The first Head of Government in Nigeria after independence was__________

Analyze the question: It asks for the Head of Government (not Head of State) at independence in 1960.

Explain the concept:

• Head of State is the ceremonial leader who represents the nation.
• Head of Government is the executive leader who runs the day-to-day government. Under the 1960 independence constitution, Nigeria used a parliamentary system, so this was the Prime Minister.

Step-by-step solution:

1. Nigeria became independent on 1 October 1960 under a parliamentary system.
2. In that system, the Governor-General was the Head of State, representing the Queen. The Prime Minister was the Head of Government.
3. Nnamdi Azikiwe became Governor-General in 1960 and later the first President in 1963. That makes him the first Head of State (ceremonial), not Head of Government.
4. Ahmadu Bello was the Premier of the Northern Region and the Sardauna of Sokoto. He was never the national Prime Minister.
5. Herbert Macaulay was an early nationalist and founder of the NCNC. He died in 1946, before independence.
6. Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was the Prime Minister of Nigeria from 1957 (pre-independence) and continued after independence until the January 1966 coup. He was the Head of Government.

Correct answer: C. Tafawa Balewa

Exam tip: Remember the pairing: Azikiwe = Head of State (ceremonial); Balewa = Head of Government (Prime Minister). "Balewa Binds the Business of government" can help you recall that he ran the executive. Always check whether a question says Head of State or Head of Government, because JAMB likes to test that difference.