The Nigeria's head of government in 1963 was _____

Analyze the question: The question asks who was Nigeria's head of government in 1963. This is different from the head of state, so the distinction matters.

Explain the concept:

• Nigeria became independent on 1 October 1960 and became a Republic on 1 October 1963.
• Under the 1960 Independence Constitution and the 1963 Republican Constitution, Nigeria operated a parliamentary system.
• In a parliamentary system, the Prime Minister is the head of government, while the President (or Governor-General before 1963) is a largely ceremonial head of state.

Show the solution:

1. Head of government in 1963 = the Prime Minister.
2. Nigeria's Prime Minister from 1957 (Chief Minister, then Prime Minister) until the January 1966 coup was Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa.
3. Checking the other options: • A. Nnamdi Azikiwe was Governor-General (1960-63), then the first President (1963-66). He was head of state, not head of government. • B. Yakubu Gowon became head of state in 1966 after the July counter-coup. • D. Aguiyi Ironsi became head of the military government in January 1966.

Identify the answer: The head of government in 1963 was Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, so the answer is C. The option is written as "Alhaji Abubakar Tafawa", which is clearly meant to be Tafawa Balewa.

Tip: Remember the pairing for the First Republic: Balewa = Prime Minister = head of government, and Azikiwe = President = head of state (ceremonial). In exams, whenever you see "head of government" in a parliamentary setting, think Prime Minister. Gowon and Ironsi only appear after the 1966 coups.