In the history of Nigeria, 1914 was the

Analyze the question: The question asks what happened in Nigeria's history in 1914. It is about a key date in colonial history.

Explain the concept: Before 1914, the British ruled Nigeria as separate parts:

• The Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria
• The Protectorate of Northern Nigeria

Sir Frederick Lugard was the Governor-General at the time. On 1 January 1914, he joined the two protectorates (and the Lagos Colony) into one entity, called the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria. This is known as the Amalgamation of 1914.

Check each option:

• A. British established their rule over Nigeria: Wrong. British rule began much earlier. Lagos was annexed in 1861, and the Northern and Southern protectorates were declared in 1900-1906, so there was no single "establishment" in 1914.
• B. Beginning of the First World War: This is tricky. The war did begin in 1914 (July/August), but it is a world event, not specifically part of Nigerian history. The question asks what the year was in Nigeria's history, so the Nigerian event is the better answer.
• C. Lugard effected amalgamation of Nigeria: Correct. This is the defining event of 1914 in Nigeria.
• D. Railway system completed: Wrong. The railway reached Kano in 1911, and the Lagos-Kano line was finished then, not in 1914.

Tip: Remember "1914 = Lugard = Amalgamation". Other dates to pair with it are 1861 (Lagos annexed), 1900 (Northern and Southern Protectorates), 1906 (Lagos merged with Southern Protectorate), and 1960 (independence). When an option names a Nigerian event and another names a global event, JAMB Government questions usually want the Nigerian one.