruled between 1588AD and 1592AD.
We will however be looking at the region of Sonni Ali and Askia the Great who played
significant roles in the expansion of Songhai Empire.

UNIT 5: EMPEROR SONNI ALI

Sonni Ali became the king of Songhai kingdom after the death of Sulayman Dama in
1464AD. Even though he was not the first king of Songhai kingdom, he was the one who
established the small Songhai Kingdom as Empire. Sonni Ali was a Muslim and he

80
conquered many cities formerly belonging to Mali Empire using his most formidable military
strategies. He grew Songhai Empire to a land size of over 1,400,000 square kilometers.
Sonni Ali in 1468AD overthrew Marauding Tuareges who had taken over Timbukutu
following the request he received from the Muslim leaders there and by 1475AD he had also
conquered the wealthy city of Djenne (Djenne was rich in Gold and Kolanut) after about
seven years siege he laid on the city. The people of Djenne had surrender to SonniAli when
the citizen started suffering from starvation and did not have strength to defend themselves
and longer. Gaining control over Timbuku and Djenne gave Sonni Ali more than enough
resources to expand Songhai and to turn it to a powerful Empire towards the end of 15 th
century.

UNIT 6: EMPEROR ASKIA THE GREAT

Muhammad Toure was a General in the army of Sonni Ali for many years. He was the prime
minister until he overthrown Sonni Baru the son and immediate successor of Sonni Ali in
1493AD. Muhammed Toure who was eventually called Askia the Great ended the reign of
Sonni Dynasty in Soghai Empire.
Oral tradition argues that Mohammed Toure was originally from Soninke Lineage and not
from Soninke lineage and not Songhai lineage hence he was not normally entitled to the
thrown except for the fact that he took over the thrown by force.
Askia the great was not military tactical and offensive like Sonni Ali, he was however able to
make necessary alliance to capture more territory and to expand his Empire. Askia the Great
created formidable structure to effectively administer territories previously conquered by
Sonni Alli.
Being a devoted Muslim Askia the Great built many mosques around the entire Empire, he
opened religious schools and invited Islamic scholars from different Muslim states existing in
the world around that the time to Songhai.
Like Mansa Musa of the defunct Mali Empire did in 1324AD, Askia the Great also embarked
on a hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca to complete one of the pillars of Islam around 1495AD and
1497AD.
He equally went on this pilgrimage with a lot gold which he gave as gift to people he met in
Mecca. It was at Mecca. That Askia the Great was made the ‘caliph of western sudan’ by

81
the sheriff of Mecca. Askia the Great centralized the administration of his empire especially
in the area of tax collection and in the administration of justice.
It was also during his reign that the salt mines of Taghaza was annexed into Songhai Empire.
The reign of Askia the Great partially ended when in 1528AD his oldest son Musa rebelled
against him. This rebellion forced Askia the Great into exile in an island on the Niger until he
was invited back into his palace and died in1531AD.

UNIT 7: SOCIO-POLITICAL STUCTURE OF SONGHAI EMPIRE

Gao was a wealthy trading centre. It was the administrative capital of Songhai Empire. The
Emperor (king) was the head of the Central Government and the commander of the army at
Gao.
The Emperor is surrounded by advisors, military and religious leaders as well as members of
the royal family. These people all serve as advisers while the Emperor have the final say in
appointing government officials, in enacting laws and in making treaties with neighboring
kingdoms and empires.
The operation of the empire’s treasury, domestic affairs, agriculture, military and religion
was administered through an established bureaucracy.
In order to ensure that territory under Songhai empire were well controlled, Askia the Great
divided the Empire into districts with each districts having at least 35 wealthy cities. Each of
these districts have a Governor who make sure that taxes were properly collected and he
recruited soldiers from among local people in his territory. For territories that were very far
away from the capital (Gao) or those territories that lacked urban centers, the Emperor ruled
those areas through a Feudal arrangement where he appoints a loyalist of his to rule such a
territory and ensure that taxes were collected for the emperor and to arise soldiers for Empire.

UNIT 8: FACTORS THAT LED TO THE RISE OF SONGHAI EMPIRE

1. GAO WAS AN IMPORTANTT TRANS-SAHARA TRADE ROUT
Gao the capital of Songhai Empires was an import trade route and this factors contributed to
the rise of the kingdom.

82
Itmes such as Gold, Salt, Leather, Kolanuts, Ivory and even slaves were traded through Gao
to as far as North Africa and Europe.
2. THE COLLAPSE OF MALI EMPIRE
Another factor that allowed Songhai Empire to rise was the collapse of Mali Empire. You
will recall that Mali Empire in the later part of 14th century and early part of 15th century
(became weak) and this enable Songhai kingdom to operate as an independent kingdom
free from paying taxes to Mali Empire. This enabled Songhai kingdom to use her wealth
to develop the state (Songhai state) into an Empire.
3. THE CAPTURE OF TIMBUKTU AND DJENNE
The capture and control of Timbuktu is another important Tran-Saharan trade rout and
also played an important role in the rise of Songhai Empire. This expansion was made
possible when Muslim leaders in Timbuktu invited Sonni Ali to come and help them
drive out invades in Timbuktu. It is impotent for us to note here that Sonni Ali was a
Muslim himself so after driving out the invaders from Timbuktu, he gained control over
the city and annexed Timbuktu into Songhai Empire in 1468AD.

UNIT 9: FACTORS THAT LED TO THE DECLINE OF SONGHAI EMPIRE

Many factors were responsible for the decline of Songhai Empire.
1. LEADERSHIP TUSSLE AND COUPS AFTER THE DEATH OF ASIKIA THE
GREAT
After the death of Asikia the Great there were series of coups that led to instability of the
Empire creating a solution where several Askia could only rule for a very short period of
time.
2. BAD LEADERSHIP AND CIVIL WAR WITHIN THE EMPIRE
There were also bad leadership provided by some Askia (like Askia Ishaq II 1539AD –
1549AD). His brutal rule created chaos and led to several civil war within the Empire.
3. ABSENCE OF A KING BETWEEN 1583AD AND 1588AD
After the death of Askia Daoud in 1583AD, Songhai Empire was without an Emperor
(king) for life five (5) years because of fight or struggle among ruling dynasty as to will
become the new Emperor until in 1588AD when Askia Ishaaq II was enthroned as the
new King of Songhai Empire.
4. REBELLION FROM HAUSA STATE

83
 Around 1582AD Hausa states revolted against Songhai Empire and stopped paying taxes
to Songhai capital. Do not forget that at the height of the Empire, Songhai Empire
reached North Western part of Nigeria up until Kastina. It was only at Kano that Songhai
Empire could not penetrate further into Hausa land.
So losing control and influence of these Hausa states weakened Songhai Empire toward
the eastern part of the Empire.
5. INVASION OF SONGHAI EMPIRE BY MOROCCAN ARMY
Songhai Empire eventually collapsed when Ahmad Almasur sent an army to defeat
Songhai and take charge of the Tran-Saharan trade routes along Gao and Timbuktu.
This attack resulted in ‘Battle to Tondibi’ where the army of morocco led by Jaudar
Pasha defeated Songhai army led by Asia Ishaq II and the defeat suffered by Songhai
army led to the collapse of the Empire. The battle of Tondibi took place at Tondibi now
the modern day Republic of Mali.

Students Exercise
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1. Sonni Baru reigned as the Emperor of Songhai Empire between ____ and _____
A. 1464AD and 1492AD
B. 1492AD and 1492AD
C. 1493AD and 1528AD
D. 1528AD and 1531AD
2. Songhai Empire was established by__________
A. Sonni Ali
B. Muhammad Toure
C. Sonni Baru
D. Askia Ishaq
3. Muhammed Toure became the Emperor became the Emperor of Songhai in __________
AD
A. 1464
B. 1491
C. 1493

84
D. 1528
4. Ahmad Al-mansur whose army invaded Songhai was ____
A. Sultan of Morocco
B. Sultan Sokoto
C. Sheriff of Mecca
D. All of the above
5. __________ was the last Emperor of Songhai Empire before its collapse in 1592AD
A. Askia Musa
B. Askia Isama’iI
C. Askia Daoud
D. Askia Ishaq II
6. ___________ started the Askia dynasty reign in Songhai Empire.
A. Sonnia Ali
B. Sonni Baru
C. Mohammed Toure
D. All of the above
7. ____________ is the capital of Songhai Empire
A. Gao
B. Timbuktu
C. Djenne
D. Naini
8. Hausa states revolted against Songhai Emperor in ________ AD
A. 1562
B. 1582
C. 1591
D. 1588
9. Sonni Ali captured Timbuktu in ________ AD
A. 1464
B. 1473
C. 1468
D. 1493

85
THEORY QUESTION
1. Identify the location of Songhai Empire on the Map Africa.
2. Describe the socio-political structure of Songhai Empire.
3. Explain two (2) factors that led to the rise of Songhai Empire.
4. Explain two (2) factors that led to the fall of Songhai Empire.

Chapter ONE
GHANA EMPIRE
Performance Objectives
Student at the end of this chapter should be able to
5. Identify the location of Ghana Empire on the map of Africa.
6. Describe the sociopolitical structure of Ghana Empire.
7. Explain the factor that led to the rise of Ghana Empire.
8. Explain the factor that let to the fall of Ghana Empire.
UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION
The old Empire of Ghana came into existence from 300AD.
The Empire however became the prominent Empire between 700AD and 1240AD. It was
around 1240AD that the Malian Empire was ended by emergency Mali empire.
The empire was established by Soninke people who probably came to the southern
part of the Sahara from North Africa.
Mande language was the language in Sinonke people Ghana Empire.
The original name of Ghana Empire was Wagadu. The name Ghana was initially the title of
the ruler (Empire) of Wagadu just like we have the ‘Alafinof Oyo’ in the South-Western
Nigeria and Shehu of Bornu in North Eastern Nigeria.
When the capital of the Empire was move from Aukar to Koumbi, the word Ghana
was often use especially in its court. Old Ghana Empire was located in the Southern part of
the Sub- Sahara West Africa in the present day country of South eastern part of Mauritania,
Western Mali and Eastern Senegal.

86
 Ghana Empire was situated to North West of the Niger River. It is important to note
that old Ghana Empire was not the same (location) as the present day Republic of Ghana.
It was in the effort to honor the old Ghana Empire that the country ‘Gold Coast’ at
independence in 1957 decided to change her name to ‘Ghana’
UNIT 2: ORIGIN OF GHANA
Oral tradition reveals to us that the kingdom of Wagadu (popularly called Ghana Empire)
came into existence in 4th country (300AD.
The Empire grew because of the Significant role played by the Soninke people (who
dominated the kingdom) as intermediaries between Arab and Barbar salt trader coming from
the Northern part of Africa and the Gold and Ivory producer and trader coming the southern
part of Sub-Saharan Africa.
Dinga Cisse was the first king of the Soninke people of Wagadu kingdom.
The word Ghana meant ‘Warrior king’. It was the title Soninke people use in calling
their king. This was however the name the Arabs (Berbers) use to call the place. Overtime,
the kingdom of Wagadu was popularly called Ghana Empire. The presence of Arabs in the
Empire of Ghana explain the introduction of Islam into Wagadu kingdom.
Even though Ghana empire was an autonomous kingdom for a better part of its
existence, the kingdom was briefly rule by Berbers from 1076AD to 1088AD.
At first, the capital of Ghana Empire was located in Aukar. About forty four (44) kings
ruled the kingdom until the end of eight (8th) century, (that is 900AD).
In 1070AD the negro Sonike dynasty began to rule the kingdom until 1076AD when the
Negro dynasty was conquered by the Amorvids (Berber muslim dynasty from morocco) and
fled to Tekrur in the north of lower Senegal.
UNIT 3: LOCATION OF GHANA EMPIRE ON THE MAP OF AFRICA
It is important for us to note that Ghana Empire was located in the western Africa region.
Countries like Mauritanial, Mali and Senegal were within the old Ghana Empire. The area
was a savanna grassland with Senegal River, Ghana River and Niger River serving as its
major means of transportation and trade. These River were used by merchants except for the
traders who used camels to trade through the land trading route.
UNIT 4: SOCIO-POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF GHANA EMPIRE
The kingdom of Wagadu (Ghana Empire) had a central Emperor who resides in the capital
of Ghana Empire.

87
The Empire also had court of justice and a court of Appeal where the Emperor hear and
judge the petition and appear of his subjects.
Various territories or provinces in Ghana Empire were administered by a Governor
who is the representative of the Ghana Emperor in the territory. The Emperor is being
assisted by a council of the minister in the administration of the entire Empire.
Because of the strong influence of Islam on the kingdom of Wagadu, most of the people in
the council of minister were Muslim. They was a well structured system put in place by the
Emperor to make sure that taxes were paid by traders who import and export Gold, salt and
Ivory into from his Empire .
Take for instance in 10th century, a Donkey load of salt was said to worth about one hundred
and thirty pounds in Gold.
For any merchant bringing in a Donkey load of salt into the capital of Ghana Empire, the
Emperor is to be paid ten shillings worth of Gold.
Also a Donkey load of Gold taken out of the capital attracts a payment of one pound as tax
to the Emperor tax payment for copper was 3/8 ounce per or donkey load and 11/4 ounce per
Donkey load for general goods.
The revenue generated through this tax system helped the Emperor to finance the
administration of his Empire and to pay the Ministers, governor and soldiers.
The empire eventually structured its tax system into two.
First was the import and export taxes allowed merchants (trades) to be able to bring to goods
in and out of Ghana Empire.
The taxes were unified in such a way that one Dinar of Gold was paid on each donkey load
of salt that came into Ghana and two Dinars of Gold on each Donkey load of slat taken out of
the empire’s capital.
Similar taxes were placed on Ivory, Kolanuts and other goods.
The production tax was majority on Gold. Every Gold mine located with the territory of
Ghana Empire belong to the Emperor and he monopolized the production activities in the
mining of Gold from the ground. With this monopoly, the Emperor was able to enjoy and
exert more political control over his kingdom since he could dictate the price of Gold within
his Empire.
Gold mined with Ghana Empire were to be sold to North Africans, Europeans, and Asians
who were demanding for Gold in exchange of salt and other items.

88
The Emperor however allowed other people access to Gold dust.
At the peak of its reign Ghana Empire had vassal states that wee ruled by their own kings.
These kings were however subject to Emperor of Ghana.

UNIT 5: RISE OF GHANA EMPIRE

6. INTRODUCTION OF CAMEL TO GHANA EMPIRE
Prior to the time Ghana became an Empire, the introduction of Camels as a means of
transportation o the Western Sahara in the 3rd century paved way for the emergence of
Ghana empire.
7. ADVANTAGE OF EDUCATION IN GHANA EMPIRE
Another factor that leads to the expansion of Wagadu kingdom was that the kingdom was
an education hub at that time.
8. TRANS-SAHARAN TRADE ROUTE PASSING THROUGH THE EMPIRE
Koumbi-Saleh the capital of Ghana Empire was a trade centre and played a linking role
in the trans-sahara trade with Gold Salt being transported and traded through Ghana
Empire.
Archeologist said that about 20,000 people lived in Koumbi-Saleh the capital of Ghana
Empire. Ghana Empire from 8th century to 12th century (900AD-1300AD) was the most
powerful well organized kingdom in Sub-Sahara Africa.
9. PRESENCE OF GOLD DEPOSIT IN GHANA EMPIRE
The rise in the kingdom of Wagadu is majorly accounted for by the deposit of high
quality Gold in the entire kingdom.
Al-Fazari an Arab writers usually call Ghana Empire as “The Land of Gold”. Also Al-
Masudi from Bahgdad said in the 10th century that “Gold was visible on the ground of
Ghana”. Infact Ibn Hawqal also from Baghdad called the Emperor of Ghana “the riches
man in the world” by the 10th century because of his possession of Gold.
By the Twelfth (12th) century, it was said that the worth of Gold produced in the Empire
of Ghana was about 140,000 ounce in year.
10. FORMATION OF A STRONG MILITARY BASE
The presence of Gold in Ghana Empire helped the Emperor to grow in influence. The
Emperor had a lot of wealth and military power in the 10 th (tenth) and eleventh century
(i.e between 100AD and 1200AD)

89
Infact the Emperor’s army at about that time was about 200,000 men with about 40,000
of the men fully armed with bows and arrows.
The expansion of trading activities helped the king of old Ghana to increase in influence
and to centralize power in his kingdom until he became a powerful Emperor was within
his territory.
Ghana Empire was the clearing house between the Arabs/Berbers traders who produce
and import Salts into Ghana Empire and the Southern Negros who produce Gold and
Ivory which are exported to Europe through the North African Arab/Berber merchants.

The influence of Ghana Empire at the peak reached the state of Tekrur (now in Senegal
Republic). Ghana Empire exercised political control over Tekrur who had to pay tax
(tribute) to Ghana Empire.

UNIT 6: FALL OF GHANA EMPIRE

It will be interesting to know that the products traded in Ghana capital (Koumbi-Salah
was not produced by the Soninke people of the kingdom. Most of the products (Salt
Gold, Kolanuts and Ivory) were produced from down South of the kingdom while other
were brought by the nomadic camel riding Berber/Arabs.

The Soninke people were only intermediaries between the two parties and the army of the
empire provided the traders protection such that the Berber traders preferred transporting
and trading along Ghana Empire trading route.

There was however a trading desert called Audaghost. This trading centre was owned by
Berbers until the Emperor of Ghana in early 11th Century gained control over
Audaghost. Since Berbers had vested interest in Audaghost, they decided to make effort
the control of Ghana Emperor such that by the mid of 11 th century (in 1040AD to
1147AD), the Almoravid dynasty of Morocco started making friends with Berbers and
they helped the Berbers to launch an attack against Ghana Empire and captured
Audaghost in 1055AD. The Berbers with help of Almoravid dynasty was able to conquer

90
 the city of Koumbi in 1076AD and ruled the Empire unitll 1088AD when the Soninke
people were able to expel them from Koumbi Saleh.

Unfortunately the kingdom was not able to return its old glory as Sumanguru in 1203AD
took control of Susu area (a major subject of Ghana Empire) and he conquered Koumbi
Saleh. Eventually by 1240AD, Sundiata the ruler of the emerging Empire of Mali
conquered Sumanaguru, destroyed and annexed Wagadu Kingdom into Mali Empire.

Student Exercise
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
10. _________________ was the later capital of Ghana Empire.
E. Wagadu
F. Senegal
G. Koubmi
H. Morocco
11. ______________ people dominated Wagadu Kingdom and played significant role in its
expansion.
E. Berber
F. Arab
G. Soninke
H. Hausa
12. Almoravid dynasty conquered the city of Koumbi in ________AD
E. 1055
F. 1076
G. 1088
H. 1203
13. Sumanguru was the king of _____________ people
E. Susu
F. Soninke
G. Berber

91
H. Madanike
14. Sundiata started Mali Emperor around ____________
E. 1076AD
F. 1088AD
G. 1203AD
H. 12040AD
15. Which of these West Africa Countries was not directly under Ghana Empire.
E. Mali
F. Senegal
G. Mauritania
H. Nigeria
16. The Kingdom of Wagadu grew to become______________
E. Ghana Empire
F. Mali Empire
G. Songhai Empire
H. All of the above
17. Almoravid Dynasty rule in Ghana Empire ended in ____________
E. 1055
F. 1076
G. 1088
H. 1203
18. ___________ was the first capital of Wagadu Kingdom
E. Tekrur
F. Aukar
G. Morocco
H. None of the above

THEORY QUESTIONS
5. Identify the location of Ghana Empire on the Map of Africa.
6. Describe the socio-political structure of Ghana Empire.
7. Explain two (2) factors the led to the rise of Ghana Empire.
8. Explain (2) factors that led to the fall of Ghana Empire.

92
 Chapter Two
MALI EMPIRE

Performance Objectives
Students at the end of this chapter should be able to:
5. Identify the location of Mali Empire on the map of Africa.
6. Describe the socio-political structures of Mali Empire.
7. Explain the factors that led to the rise Mali Empire.
8. Explain the factors that led to the fall of Mali Empire.

UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION
Mali Empire also known as Manden Kurufaba was an Empire in the West African Sub-
Region founded by Sundiata Keita in1235AD.
The Empire was strong until around 1470AD when it started to decline and eventually ended
around 1670AD.

Madding language (majority of Mandinka language) was the official language of Mali
Empire and it was one of the largest Empire that ever existed in West Africa Sub-Region.
Naini now in the present day Republic of Guinea was the capital of Mali Empire for many
years before it was moved to Kangaba now in the present day Republic of Mali around
1559AD.

UNIT 2: ORIGIN OF MALI EMPIRE

It is worthy of note that Mali Empire originally started as a small Mandinka Kingdom
around Naini in the upper area of Niger River in the eleventh century with Barmandana as
the first ruler of the Kingdom around 1050AD.

At that time, Mandinka Kingdom was a subject to Ghana Empire until Sandiata Keita was
able to defeat Ghana Empire and Emperor Sumanguru of Sosso (Susu) Empire and he was

93
able to gain Independence for his kingdom and eventually expanded the territory of his
Kingdom until he founded Mali Empire around 123AD.
The emergency of Mali Empire started immediately after Sundiata Keita the exiled prince of
Kangaba mobilized a coalition of smaller kingdoms to fight Emperor Sumanguru Kante
around 1235AD in ‘the battle of kirin’ in the Koulikoro region of present day Republic of
Mali.
The moment Sundiata Keita defeated Sunmanguru the Emperor of Sosso people, both the
Emperor of Sosso and the declining Empire of Ghana became his subject and the new Mali
Empire took charge of the Trans-sahara trade routes.
Sumanguru who was the kingof Sosso people of Kaniaga kingdom was forcing people to
pay high taxes, he was providing bad leadership and Kdinapping (seizing) Mandinka women
of the Kangaba Kingdom. So during the battle of Kirna, Sumanguru was shot with an arrow
that had been tripped with the spur of a white cock by Sundiata and he (Sumaguru) vanished
(disapppered) and his army was defeated. Sundiata captured the land of Sosso and other ally
of Sumaguru and he was declared the “Faama of Faamas” with the title of ‘mansa’ which
means an Emperor.
Sundiata was just about 18 years of age when he became the Emperor of Mali around
1235AD. Since the time o Sundiata Keita till the end of Mali Empire, Malian Kings or
Emperors where called ‘Masa;.

UNIT 3: LOCATION OF MALI EMPIRE ON THE MAP OF AFRICA

Malie Empire was located in what today is called the west Africa Region.
At its peak, Mali Empire under Laye Kieta Mansa when Mali Empire controlled over 400
cities, towns and villages and covered a land area about 1,240,140km2.
In fact in the century (between 1300AD and 1400AD), Mali Empire was the second largest
Empire in the world after Mongol Empire.
Mali Empire covers modern day coutries of Sengal Mali, Gambia, Guinea, Bissua, Ivory
Coast, Southern Mauritania, Northern Burkina Faso, Western Niger and Northern Ghana.
At its peak, Mali Empire expanded from the Atlantic Ocean in the West to Central parts of
Sahara Desert in the East.

UNIT 4: POLITICAL STRUCTURE OF MALI EMPIRE

94
The entire Empire of Mali was made up of three city states of Mali, Mema and Wagadou
aong side the twelve Doors of Mali. All these were cities that came together to free the
Mandinka people from the Sosso Kingdom of Kaniaga.
The twelve doors of Mali were territories that had sworn allegiance to Sundata and his
descendants hence they remained part of the entire Mali kingdom .
The twelve king of these territories released their kingdom to the Keita Dynasty by simple
stabling their spears in to the ground before Sundiata’s throne after the battle of Kirina and
for this reason they were made farbas who were to rule their former (old) kingdom in the
name of the Mansa (Mali king).
They was also the Gbara or great assembly which served as the deliberative body for the
Mandinka people of Mali empire.
Power in the Mali Empire was decentralized in such a way that the farther you go from Niani
the capital of Mali empire, the more decentralized the power of Mansa (empire) became.
The implication of this was that the ‘Farbas’ were was powerful in their territories as the
Mansa except in few matter (especially tax money) and for the fact that their had to excursive
their powers in the name of the Mansa.
The governors of provinces within the empire appoints administrator at county level called
‘Kafo tigui’ or county master who reports to the province Governors.
These governors were appointed by the people of the province either by the election or
through inheritance.
The province Governors or master were called ‘Dyamani-tigui’ and they report to the mensa
(King) it si only when the Mensa do not believe in the Dyamani-tigui (province master) that
he appoints a Farba to take charge of that province.
The farba has the responsibility to report activities in his territory to the mensa, he is to
collect taxes and make sure that the native administration in his territory dose not disobey
orders from Niani, the capital of Mali Empire.
When a province is conquered and annexed into Mali Empire. ‘Farins’(the family that
conquers the area from which a farba is appointed by the Mansa) tahe charge of the province
until the suitable and trusted native of that territory (a Dyamani-tigui) is found to rule over
his people. For territories which are crucial to trade or area where the people regularly revolt,
the Mansa directly choose a farba to rule over them.
UNIT 5: MANSA MUSA THE GREATEST EMPEROR OF MALI EMPIRE

95
The most famous king of mali Empire was Mansa Kankan Musa.
Mansa Musa was the Grandson of Sundiata Keita’s sister and came into power in 137AD.
Mansa Musa was able to restore peace in the Western region of west Suda (the fallen Ghana
Empire area) and through the pilgrimage to mecca he was able to spread the fame of Mali
empire. it was during the reign that Mali grew to become large empire controlling the trade
routes and Gold producing region of Galam, Boure and Banbouk in south.
It was also during his reign that the important cities of Timbuktu and Gao came under control
of Mali Empire. In-fact he forced his rule to southern fringes of the Sahara in places like
Wlata an important salt producing region.
Mansa Musa expanded his territory to the east as far as reaching the borders of Hausa land in
presend day Nigeria. He controlled Tekrur, Tuculor and the land belonging to Fulanis
towards the west.
Mansa Musa during his reign sent ambassadors and loyal agent to Morocco, Tripoli (Libya)
and Egypt and he brought many scholar from Egypt to Mali to advance the course of
education in his empire.
Mansa Musa converted to Islam in 1334AD; he went on pilgrimage to mecca passing through
Cairo in Egypt. He wsa being accomplained by more than 600 entourage (People). He took a
large quantities of Gold along with him which he gave as a gift to people as he journeyed to
Mocca. It was estimated that the Gold Mansa musa took along with him on the pilgrimage
worth about 30,000 (pounds)
Mansa Musa was a very wise leader who was able to maintain relative peace in his empire
and was efficient in his management style.
In 1327AD he completed the Great Mosque in Timbuktu and constructed many other
magnificent building in Timbuktu making the area (Timbuktu) a center of Architecture in
Sub-Sahara Africa that time. He also build the largest library in Africa that time. This library
could accommodate between 250,000 and 700,000 manuscripts.
Mansa musa died around 1337 and was succeded by his son Mansa Maghan.

UNIT 6: FACTORS THAT LEAD LED TO THE RISE OF MALI EMPIRE

5. TRADING ACTIVITIES
Economy and trade was the one important reason why Mali Empire become a very strong
empire between 1300AD and 1400AD.

96
When Mansa musa become the new king of Mali empire in 1307AD, he was able to
maintain peace and order by reducing Civil Wars in the Empire through out the thirty (30)
years of reign. This enabled Mali Empire to be able to renerate more taxes fro trader who
come and go out of Mali territory for trading purpose.
Hence trading was an important factor that helped Mali Empire to rise and become successful
Empire.

6. INCREASE IN TAXS REVENUE GENERATION FROM TIMBUKTU

7. AVAILABILITY OF GOLD MINES

8. ORGANIZATION OF A FORMIDABLE ARMY
Because of the important Trade, Mali Empire established a strong military and army
base who guarded its borders to protect traders and the people moving in and out in
the Empire. In-fact Mali Empire at its peak could boast of an army of more than
100,00 Soldiers

UNIT 7: FACTORS THAT LED TO THE FALL OF MALI EMPIRE

1: IN FIGHTING AND INTERNAL CIVIL WAR
There were constand Civil war between leadrers within Mali Empire and this conflicts
weakened the strength of Mali Empire. Most the conflict were on who controls trade route
within the Empire.
2: BAD LEADERSHIP
Mali Empire continued to decline since the time of the death of Mansa Musa. But remained a
great Empire in Western Sudan until about 1470AD when the Songhai Empire began to rise.
Between 1360AD and 1390AD Mali Empire suffered from bad relationship and short reign
of king which enventually weakened the Empire
Between those period a man named Mahmud who was not from Mali nor from the ruling
family seized powr and became the king of Mali Empire.
Mansa Mari Djata 11 late regained the throne from the Mahmud and return the reign of the
Mali Empire to Keita Dynasty.
3: RISE OF SONGHAI AND BAMANA EMPIRE
The rise of Songhai Empire and Bamana Empire contributed to the fall of Mali Empire .

97
Mali Empire started becoming weak from around 1470AD.
The Empire was eventually ended around 1670AD When the Bamana Empire captured and
burnt down Niani and force the Keita Dynasty to finally retrieve back to their original
homeland (Kangaba).
4: REBELOIN FROM MAJOR TRADING CENTRES (TOWNS)
By the time Mansa musa dead, Mali Empire has grown into a big Empire successors to
Mansa Musa was not able to maintain the political and military instruction already put in
place by Mansa Musa.
People in place like Gao started to rebel against the central authorith by refusing to pay
taxes, the Targui of the southern Sahara was able the seize Walata from Mali. People of
Tekrur and Woloff also rebelled and eventually Mali Empire began to reduce in size and
power.
5: SUCCESSION RIVALRY DEATH OF MAHMUD KEITA
The death of Mahmud Keita around 1610AD also contributed to the final collapse of Mali
Empire. This was because his three sons were fighting on who will become the king and
succeed their father and Empire was getting weaker day by day because of the rivalry.
6: THE DISTRACTION AND BURNING OF NIANI
The finally collapse of Mali Empire occurred when Mama Maghan the Mansa of Kangaba
attack Bamana people and laid siege on Segou-Koro from 1667 to 1670. In a revenge
attack, Bamana attact and burnt Niani in 1670 and marched further North towards Kangaba
with a view to attack Kangaba also. Mama maghan had to make peace with the Bamana
army promising not to attack them again after which Bamana army also vowed not to
attack Kangaba again

Chapter Summary
Student Exercise
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
11. Sundiata Keita died in the year__________________
e. 1235AD
f. 1245AD

98
 g. 1255AD
h. 1265AD
12. Mansa Musa become the Emperor of Mali in ______________
e. 1307AD
f. 1312AD
g. 1337AD
h. 1347AD
13. Mali Empire was founded in _______________
e. 1235AD
f. 1470AD
g. 1670AD
h. None of the above
14. At what Age did Sundiata Keita became the Emperor of Mali
e. 16
f. 17
g. 18
h. 19
15. Mensa Musa pilgrimage to Mecca was in the year________________
e. 1307AD
f. 1324AD
g. 1337AD
h. None of the above
16. Mali Empire was founded by____________
e. Sundiata Keita
f. Mansa Musa
g. Sumanguru
h. None of the above
17. Naini the capital of Mali Empire is located in which of these modern day country.
e. Mali
f. Ghana
g. Nigeria
h. Guinea

99
 18. Sundiata Keita defeated Sumanguru Kante at battle in______________
e. Naini
f. Kirina
g. Kangaba
h. Sosso
19. Which of these modern country was not under Mali Empire
e. Senega
f. Guinea
g. Mali
h. Kenya
20. City of Naini was burnt by the Bamana arm in_____________
e. 1470AD
f. 1670AD
g. 1417AD
h. 1617AD
THEOEY QUESTION
5. Identify the location of Mali Empire in the map Africa.
6. Describe the socio-political structure of Mali Empire.
7. Explain two (2) factors that led to the rise of Mali Empire.
8. Explain two (2) factor that led to the fall of Mali Empire.

Chapter Three
SONGHAI EMPIRE

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES
Students at the end of this chapter should be able to:
9. Identify the location of Songhai Empire on the map of Africa.
10. Describe the socio-political structure of Songhai Empire.
11. Explain the factors that led to the rise of Songhai Empire.
12. Explain the factors that led to the fall of Songhai Empire.

100
UNIT 1: INTRODUCTION
Songhai Empire between 15th century and 16th century (i.e. 1500AD – 1700AD) was the
strongest and the largest Empire in the West Africa Sub-Region.
The Empire at its speak was larger in size than the previous Empire of Ghana and Mali in the
Western Sahel (West African Region).
Songhai Empire was established by Sonni Ali in 1464AD when he made Goa. The capital of
the new Empire. It is interesting to note that Gao has been existing since the 11 th Century
(1000AD) but it was a town (City) under previous Empire Mali Empire. It was around
1430AD that Gao (Songhai Empire) became an independent state from Mali Empire.
After establishing Songhai Empire in 1464AD, Sonni Ali between 1468AD and 1475AD
conquered important trade cities of Timbuktu (1468) and Djenne (1475) ad he made them
part of Songhai Empire. Throughout the life span of Songhai Empire, there are two Dynasties
that ruled the Empire.
First was the Sonni dynasty who ruled from 1464AD to 1493AD. Sonni Ali was the person
that started this dynasty . second was the Askia dynasty who ruled from 1493AD to 1591AD.
Muhammad Toure who was formerly a Prime Minster to Sonni Ali and his successor was the
person who started the Askia dynasty after overthrown Sonni Baru who ruled between
1492AD and 1493AD after the death of his father (Sonni Ali)l.
Muhammed Toure was called Askia the great and that was why the name Askia dynasty
came into being.

UNIT 2: ORIGIN OF SONGHAI EMPIRE

Long before Gao became the capital of Songhai Empire, there were group of people who
were early settlers around Goa origin. Some of them the ‘Sorko’ people, the ‘Gow’ people ,
the ‘Do’ people etc. It was around the 10th century that Songhai people came to Goa region
and eventually established control over area as a small kingdom.
As an important trading centre, Gao attracted the interest of Mansa Musa the then Empire of
Mali Empire, he conquered and brought Gao under the control of Mali Empire in the 14 th
century (1300AD – 1400AD). The king of Gao (Songhai king) was however paying taxes on
traded goods in his area to the Emperor of Mali until around 1430AD when Songhai was able
to successfully rebel against Mali Empire and stopped paying taxes to Mali Empire. Sonni

101
Ali took advantage of the weakened Mali Empire to expand Songhai, he was able conquer
some previous Mali territory and to increase the wealth and power of the Empire under his
rule. When Sonni Ali died in 1491AD his son was enthroned as the new Emperor of Songhai
but he only rueld between 1492AD and 1493AD. Sonni Baru ledership was short because he
was not as powerful and tactical like his father and Muhammad Toure (who was popularly
know as Askia the Great) took advantage of the weakness of Sonni Baru being the Empire’s
Prime Minister to Over-throne Sonni Baru in 1493AD and he became the new Emperor of
Songhai Empire thereby starting a new dynasty for the Empire.

UNIT 3: LOCATION OF SOGHAI EMPIRE ON MAP OF AFRICA

Songhai Empire dominated the western Sahel between the 15 th and 16th century and its
capital is in Gao.
Gao is a city in the current Republic of Mali.
Songhai Empire at its peak covered almost all the modern day West African countries
expanding to the Atlantic Ocean in the West and to the Hausa land of Niger Republic and
Nigeria in the East of Gao of capital of the Empire.
Songhai Empire territory covers present day courtiers

UNIT 4: EMPEROR WHO RULED SONGHAI EMPIRE

It is important for us to note that between 1464AD and 1592AD Songhai Empire was ruled
by about Nine (9) Emperors which include:
9. Sonni Ali: he reigned between 1464AD and 1492AD.
10. Sonni Baru: he reigned between 1492AD and 1493AD.
11. Muhammad Toure: he started the Askia dynasty and reigned from 1493AD to 1582AD.
He was called Askia the Great.
12. Askia Musa: he reigned from 1528AD to 1531AD.
13. Askia Isma’iI: he reigned from 1537AD to 1539AD.
14. Askia Ishaq I: he reigned from 1549AD to 1549AD.
15. Askia Daoud: he reigned from 1549AD to 1583AD.

102
16. Askia Ishaq II: he was the last Emperor who ruled Songhai Empire before its fall or
collapse. He ruled between 1588AD and 1592AD.
We will however be looking at the region of Sonni Ali and Askia the Great who played
significant roles in the expansion of Songhai Empire.

UNIT 5: EMPEROR SONNI ALI

Sonni Ali became the king of Songhai kingdom after the death of Sulayman Dama in
1464AD. Even though he was not the first king of Songhai kingdom, he was the one who
established the small Songhai Kingdom as Empire. Sonni Ali was a Muslim and he
conquered many cities formerly belonging to Mali Empire using his most formidable military
strategies. He grew Songhai Empire to a land size of over 1,400,000 square kilometers.
Sonni Ali in 1468AD overthrew Marauding Tuareges who had taken over Timbukutu
following the request he received from the Muslim leaders there and by 1475AD he had also
conquered the wealthy city of Djenne (Djenne was rich in Gold and Kolanut) after about
seven years siege he laid on the city. The people of Djenne had surrender to SonniAli when
the citizen started suffering from starvation and did not have strength to defend themselves
and longer. Gaining control over Timbuku and Djenne gave Sonni Ali more than enough
resources to expand Songhai and to turn it to a powerful Empire towards the end of 15 th
century.

UNIT 6: EMPEROR ASKIA THE GREAT

Muhammad Toure was a General in the army of Sonni Ali for many years. He was the prime
minister until he overthrown Sonni Baru the son and immediate successor of Sonni Ali in
1493AD. Muhammed Toure who was eventually called Askia the Great ended the reign of
Sonni Dynasty in Soghai Empire.
Oral tradition argues that Mohammed Toure was originally from Soninke Lineage and not
from Soninke lineage and not Songhai lineage hence he was not normally entitled to the
thrown except for the fact that he took over the thrown by force.
Askia the great was not military tactical and offensive like Sonni Ali, he was however able to
make necessary alliance to capture more territory and to expand his Empire. Askia the Great

103
created formidable structure to effectively administer territories previously conquered by
Sonni Alli.
Being a devoted Muslim Askia the Great built many mosques around the entire Empire, he
opened religious schools and invited Islamic scholars from different Muslim states existing in
the world around that the time to Songhai.
Like Mansa Musa of the defunct Mali Empire did in 1324AD, Askia the Great also embarked
on a hajj or pilgrimage to Mecca to complete one of the pillars of Islam around 1495AD and
1497AD.
He equally went on this pilgrimage with a lot gold which he gave as gift to people he met in
Mecca. It was at Mecca. That Askia the Great was made the ‘caliph of western sudan’ by
the sheriff of Mecca. Askia the Great centralized the administration of his empire especially
in the area of tax collection and in the administration of justice.
It was also during his reign that the salt mines of Taghaza was annexed into Songhai Empire.
The reign of Askia the Great partially ended when in 1528AD his oldest son Musa rebelled
against him. This rebellion forced Askia the Great into exile in an island on the Niger until he
was invited back into his palace and died in1531AD.

UNIT 7: SOCIO-POLITICAL STUCTURE OF SONGHAI EMPIRE

Gao was a wealthy trading centre. It was the administrative capital of Songhai Empire. The
Emperor (king) was the head of the Central Government and the commander of the army at
Gao.
The Emperor is surrounded by advisors, military and religious leaders as well as members of
the royal family. These people all serve as advisers while the Emperor have the final say in
appointing government officials, in enacting laws and in making treaties with neighboring
kingdoms and empires.
The operation of the empire’s treasury, domestic affairs, agriculture, military and religion
was administered through an established bureaucracy.
In order to ensure that territory under Songhai empire were well controlled, Askia the Great
divided the Empire into districts with each districts having at least 35 wealthy cities. Each of
these districts have a Governor who make sure that taxes were properly collected and he
recruited soldiers from among local people in his territory. For territories that were very far

104
away from the capital (Gao) or those territories that lacked urban centers, the Emperor ruled
those areas through a Feudal arrangement where he appoints a loyalist of his to rule such a
territory and ensure that taxes were collected for the emperor and to arise soldiers for Empire.

UNIT 8: FACTORS THAT LED TO THE RISE OF SONGHAI EMPIRE

4. GAO WAS AN IMPORTANTT TRANS-SAHARA TRADE ROUT
Gao the capital of Songhai Empires was an import trade route and this factors contributed to
the rise of the kingdom.
Itmes such as Gold, Salt, Leather, Kolanuts, Ivory and even slaves were traded through Gao
to as far as North Africa and Europe.
5. THE COLLAPSE OF MALI EMPIRE
Another factor that allowed Songhai Empire to rise was the collapse of Mali Empire. You
will recall that Mali Empire in the later part of 14th century and early part of 15th century
(became weak) and this enable Songhai kingdom to operate as an independent kingdom
free from paying taxes to Mali Empire. This enabled Songhai kingdom to use her wealth
to develop the state (Songhai state) into an Empire.
6. THE CAPTURE OF TIMBUKTU AND DJENNE
The capture and control of Timbuktu is another important Tran-Saharan trade rout and
also played an important role in the rise of Songhai Empire. This expansion was made
possible when Muslim leaders in Timbuktu invited Sonni Ali to come and help them
drive out invades in Timbuktu. It is impotent for us to note here that Sonni Ali was a
Muslim himself so after driving out the invaders from Timbuktu, he gained control over
the city and annexed Timbuktu into Songhai Empire in 1468AD.

UNIT 9: FACTORS THAT LED TO THE DECLINE OF SONGHAI EMPIRE

Many factors were responsible for the decline of Songhai Empire.
6. LEADERSHIP TUSSLE AND COUPS AFTER THE DEATH OF ASIKIA THE
GREAT

105
 After the death of Asikia the Great there were series of coups that led to instability of the
Empire creating a solution where several Askia could only rule for a very short period of
time.
7. BAD LEADERSHIP AND CIVIL WAR WITHIN THE EMPIRE
There were also bad leadership provided by some Askia (like Askia Ishaq II 1539AD –
1549AD). His brutal rule created chaos and led to several civil war within the Empire.
8. ABSENCE OF A KING BETWEEN 1583AD AND 1588AD
After the death of Askia Daoud in 1583AD, Songhai Empire was without an Emperor
(king) for life five (5) years because of fight or struggle among ruling dynasty as to will
become the new Emperor until in 1588AD when Askia Ishaaq II was enthroned as the
new King of Songhai Empire.
9. REBELLION FROM HAUSA STATE
Around 1582AD Hausa states revolted against Songhai Empire and stopped paying taxes
to Songhai capital. Do not forget that at the height of the Empire, Songhai Empire
reached North Western part of Nigeria up until Kastina. It was only at Kano that Songhai
Empire could not penetrate further into Hausa land.
So losing control and influence of these Hausa states weakened Songhai Empire toward
the eastern part of the Empire.
10. INVASION OF SONGHAI EMPIRE BY MOROCCAN ARMY
Songhai Empire eventually collapsed when Ahmad Almasur sent an army to defeat
Songhai and take charge of the Tran-Saharan trade routes along Gao and Timbuktu.
This attack resulted in ‘Battle to Tondibi’ where the army of morocco led by Jaudar
Pasha defeated Songhai army led by Asia Ishaq II and the defeat suffered by Songhai
army led to the collapse of the Empire. The battle of Tondibi took place at Tondibi now
the modern day Republic of Mali.

Students Exercise
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
10. Sonni Baru reigned as the Emperor of Songhai Empire between ____ and _____
E. 1464AD and 1492AD
F. 1492AD and 1492AD

106
G. 1493AD and 1528AD
H. 1528AD and 1531AD
11. Songhai Empire was established by__________
E. Sonni Ali
F. Muhammad Toure
G. Sonni Baru
H. Askia Ishaq
12. Muhammed Toure became the Emperor became the Emperor of Songhai in __________
AD
E. 1464
F. 1491
G. 1493
H. 1528
13. Ahmad Al-mansur whose army invaded Songhai was ____
E. Sultan of Morocco
F. Sultan Sokoto
G. Sheriff of Mecca
H. All of the above
14. __________ was the last Emperor of Songhai Empire before its collapse in 1592AD
E. Askia Musa
F. Askia Isama’iI
G. Askia Daoud
H. Askia Ishaq II
15. ___________ started the Askia dynasty reign in Songhai Empire.
E. Sonnia Ali
F. Sonni Baru
G. Mohammed Toure
H. All of the above
16. ____________ is the capital of Songhai Empire
E. Gao
F. Timbuktu
G. Djenne

107
H. Naini
17. Hausa states revolted against Songhai Emperor in ________ AD
E. 1562
F. 1582
G. 1591
H. 1588
18. Sonni Ali captured Timbuktu in ________ AD
E. 1464
F. 1473
G. 1468
H. 1493

THEORY QUESTION
5. Identify the location of Songhai Empire on the Map Africa.
6. Describe the socio-political structure of Songhai Empire.
7. Explain two (2) factors that led to the rise of Songhai Empire.
8. Explain two (2) factors that led to the fall of Songhai Empire.

108
JSS3 E-NOTE HISTORY

UNIT 4: TRADE ROUTE DURING TRANS-SAHARAN TRADE:

There are three important Trans-Sahara trade routes to Nigeria that we will be
discussed:

1. Route from Tripoli to Borno:

Borno Empire by the 16th century became the major source of slave traded by (with)
Trans-Sahara traders.
While Tripoli in Libya served as the Northern terminus of the trade route to Borno
was the Southern terminus of the trade route coming from Tripoli in Libya.
Most of the traders through this route got Europe form Libya because of the
closeness of Libya to Italy.

2. Route from Sudan to Kanem-Borno

Given that Arab from the middle East were important part of the Trans-Saharan
trade, they had to journey through East Africa to (or Through) central Africa (i.e.
Sudan) before they reach West Africa where the Sahara trade was taking place.
Hence Sudan was another important to Borno.

109
3. Route from Fezzan to Kano
Kano was a major supplier of cloth (Textile) and Kano city was (is) positioned to
the western part of Nigeria. These was an important trade route from Fezzan
(Western region of Libya) to katsina and kano for trade purpose.

UNIT 5: COMMODITIES TRADE DURING TRANS-SAHARAN TRADE

Trade by barter system was much more in place during the Trans-Saharan trade
era. Where those goods bought and sold were equally used as the currency of
exchange.
Gold, Sold leather goods, slaves, textile materials, copper, kolanuts, grains, horses,
ostrich feathers, glassware, ivory, pepper spices etc were goods traded during the
Trans-Sahara trade era.
1. GOLD: Gold was produced in the Sudan area (West Africa) and exchanged for
salt and horses from North Africa, Europe and the middle East Gold was in high
demand in North Africa, Europe and the Middle East.

2. SALT: salt was produced in the Sahara desert (North Africa region) like Taghaza
and Bilma). These salts were needed for food preservation and consumption in
the Sudan area where salts were not being produced.

3. HORSES: horses were brought from Europe and the Middle East. They were
needed by rulers of Sudan area (West Africa Kingdoms) to strength their military
might and to expand their kingdoms.

4. SLAVES: Slaves were gotten from the Sudan region and exported to Europe
and the Middle East to work in Mine plants in those places

CHAPTER SUMMARY
1. Trans-Saharan trade means trade across the Sahara.
The following are some of the factors that facilitated the growth of trans-
Sahara trade in Nigeria:
a. Introduction of camel to North Africa
b. High demand for gold in North Africa and Eurpe
c. Acceptance of Islam
d. Question for expansion of sub-Saharan kingdoms and desire for luxurious
goods

110
 2. They are three important trans-Saharan trade routes to Nigeria which are:
a. Route from tripoli to Borno
b. Route from Sudan to Kanem-Borno
c. Route from Fezzan to Kano
3. Gold, salt leather goods, slaves, textile materials, copper, Kolanuts, grains,
horses, ostrich feathers, glassware, ivory, pepper spices, beads etc were
goods traded during trans-Saharan trade era.

STUDENTS EXERCISE
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION
1. Which of these States was producing salt during the trans-saharan trade era.
A. Kano
B. Katsina
C. Borno
D. Taghaza
2. _______________ is the third of the major trans-regional trade in the world.
A. Trans-Saharan trade
B. Trans Atlantic trade
C. Trans Pacific trade
D. None of the above
3. The Wangarawa were traders and merchants from ___________
A. Egypt
B. Morocco
C. Sudan
D. Libya
4. The following except ----------------- are commodities traded during the trans-Saharan
trade.
A. Gold
B. Horses
C. Salt
D. Dogs

111
5. Trans-Saharan trade means ___________
A. Trade across the Sahara
B. Trade above the Sahara
C. Trade under the Sahara
D. Trade inside the Sahara

THEORY QUESTION
1. Describe the nature of Tran-Saharan trade.
2. Identify four (4) commodities sold in Trans-Saharan Trade.
3. Identify two (2) trade routes during Trans-Saharan.

112
 CHAPTER 2
NATURE OF EUROPEAN
CONTACTS WITH NIGERIA

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

Students at the end of this chapter should be able to:

1. Describe the early European contact with Nigeria.

2. Identify the early European who come to Nigeria.

UINT 1: PORTUGUESE EXPLORATION TO WEST AFRICA

The first contact European had with Nigeria and West Africa sub-region was in the fifteen
century.

In particular, it was prince Henry of Portugal who inspired portugal’s exploration to western
part of Africa for two reasons.

1. First was that prince Henry wanted to reduce the spread of Islam and influence of
Muslim rules of North African countries with whom Portugal has been in a long term
battle with. His idea and goal was to reach out to non-Muslim African communities
can be converted to Christianity so that the influence of Portugal of Africa can
increase.
2. Secondly was that the fact that Northern Africa were in monopoly of trans-Saharan
trade and were selling gold, ivory and slaves to Europe at high prices.

UNIT 2: EARLY BRITISH EXPLORERS WHO CAME TO NIGERIA (BRITISH

EXPLORATION OF NIGERIA)

Britain (United kingdom ) around the 18th century developed interest in Exploring Africa
continent.

Interested person in Britain formed the ‘African Association’ in 1788 and this led to the
commencement of Beitish exploration into Western Sudan (West Africa).

The British has always been hearing about Niger River through Arab traders they trade with.

It was being said that the river was close to River Nile in size and importance hence the
African Association was interested in River Niger and its surrounding areas.

They wanted to know where the river started from, places (or Areas) the river flows through
and most importantly where the river flows into.

113
The African Association from 1788 to1793 sent three different Explorers through North
Africa and one through Gambia to trace the River Niger Route but none of them was
successful as most of them died along the journey (voyage).

There were three group of explorer led by:

1. Mungo park
2. Hugh Clapperton and
3. Richard Lander and John Lander
1. MUNGO PARK
Mungo park was a Scottish Doctor born on 11th September, 1771. He died in 1806 at a place
called Bussa in present day Niger state in Nigeria.
Mungo park left England in May 1795 on the sponsorship of African Association and got to
Gambia towards the end of 1795 to begin his voyage alone Niger River.

2. HUGH CLAPPERTON
Hugh clapperton was a Scottish Naval officer born on 18th May, 1788, he died on the 13th
April British 1827, at Sokoto in North Western part of Nigeria.
Towards the end of 1821, the British government sent Dr. Walter Oudney, Captain Hugh
Clapperton and major Dixon Denham on another expedition but now through another route
from Tripoli (in Libya) through the Sahara

Desert for them to explore the lake chad and see if they could link lake chad to river Niger.

3. RICHARD LANDER AND JOHN LANDER

Richard Lander was an explorer of West Africa Born on 8th February 1804 and died on 6th
February 1834.

He and his brother John Lander were the first British (Europeans) who eventually were able
to trace River Niger and to discover that River Niger emptied itself into the Atlantic Ocean.

From Lokoja, they traveled southward to the Delta area and discovered that River Niger
emptied into the Atlantic Ocean through the Gulf of Guinea.

They then traveled back to British from Fernando Po Via Rio de Janeiro in 1831.

UNIT 3: EUROPEAN MERCHANTS

One of the major interests of British in Nigeria was trade.

So as soon as Richard Lander was successful in tracing the link between River Niger and
River Benue meeting at Lokoja area and flowing downward until in emptied itself into the

114
Atlantic Ocean; Business men in British and Europe in general became interested in setting
up trading post in some strategic area s along the Niger River.

For the purpose of discussion we will be looking at two significant European merchants who
made significant impact on commercial and trade in the geographical area called Nigeria.

These two merchant area:

1. Taubman Goldie
2. John Holt
1. SIR GEORGE TAUBMAN GOLDIE

Taubman Goldie was born on 20th May, 1846 and died on 20 August 1925. He was a
business merchant who played key role in enhancing British commercial dominance in the
Niger area and was instrumental in the establishment or the formation of Nigeria

1. JOHN HOLT

John Holt was a British merchant born on 31st October 1841 and he died on 22nd June, 1915.
John Holts started a shipping line which operated between Liverpool in England to West
Africa and he owned a number of businesses in the Niger area.

These business interests were later incorporated into JOHN HOLT PLC in 1897.

John Holt was just 20 years in 1862 when he left Liverpool with 27 pounds in his pocket to
pick-up a job as a shop assistant in a grocery store in Fernando PO (now in Equatorial
Guinea in Central Africa)

UNIT 4: CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES

Activities OF Christian Missionaries became more prominent in Nigeria around 1842 and
these were some of the early contacts Nigerians had with Europeans and Americans who
came to Africa (Nigeria particular) to preach the gospel of Christ to the Nego people.

Some of the early missionaries in Nigeria worthy of note are:

1. Mary Slessor
2. Birch freeman
3. Henry Townsend
4. Ajayi Crowther

1. MARY SLESSOR
Mary Mitchell Slessor was born on 2nd December 1848 and she died on 13th January
1915. She was a missionary from Presbyterian Church in Scotland (United Kingdom)

115
 who carried out her missionary work in the South-southern and South-Eastern part of
Nigeria
She first lived among Efik people of Calabar and Akwa-ibom States, learned their
Language and spread Christianity and promoted the rights of Women and Children in
those areas.
Mary Slessor stopped the practice of killing newly born twins in the Suoth-Southern and
South-Eastern part of Nigeria.
Before Mary Slessor brought the gospel of Christ to South-Southern and South-Eastern
part of Nigeria giving birth to twins was seen by the people as evil curse.
They believe that one of the child was an evil child.
However, since they don’t know which of the child was evil they abandon the two
babies in the bush for them to starve to death or to be eaten by wild animal.
2. THOMAS BIRCH FREEMAN
Thomas Birch Freeman was born on 6th December 1809 and he died on 12th December
1890 in Accra Ghana. He was a British missionary sent to Nigeria by the Wesleyan
Methodist Church in 1842 based on the request of some freed Yoruba slaves.
Thomas Freeman is said to be the founder of Methodist church in Nigeria.
When Thomas Freeman arrived at Badagry, Lagos in September 1942, he travelled to
Abeokuta to give some freed Slaves there spiritual guidance based on their request.

3. HENRY TOWNSEND
Reverend Henry Townsend was a British Anglican missionary to Nigeria who lived
between 1820 and 1885.
Four days after the arrival of Thomas Freeman back to Badagry-Lagos, Henry
Townsend started his journey to Abeokuta and he arrived at Abeokuta on the 2 nd January
1843. He was also well received by Sodeke-the Alake of Egba land in Abeokuta and
after spending a few days in Abeokuta he left for England.
He was ordained as an Anglican priest in 1844 and was commissioned to start the
Anglican mission in Abeokuta, Nigeria.

4. AJAY CROWTHER
Reverend Samuel Ajayi Crowther was born in 1809 and died on 31 st December, 1891.
He was the first Anglican Bishop in Nigeria.
Being a free slave who was converted from Islam to Christianity and cared for by the
Anglican Church missionary Society at freetown in Sierra Leone in 1825, Ajayi
Crowther was taken to England in 1826 for further training in English language so that
he can help translate the Bible to local language (Yoruba). After his ordination Ajayi
Crowther Returned to Nigeria with Reverend Henry Townsend to start Anglican mission
in Nigeria. Ajayi Crowther translated the Bible in Yoruba language. He compiled a
Yoruba dictionary and wrote the Yoruba version of the Anglican Book of common

116
 prayer. Ajayi Crowther was also instrumental in the process of interpreting the Bible to
Igbo language and Nupe language.

CHAPTER SUMMARY

STUDENTS EXERCISE
MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. Mungo park died in place called_______________

A. Lokoja
B. Zungeru
C. Birnin Kebbi
D. Bussa
2. Company (UAC) was formed by ________________
A. Mongo park
B. May Slesssor
C. George Tuabman Goldie
D. John Holt
3. __________________ built the first storey building in Nigeria.
A. Henry Townsend
B. Ajayi Crowther
C. Thomas Birch freeman
D. Mary Slessor
4. Fernoa De Po was from ______________
A. Spain
B. Britain
C. Portugal
D. France
5. The following except ______________ are early missionary to Nigeria
A. John Holts
B. Mary Slessor
C. Henry Townsend
D. Ajayi Clowther
6. Mungo park original profession was ______________________
A. Doctor
B. Teacher

117
 C. Engineer
D. None of the above
7. Portuguese explorer first got to Benin kingdom in _____________
A. 1472
B. 1473
C. 1475
D. 1483
8. The first voyage from Portugal to West Africa region started in ____________
A. 1417
B. 1434
C. 1444
D. 1472
9. Whom among these explorer discovered that River Niger emptied in to the Atlantic
Ocean
A. Mungo park
B. Hugh Clapperton
C. Richard Lander
D. None of the above
10. Cape Bajador is in ______________
A. Morocco
B. Gambia
C. Nigeria
D. Senegal
11. In what year was Richard Lander born __________
A. 1801
B. 1802
C. 1803
D. 1804

CHAPTER 3
NATURE OF TRANS-ATLANTIC
SLAVES TRADE

UNIT 1: MEANING OF TRANS-ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE

118
Trans-Atlantic slave trade involves the slaves and transporting of captured slaved from
Africa to America and Europe through the Atlantic Ocean.

This trade was carried out by European slave traders who bought slaves mostly from Central
and West Africa and shipped them to their respective territories in American to work as
labourers on their commercial farms.

Trans-Atlantic slave trade flourished between 16th century and 18th century (i.e 1500-1900).
It was around 1502 that Portuguese started Atlantic slave trade by exporting slave from
West Africa territory to Brazil for the slave to work for them on their plantations and gold
mines.

UNIT 2: ORGANIZATION OF TRANS-ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE

By the 17th century, empires like the Dutch, British, Spanish and France had joined in the
trans-Atlantic slave trade shipping over 10 million black slaves from African coastal areas
to America.

While a few people can argue the positive impact of slave trade, the general view is that
slave trade adversely affected Africa society.

Europeans set-up and had major slave markets from which or where they buy and ship slave
from.

These slave trade regions include:

1. Senegal and Ghana region.

2. Guinea-Bissau, Guinea and Sierra Leone region.
3. Ghana and East of Ivory Coast region.
4. Liberia and Ivory Coast region.
5. Niger Delta, (Bright of Biafra), Cameroon, Gabon and Equatorial Guinea region.

UNIT 3: ABOLITION OF TRANS-ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE

From the middle of 18th century, oppositions to slave trade started to emerge from
countries like Britain, Portugal and America. People and associations within these
countries began to protest against slave trade such that the state of Virginia in 1778
became the first state in the United States of America to stop the importation of slaves.
By 1807, Britain abolished slave trade.
The March 25th 1807 abolished of slave trade act made the trade of slave in British
colonies absolutely illegal.

119
 Britain and America eventually were able to persuade other European countries to
abolish slave trade.
By 1831, many countries importing slaves including Brazil made slave trade an illegal
trade.
By 1833 Britain went further to totally abolish slavery (and not just slave trade). This
they did through the passage of the slavery abolition Act of 1833.

UNIT 4: IMPACTS OF TRANS-ATLANTIC SLAVE TRADE

The trans-Atlantic trade had a lot of impact on the people enslaved, the economy of African
states and the level of peace that existed on the African continent.
While a few people can argue the positive impact of slave trade, the general view is that
slave trade adversely affected America society.
Below are some of the impacts of trans-Atlantic slave trade:
1. Trans-Atlantic slave trade reduce the population of states in Africa society as millions of
people were enslaved and exported to America between the 16th and 19th century.
This has the effect of reducing the population of various kingdoms on the African
continents.
2. The export of the people to America means reduction in labour force that will farm and
expand agricultural production on the continent of Africa.
3. Trans-Atlantic slave trade had the effect of increasing war and civil unrest in African
kingdoms.
4. Those who were enslaved and sold to America totally lost contact with member of their
family for ever and were exploited. Some of them even died on their way to America.
5. On the positive side, slave trade enhanced the economy of African kings and gave them
access to resources to expand their kingdoms.
Many of the slave were exchanged for guns, gun powders, gold etc.
Access to guns made those African kings more powerful and they were able to use their
power to capture more slave.

UNIT 5: LEGITIMATE TRADE AFTER SLAVE TRADE WAS ABOLISHED

By the early period of the nineteenth century, trans-Atlantic slave trade became illegal
and was eventually eliminated such that by the middle of the nineteenth century, slave
trade was replaced by legitimate (non slave) trade where farm produce like palm-oil,
peanuts, Groundnuts, Cottons etc were exported to Britain (United Kingdom) and
Europe in exchange for European goods.

CHAPTER SUMMARY

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

120
 1. The abolition of slave trade act in Britain was signed in__________________
A. 1778
B. 1807
C. 1831
D. 1833
2. Royal African Company started operating in _______________
A. 1642
B. 1672
C. 1742
D. 1772
3. The British enacted the slavery act in __________________
A. 1778
B. 1807
C. 1831
D. 1833
4. Portuguese started Atlantic slave trade in West Africa around ________
A. 1402
B. 1502
C. 1602
D. 1702
5. Which of these countries involved in Trans-Atlantic slave trade
A. Britain
B. France
C. Spain
D. Saudi-Arabia

THEORY QUESTIONS

1. Describe the nature of Trans-Atlantic slave trade.

2. Highlight the effect of Trans-Atlantic slave trade.
3. Explain Trans-AtlanticCHAPTER 4
Legitimate trade.
BRITISH COLONIZATION OF
NIGERIA TERRITORIES

PERFORMANSCE OBJECTIVES

Students at the end of this chapter should be able to:

1. Describe British contact with Nigerian peoples.

2. Explain how British conquered Nigerian Territories.
3. Describe British system of colonialism in Nigeria.

121
UNIT 1: BRITISH CONTACT WITH NIGERIA

We can consider British contact with Nigeria from three angles:

1. First as explorers
2. Second as traders and
3. Third as missionaries

UNIT 2: CONTACT WITH EXPLORERS

Britain started exploring Nigerian in 1788 following the formation of the ‘African
association’ They started to explore the area around River Niger. It was Mungo park a
Scottish Doctor and explorer who first reached Nigeria around 1805.

Around 1821 other explorers like: Major Dixon Denham, Dr Walter Oudney and Clapperton
were send to explore Nigeria.

By 1830, JOHN Lander and Richard Lander successfully led another exploration in which it
was finally discovered that River Niger eventually emptied into the Atlantic Ocean.

UNIT 3: CONTACT WITH TRADERS

Soon after the successful exploration of River Niger by Richard Lander, James start using
Niger River as a means of trade within West Africa.

By 1870s, more British traders had made their presence known in the Niger area such that in
1879 Taubman Goldie and some other British merchants had to annex their business interest
in Nigeria to form a stronger company called the ‘United African company’ (UAC) which
later became the ‘Royal Niger company’ (RNC).

UNIT 4: CONTACT WITH MISSIONARIES

From 1840s, missionaries from Britain, U S A and Canada started frequenting Nigeria with a
mission to liberate the people of Africa (Nigeria) from the effect of slave trade and to convert
them to Christianity. Some of these early missionaries include Mary Slessor, Birch Freeman,
Henry Townsend and Ajayi Crowther

UNIT 5: HOW THE BRITISH CONQUERED NIGERIA TERRITORIES

There were two major ways Britain conquered Nigeria territories:

1. Signing of Treaties: some of the traditional rulers in Nigeria communities signed peace
agreement or treaty allowing the british to opereate in their area in exchange for
protection by the british army while some signed the treaty to avoid being attacked by the
British army. The first of such treaty was signed by Calabar when the Obong of Calabar

122
 subjected his throne of that of the Queen of England around 1884. Other places or towns
that signed treaty with the British government are Borgu, Katsina and Egba in Abeokuta
etc.
2. Waging of War: some communities that restricted British dominance were attacked by
British troop and their traditional rulers were either killed, disposed, exiled or forced to
sign a document that turn them to British subjects. Communities like Benin, Sokoto,
Kano, Bauchi, Yobe, Warri, Aro – chukwu and Brass etc. were forcefully conquered by
the British Army.

UNIT 5: BRITISH SYSTEM OF COLONIALISM

The system of colonialism used by the British was either a direct rule or indirect rule colonial
system.

1. Direct Rule: This was a system of colonialism were British directly administered the
people without having to use an intermediary to reach the people they were rulling over.
Lagos colony and its environment was administered using direct rule system. Some of the
towns or pre-colonial states that resisted British dominance before they were conquered
also administered using direct rule system. These places include Benin and Delta
province.
2. Indirect rule: Indirect rule was first introduced by Fredrick lord Lugard in the Northern
Protectorate before he tried introducing indirect rule system to Southern part of Nigeria.
It was a system of administration where the traditional rulers were used by the colonial
administrator to rule the people while acting on the conlonial administrator’s instructions
on certain matters.\
The indirect rule system was adopted by lord Lugard because there was no enough
money to facilities to directly rule the vast Northern territory and there was shortage of
manpower since fortunately sokoto caliphate had an already established or a well
developed system of government across the North ere Emirs were in charge of various
emirates which were under Sokoto Caliphate. Fredrick Lord Lugard decided to use this
existing structure with a few modifications.
a.

STUDENT EXERCISE

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. The African association was formed in _____ (a) 1786 (b) 1787 (c) 1788 (d) 1789
2. Which of these British explorer discovered that River Nigeria emptied itself into the
Atlantic Ocean (a) Mungo Park (b) Dixon Denham (c) Hugh Clapperton (d) John Lander
3. The name Caliph of Sokoto was changed to _______ (a) sultan (b) Emir (c) Oba (d) none
of the above
4. _______ was not a missionary to Nigeria (a) Henry Townsend (b) Hugh Clapperton (c)
Birch Freeman (d) Ajayi Crowther

123
5. Northern Nigeria was administered by ________ (a) high Commissioner (b)
commissioner (C) Residents (d) Districts Officers

THEORY QUESTIONS

1. Describe the nature of British contact with Nigerian territories.

2. Describe the direct and indirect rule system of British administration.

In considering the evolution of Nigerian state, we will have to study:

1. The Berlin treaty of 1884/1885 which regulated European colonization and trade in
Africa.
2. The role of the Royal Niger Company in Nigeria Territory.
3. The colonial conquest and administration Nigeria territories.

In the early 19th century, Europeans had to struggle for territories in the interior part of Africa
in search for Ivory (which they used in producing Luxurious products) gold and palm oil
etc.

When this struggle was becoming intense among European Countries; Britain and France
saw a need to persuade Germany to convey a conference where all European countries
interested in territories on the continent Africa can come together and regulate European
colonization and trade in Africa.

Otton Von Bismarck who at that time was German Chancellor invited 13 European
Countries and the United states of America to Berlin for them to work out a treaty and a joint
policy that will regulate their colonization activities on the continent of Africa.

The conference opened 15th November 1884 and ended on 26th February, 1885. Countries
whose representative were present at the Berlin conference are Germany, France, United
Kingdom (Britain) Portugal, Spain, Norway, Denmark, Ottoman empire (Turkey),
Netherland, Austria, Hungary and the united states of America.

MAJOR FEATURES OF BERLIN TREATY

The key agreements or treaties captured in the general act of the conference include.

1. The resolution that slave trade should officially be stopped in Africa.

2. That African territory should be shared among interested European countries on basis of
effective occupation of the territories before the conference. This treaty explained why
Nigeria territory was handed over to the British government. This is because Sir George
Taubman Goldie (who alongside other British merchants and businessmen had the Royal
Niger company in the Niger Delta area) was able to convince participants at the Berlin
conference of the strong presence of British interest in the Niger Area.

124
3. The Berlin Act gave exclusive right to each European country to legally colonize and
claim land ownership of countries or territories given to them.

UNIT 3: THE ROLES OF ROYAL NIGER COMPANY (RNC) IN NIGERIAN

TERRITORIES

The Royal Niger Company was established in 1879 as a trading company chartered by the
British government with interest in the Niger Area.

The company was formed by Sir George Taubman Goldie with other British merchants. The
company was first called United African Company (UAC) but the name was changed to
National African Company (NAC) in 1881 and Royal Niger Company (RNC) in 1886.

The company dominated trade in the Southern Nigerian Protectorate stopping competition
from France and German traders.

Royal Niger Company was able to extend its trading activities to the Northern Nigeria
Protectorate and by 1 st January 1900, Royal Niger company transferred the territories
controlled by her (Southern Protectorate and Northern Protectorate of Nigeria) to the British
government for a total sum of 865,000 pounds to allow British government to commence the
official colonization of Nigeria territory.

UNIT 4: COLONIAL AND ADMINISTRATION OF NIGERIA TERRIITORIES

(SOUTHERN NIGERIA)

Between 1851 and 1862 British force bombarded Lagos and annexed Lagos into a British
Colony. This made possible because in 1849, Britain appointed a consul to protect lives and
properties of British traders operating in the Niger Area. The specific mandate given to
consul John Beecroft in 1849 was to oversee trading activities on the bright of Biafra (Niger
Delta Area) and the bright of Benin (Lagos Area). These were two major coastline of the
Nigerian territory.

we will look at the colonial from the following angles:

UNIT 5: OCCUPATION OF LAGOS

Lagos was strategically located as a easy access to the hinterland and a natural port for
European ships. This made Lagos very attractive to the British such that by 1851 they took
advantage of the dispute between the two royal contenders Oba of Lagos (i.e Kosoko and
Akitoye) to bombard and conquer Lagos.

King Kosoko who was the king at that time refused to sign the Anti-Slavery treaty and was
hostile to the Europeans.

On 24th December, 2852, British force numbering 400 men entered Lagos forcefully
dethrone King Kosoko who ran for Epe for safety. Akitoye was installed as the new Oba of

125
Lagos and he immediately signed the Anti-Slavery treaty and allowed missionaries and
traders to transfer their base from Badagry to Lagos. The British consul became resident in
Lagos from 1852.

UNIT 6: INCURSION INTO YORUBA HINTERLAND

British desired to expand their influence to the Yoruba, Hinterland, in order to control trade
in major towns like Ibadan, Egba and Ijebu. They took advantage of the Ijaye war (Yoruba
Civil War) to advance their interest at Ikorodu in 1865 and also singed treaties with local
rulers of Badagry, Ado, Ipokia, Ebute metta and Okeodan. The treaty signed with local
leaders of these towns enable Britain to bring these towns under Lagos colony and to stop
France from Porto-Novo (now in Republic of Benin) to capture (control) these towns.

By 1893, British consul went round Yoruba land to as far as Ibadan, Oyo and Ilorin signing
trade treaties with them. The British consul at that time was Carter.

UNIT 7: SUBJUGATION OF OPOBO KINGDOM (THE EXILE OF JAJA OF

OPOBO)

Opobo Kingdom was founded in 1869 by jaja of Opobo whose original name Mbanaso
Okwara Ozurumba. Jaja was born in Amaigbo in 1821 and sold to Bonny (now in Rivers
state) at the age of twelve in 1833. Amaugbo was a village near Orlu town in present day Imo
state. Bonny was the commercial hub in the Niger Delta Area and Jaja was a member of
Anna pepple trading house and he eventually became the head of the house after he worked
had to pay for his freedom from his master.

He left bonny in 1869 because of rivalry within the trading house and he led fourteen out of
the eighteen trading houses in Bonny to a new settlement to establish the city state of Opobo.

Soon after the establishment of Opobo city state, Jaja began to control palm oil trade
in that region as the Igbo, anang and Ibibio hinterland traders now move their palm oil
through Opobo. This made the influence of Bonny to reduce and jaja became so rich and
powerful in the Niger Delta Area.

Jaja was the first King of Opobo state from 25th December 1870 to September 1887.

By 1884, Opobo City state was designated as a British territory at the Berlin conference and
the British consul in the Bright of Benin began to make effort to gain control of Opobo.

Knowing full well that his power lies in his ability to continue to control the palm oil market
in the hinterland, Jaja of Opobo did everything possible to prevent European traders from
trading directly with the hinterlands. The British traders however wanted a direct access to
the hinterland market so as to be able to buy palm oil at cheaper prices and to avoid paying
tax to Jaja of Opobo.

126
A quarrel started between British traders and Jaja of Opobo in 1886 and Jaja banned all trade
in his territory with British traders. He rather started exporting palm oil directly to England.

Johnson the acting consul of the bright of Biafra at that time interverned by asking Jaja of
Opobo to allow British Traders to access and trade in the hinterland market but he refused.

By September 1887, consul Johnson came to the shore of Opobo city state with a warship
and he invited Jaja for a meeting in the warship assuring him that nothing will go wrong.

Unfortunately for Jaja of Opobo, as soon as he boarded the ship, he was presented with a
choice of giving himself to be carried away into exile or to be freed and be allowed to go
back to Opobo city state while his city will be immediately attacked and bombed since he
had refuse to allow British traders to enter the hinterland.

He was first taken to Accra and tried before being sent to exile in Saint Vincent in west
Indies.

In 1891, Jaja of Opobo was allowed to return to Opobo from exile but he died on his way
back home. The subjugation of Opobo city state allowed Britain traders free access to the
hinterland in current day South-South and South-East Nigeria,

UNIT 11: CONQUEST OF SOKOTO CALIPHATE

The last of the war waged by the British over Nigeria territory was in Sokoto.

Given that the British Government was about to take over control of Nigeria territory form
the British Royal Niger Company, the west African Frontier force were established in April
1898 under the leadership of Fredrick Lord Lugard. The West Africa Frontier Force was the
military force to ensure that British Government takes full charge of all the territory under it
from 1st January, 1900 when Nigeria officially was to became a protectorate of British
government.

Caliph Attahiru was able to re-enforce his army at Gusau to engage in a final battle with the
British troops. He was however killed in the battle on 27th July, 1903 while trying to
recapture his Caliphate.

With the clear occupation of Sokoto Caliphate, Lord Lugard and his troop marched to
Katsina willingly surrendered to British troop without a fight and he signed peace treaty with
Lord Lugard.

The conquest of Sokoto Caliphate gave birth to the full control of northern region of Nigeria
by the British Colonial Government.

127
 UNIT 12: CALONIAL ADMINISTRATION OF NIGERIA TERRITORY

Lagos became a British colony in 1862 and since that time to the start of colonial
administration, a direct rule system was used to administer the affair of Lagos.

Lagos colony was under the administration of a Governor who had the sole authority to
minister the colony with assistance coming from the Legislative Council.

STUDENT EXERCISE

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. Royal Niger Company was established in _________________

A. 1877
B. 187
C. 1884
D. 1885
2. The Bright of Benin is in ___________________________
A. Lagos
B. Niger Delta Area
C. Lokoja
D. All of the above
3. __________________ was dethroned by the British as the Oba of Lagos
A. Kosoko
B. Akitoye
C. Dosunm
D. None of the above
4. Opobo kingdom was founded in ___________________
A. 1868
B. 1869
C. 1870
D. None of the above
5. Sokoto Caliphate was conquered in ____________________
A. 1900
B. 1901
C. 1902
D. 1903

128
6. Name National African Company (NAC) was change to Royal Niger Company (RNC) in
__________________
A. 1879
B. 1881
C. 1886
D. All of the above
7. Berlin Conference Started on _______________________ 1884
A. 15th February
B. 26th February
C. 15th November
D. 26th November
8. ________________________ was the governor Itsekiri land from 1883 to 1894.
A. Nana
B. Akengbuwa
C. Olomu
D. Nana Olomu
9. The West African frontier force were situated in___________________
A. Zaria
B. Kaduna
C. Kano
D. Jebba
10. _______________ was the secretary of state for colonies in Britain in 1914
A. Lord Lugard
B. Lewis Harcourt
C. Walter Egerton
D. None of the above

129
 CHAPTER 6
AMLGAMATION OF
NIGERIA IN 1914

PERFORMANCE OBJECTIVES

Students at the end of this chapter should be able to:

1. Explain the meaning of Amalgamation.

2. Identify the reasons for Amalgamation.
3. State the process of Amalgamation.
4. Identify key personalities involved in the Amalgamation of Nigeria Territories.

UNIT 1: MEANING OF AMALGAMATION

Amalgamation is the process of combining or uniting things or territories together. In the

case of Nigeria, Amalgamation of the country in 1914 was the process of uniting the
Northern protectorate of Nigeria and the Southern protectorate of Nigeria into a single
country called Nigeria.

This amalgamation brought the two protectorates under one administration, policy and
government.

UNIT 2: INTRODUCTION TO THE AMALMAGATION OF NIGERIA TERRITORY

The Northern protectorate of Nigeria and the southern protectorate of Nigeria was
amalgamated by Sir Fredrick Lord Lugard in 1914.

As a result of the desire of Royal Niger Company to gain control over trade in Northern part
of Nigeria, Sir Fredrick Lord Lugard was brought from Uganda in 1895 to lead the military
campaign of British government in Northern Nigeria. By 1903, Lord Lugard conquered the
last territory of Nigeria which was Sokoto Caliphate.

This victory enables the British government through Lord Lugard to introduce an indirect
rule of government in Northern part of Nigeria.

Royal Niger Company handed over the Northern territory of Nigeria to the British
government and the territory became of British territory. Fredrick Lord Lugard was the first
Governor of the Northern protectorate Nigeria.

By 1912, Lord Lugard become the Governor-General of Northern and Southern protectorate
of Nigeria and came up with a proposal that the Southern protectorate should be brought
together for better administration of the two regions and for economic reasons.

130
Fredick Lord Liugard was able to convince the secretary of state for colonies in British (Mr.
Lewis Vernon Harcourt) of the need to start the process of merging the Northern and
Southern protectorate of Nigeria under one administration.

Fredrick Lord Lugard was the permitted in 1913 to lead the campaign to amalgamate
Nigeria. Fredrick Lord Lugard after through filedwork submitted the proposal for
amalgamation of the office of the secretary of state for colonies on 9th May 1913.

UNIT 3: REASON WHY FREDRICK LORD LUGARD DECIDED TO AMALGAMATE

NIGERIA

[Link] UNIFY DIFFERENT PART OF NIGERIA

[Link] ECONOM REASONS
[Link] FINANCE BUDGET DEFICIT OF NORTHERN PROTECTORATE
[Link] ADMINISTRATIVE CONVENIENCE
5. TO FACILITATE TRANSPORTATION OF PEOPLE AND GOODS ACROSS
THE GOODS ACROSS THE LENGTH AND BREADTH OF NIGERIA

UNIT 4: PERSONALITIES WHO PLAYED KEY ROLES IN THE AMALGAMATION OF

NIGERIAN TERRITORY

1. TAUBMAN GOLDIE

Taubman Goldie was born on 20th May 1846 and died on 20th August 1925. He played a
vital role in the formation and amalgamation of Nigeria because he was one of the first
set of British business men who visited the Basin of Niger Delta area in 1877. He picked
commercial interest in the Niger area and by 1879, he was able to the establishment of
the United African Company (UAC) to spearhead British imperial interest in t Bashe
Southern region of Nigeria along the River Niger Basin.

2. FREDRCK LORD LUGARD

Fredrick Lord Lugard was born on 22nd January, 1858. He attended Royal Military
College Sandhurst and after he graduation he started his military carrier in 1878.
Fredrick Lord Lugard married Flora Shaw. Flora Shaw was the British journalist to the
Niger area who gave our country the name Nigeria.
Fredrick Lord Lugard was the first High commissioner of Northern protectorate from
1900 to 1906, the last Governor of Northern Nigeria protectorate until 1914 and the last
Governor of southern Nigeria protectorate fro, 1912 to 1914.
He was the one who led the process of amalgamating Nigeria in 1914 and the first
Governor General of Nigeria from 1914 to 1919
.
3. THE EUROPEAN MISSIONARIES

131
 Without the activities and influence of missionaries it would have been difficult to
colonize Nigeria not to talk of amalgamating the territories.

UNIT 5: FACTORS THAT CONTRIBUTED TO NIGERIAN NATIONALISM

MOVEMENT

Many Factors were responsible for the rise in nationalist movement in Nigeria. Some of these
factors were internal factors while others were external factors.

INTERNAL FACTORS

1. UNPOPLAR COLONIAL RULS

STUDENT EXERCISE

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. In what year did Fredrick Lord Lugard look ever the administration of Northern and
Southern protectorate?
A. 1906
B. 1912
C. 1914
D. 1916
2. Tubman Goldie became the president of the Royal Niger Company in the
year________________

A. 1886
B. 1887
C. 1895
D. 1896
3. Northern protectorate of Nigeria and the Southern protectorate of Nigeria were
amalgamated in the year__________
A. 1903
B. 1906
C. 1914
D. 1916
4. The Nigeria territory was handed over to British government by the Royal Niger
Company for_________________ pounds
A. 865,000

132
 B. 875,000
C. 885,000
D. 895,000
5. -------------------------------- merged Southern protectorate and the colony of Lagos
together.
A. Lord Lugard
B. Lewis Harcout
C. Walter Egerton
D. None of the Above
6. Taubman Goldie was born in __________________
A. 1842
B. 1844
C. 1846
D. 1848
7. _____________________________ was the secretary of state for colonies in British
in 1914.
A. Lord Lugard
B. Lewis Harcout
C. Walter Egerton
D. None of the Above

UNIT 1: MEANING OF NATIONALISM

Nationalism can be defined as the expression of peoples’ desire for self-determine and self-
governance.

It is a social political derive where people desire to directly be involved in the process of
governance to determine their future.

In the context of Africa and Nigeria, we can understand nationalism from the view point of a
struggle made by Africans (Nigerians) to free themselves from colonial ( Foreign) rule and to
gain independent.

Nationalism is (was) an act of patriotism to gain to give black (Africans or Nigerians) is say
in the management of their own affairs.

Nationalism movement in Nigerian was two phase or dimension.

The first phase was the focus of nationalism before the second world war (in 1939-1945)

The second phase was the focus of Nationalism after the second world war (in 1939-1945.

133
PHASE ONE OF NATIONALIST DEMAND

before the second world war, elite who were basically the leaders of various nationalist
movement in Nigerian were demanding for:

Language and eating their foods. The missionaries provided free health care service, started
schools, constructed roads for the people. These and many more made Nigerians receptive to
white people and the colonials masters who later came to colonize the country. Also the
missionary especially in the southern protectorate had converted many people into
Christianity and this made it easier for the southern protectorate to accept the idea of
amalgamating with the northern protectorate.

In fact, the missionary were used as a medium to convince the local people of the benefits of
the amalgamation.

4. TRADITIONAL RULERS

Realizing how powerful traditional rulers were in different part of Nigeria, the British
colonial government adopted the indirect rule system where they administer the people
through their traditional rulers.

UNIT 2: PROCESS OF AMALGAMATING NIGERIA TERRITORIES

As the high commissioner the northern protectorate, Sir Fredrick Lord Lugard thought about
merging the Northern protectorate, the Southern protectorate and the colony of Lagos
together about ten years before he became Governor General of Nigeria Territory. He was
able to convince sir William Mac Gregor who was the Governor of Lagos Colony and Sir
Ralph Moore who was the high commissioner of Southern Nigeria to come to agreement
with him on the need to amalgamate Nigeria.

Fredrick Lord Lugard Submitted the amalgamation proposal to London which was approved
by, and now an officially came to effect on first January 1914.

UNIT 3: IMPLICATION OF THE AMALGAMATION OF NIGERIA

1. The first implication of amalgamation was that the colony of Lagos, the Southern
protectorate of Nigeria and the northern
2. Foreign control of trade and economy:
The colony government regulated and controlled the price of export cash crops like cocoa
and palm oil and cottons. The colonial government buys the cash crops and exports the
goods to Europe through established marketing boards the effect of this was that the price
of cash crops was going down while formers and the local business men has to use the
little they realize from the export of their farm product to buy highly priced and
expensive manufactured product import to Nigeria from Europe.

134
 Nigeria trade were not favorite in export and import business and this made many of
them to be satisfied with colonial rules and to promote the nationalism movement in the
country.
3. Discrimination of Nigerian workers in the civil servant:
In the early days of colonials rules in Nigeria; Nigerian were recruited only into junior
positions in civil servant while the senior position were reserved for white Europeans
(British).
4. Establishment of political parties: Following the introduction of elective principle
in1992 Clifford construction; the first political party in Nigeria emerged in 1923. This
political party was called Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP).
NNDP was established by Herbert referred to as the father of Nationalism in Nigeria.
5. INCREASE IN THE ACTIVITIES OF TRADE UNION
Activities of Labour Unions like the Railway Workers Union’s strike in 1945 led by their
leader Michael Imoudu and many others demand for better pay and better condition of
service from the British led colonial government played a key role in advancing
nationalism Movement in Nigeria.
6. IMPROVED EDUCATIONAL FACILITIES
As more secondary schools were been established, many Nigerians were given access to
formal education. More elites were produced in Nigeria tertiary institutions following the
establishment of Yaba Higher College in 1934 and University College Ibadan in 1948.
7. ESTABLISHMENT OF NEWSPAPERS
In order to pass their message across to the people, many of the nationalist leaders
established newspapers companies and used their newspaper companies to attack and to
critique the colonial government and to call for independence of Nigeria.
Lagos daily news was established in 1927 by Herbert Macaulay and Dr Akilade
Caulcrick, West African Pilot was established in 1937 by Nnamdi Azikiwe, Nigerian
Tribune was established in 1949 by Chief Obafemi Awolowo

EXTERNAL FACTOR
There are so many factors outside Nigeria that encouraged our nationalist to continue in
their struggle for self-determination and independence of Nigeria.
Below are the some of these external factors
1. ATLANTIC CHARTER
For the United State of America (USA) to join the United Kingdom (UK) to fight
German-dictator Adolf-Hitler in the Second World War, both countries had to sign a
number of agreements and one of such agreement was the Atlantic Charter signed in
1914 between USA and UK.
The Atlantic Charter recognized the need to respect “the right of all peoples to
choose the form of government under which they will live.”
.

135
2. INFLUENCE OF AMERICA
The United State of America played a critical role in ending the second world war
when they threw the World’s first Atomic Bomb to the city of Hiroshima and
Nagasaki Japan in 1945 causing Japan to surrender.
Meanwhile Japan was a major ally of Germany in the war at that time.
The war turned United State of America (USA) in to a new super-power and their
influence around the world grew as the most powerful nation in the world.
3. INDEPENDENCE OF ASIA COUNTRIES
Shortly after the Second World War, many countries in Asia became more aggressive
in their struggle for independence. This was because they saw and realized that the
United Kingdom like any other country can be defeated and may not be strong
enough to continue to secure them from external attack following Japan’s initial gain
in defeating the United Kingdom’s army in Malaya and in South-East Asian.
.

4. ATTITUDE OF BRISTISH LABOUR PARTY

There are two major party in the parliament of the United Kingdom. We have the
conservative party and the labour party.
5. UNITED NATIONS CHARTER
To prevent a future occurrence of another World War (Third world ward), countries
of the world came together to form the United Nation. The united nation was backed
by a treaty which was signed by all member nations that recognize the United Nation
as an inter-government organization. The charter or agreements signed by member
countries are bounding on all its members.

6. INFLUENCE OF NIGERIAN STUDENTS IN LONDON

Nigerian students schooling in London (United Kingdom) join the nationalist struggle
in demanding for self-determination and independence of our dear country Nigeria.
They organized rallies on the street of London asking for constitutional changes in
Nigeria to allow for self determination.
They wrote petitions to the secretary of state for the colonies in London and some
contributed money and sent money back home to Nigeria to finance and aid the
activities of various Nationalists groups at home in Nigeria.
SUPPORT FROM EX-SERVICE MEN
British government recruited many Nigeria into the West African troops.
They used them to fighting the North Africa, East Africa and South-East Asia wing of
the Second World War. This experience gave blacks (Nigerian) privilege to interact
with white soldiers and they soon discovered that unlike what they thought before
that time white men (soldier) was an ordinary man like them who could also be killed
by a gunshot bullet.

136
 They saw many of the white soldier cry, wounded and die and they soon realize that
if the nationalist can effectively organize their struggle in Nigeria, the British
government can be defeated and we can gain our independence.

UNIT4: NATURE OF NIGERIAN NATIONALISM AND NIGERIA NATIONALISTS

so many people who we call nationalist leaders played key roles in leading the struggle.

Some of these nationalist leaders are:

1. Herbert Macaulay
2. Nnamdi Azikiwe
3. Obafemi Awolowo
4. Ahmadu Bello
5. Tafawa Balewa
6. Anthony Enachoro
7. Aminu Kano

UNIT 4: NIGERIA ATTAINMENT OF INDEPENDENCE IN 1960

Nigeria was granted intendance from British colonial rule on 1st October, 1960. That the
independence date be determined by the Nigerian parliament which is to be elected into
office in January, 1960.

MULTILE CHOICE QUESTIONS

1. The first political party in Nigeria was established in the year__________ (a) 1922 (b)
1945 (c) 1923 (d) 1946
2. University College Ibadan was established in the year ________ (a) 1934 (b) 1938 (c)
1944 (d) 1948
3. Nigerian tribune was established by __________ (a) chief Obafemi Awolowo (b) Dr.
Nnamdi Azikiwe (c) Dr. Akilade Caulcrick (d) Herbert Macaulay
4. Nigeria gained her independence in _______ (a) 1957 (b) 1959 (c) 1960 (d) 1961
5. London Constitutional Conference happened in the year _______ (a) 1957 (b) 1958 (c)
1960 (d) 1961
6. Which of these tertiaty institutions was established in 1934 (a) Yaba higher college (b)
Ahmadu Bellow University (c) university college Ibadan (d) none of the above
7. _________ was the first political party established in Nigeria (a) Action group (b)
Nigeria youth movement (c) National People’s Congress (d) Nigerian National
Democratic Party.

137
8. Who among these Nigeria Nationalist was born in 1904? (a) Ahmadu bello (b) Nnamdi
Azikiwe (c) Obafemi Awolowo (d) Aminu kano
9. Lagos youth movement was established in ______ (a) 1923 (b) 1928 (c) 1933 (d) 1938
10. Who among these people was not a Nationalist? (a) Aminu Kano (b) Tafawa Balewa (c)
Anthony Enahoro (d) Goodluck Ebele Jonathan

138