2023 JAMB History Past Questions & Answers

Question 1

Which social group in Nigeria was most affected by the introduction of the indirect rule system?

Accepted Answer

B. Educated elites

Answer

A. Chief priest

Answer

C. Traditional rulers

Answer

D. Women in rural areas

Question 2

Which initiative was launched by the Buhari administration to tackle corruption in Nigeria?

Accepted Answer

A. EFCC (Economic and Financial Crimes Commission)

Answer

B. Operation Python Dance

Answer

C. Operation Crocodile Smile

Answer

D. Operation Lafiya Dole

Question 3

Which Yoruba city-state was the last to fall to British colonial rule in the late 19th century?

Accepted Answer

B. Oyo

Answer

A. Abeokuta

Answer

C. Lagos

Answer

D. Ibadan

Question 4

The Efik Kingdom had a highly developed system of writing known as

Accepted Answer

D. Nsibidi

Answer

A. Hieroglyphics

Answer

B. Cuneiform

Answer

C. Ajami

Question 5

Who was the Zulu king responsible for the expansion of the Zulu Kingdom during the MFECANE?

Accepted Answer

D. Shaka Zulu

Answer

A. King Moshoeshoe

Answer

B. King Cetshwayo

Answer

C. Nelson Mandela

Question 6

The Kanem-Borno Empire prospered due to its control over

Accepted Answer

B. Salt trade

Answer

A. Ivory trade

Answer

C. Gold trade

Answer

D. Copper trade

Question 7

Which historical period is characterized by the emergence of written language and the invention of the wheel?

Accepted Answer

A. Bronze Age

Answer

B. Middle Ages

Answer

C. Stone Age

Answer

D. Neolithic Age

Question 8

The Oyo Empire reached its peak during the reign of which Alaafin?

Accepted Answer

D. Abiodun

Answer

A. Oba Ewuare

Answer

B. Oduduwa

Answer

C. Shango

Question 9

During the Second Republic, Nigeria experienced a boom in which sector?

Accepted Answer

C. Oil and gas

Answer

A. Technology

Answer

B. Mining

Answer

D. Agriculture

Question 10

Who is often considered the founder of modern Egypt and the ruler of Egypt from 1805 to 1848?

Accepted Answer

A. Mohammed Ali

Answer

B. Gamal Abdel Nasser

Answer

C. Khedive Ismail

Answer

D. King Farouk

Question 11

The city of Ife, in present-day Nigeria, is famous for its artistic heritage, particularly its

Accepted Answer

D. Terracotta sculptures

Answer

A. Beadwork

Answer

B. Adire textiles

Answer

C. Wooden masks

Question 12

Which British explorer is credited with the "discovery" of the Niger River, sparking further interest in the Nigeria Area?

Accepted Answer

D. Ferdinand Magellan

Answer

A. James Cook

Answer

B. John Cabot

Answer

C. David Livingstone

Question 13

What was the primary economic activity of the Nupe people during this period?

Accepted Answer

B. Farming

Answer

A. Hunting

Answer

C. Fishing

Answer

D. Trading

Question 14

How did the amalgamation affect the traditional political systems in Nigeria?

Accepted Answer

C. It strengthened the traditional systems

Answer

A. It had no impact on the traditional systems

Answer

B. It abolished the traditional systems

Answer

D. It led to the formation of a new political system

Question 15

What was the major consequence of the Scramble for Africa in Yorubaland?

Accepted Answer

B. Yorubaland lost its independence and became a British protectorate.

Answer

A. Yorubaland experienced rapid industrialization.

Answer

C. Yoruba city-states formed a confederation.

Answer

D. Yorubaland became a French colony.

Question 16

The colonization of Liberia began in what year?

Accepted Answer

B. 1807

Answer

A. 1875

Answer

C. 1807

Answer

D. 1850

Question 17

The British colonial policy of "indirect rule" was first implemented in Nigeria by Lugard in which region?

Accepted Answer

D. Kano

Answer

A. Calabar

Answer

B. Oyo

Answer

C. Lagos

Question 18

Which colonial policy was implemented to extract resources and labor from Nigeria for Britain's benefit?

Accepted Answer

D. Exploitation

Answer

A. Assimilation

Answer

B. Indirect rule

Answer

C. Association

Question 19

The Treaty of Nanjing, signed after the First Opium War, resulted in the cession of which territory to Great Britain?

Accepted Answer

B. Hong Kong

Answer

A. Macau

Answer

C. Taiwan

Answer

D. Shanghai

Question 20

In which year did Nigeria host the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM)?

Accepted Answer

D. 2003

Answer

A. 1999

Answer

B. 2013

Answer

C. 2007

Question 21

Which external influence contributed to the spread of the Bantu language in the Nigeria area?

Accepted Answer

A. Nok civilization

Answer

B. Egyptian traders

Answer

C. Phoenician explorers

Answer

D. Arab merchants

Question 22

How did Ethiopia's defeat of Italian forces at the Battle of Adwa impact the Pan-African movement?

Accepted Answer

A. It inspired other African nations to join the movement

Answer

B. It encouraged African diaspora communities to return to Africa

Answer

C. It led to the formation of the African Union

Answer

D. It accelerated the end of colonialism in Africa

Question 23

What event marked the official end of apartheid in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

A. The release of Nelson Mandela from prison

Answer

B. The signing of the Freedom Charter

Answer

C. The Sharpeville Massacre

Answer

D. The Truth and Reconciliation Commission hearings

Question 24

Which constitutional conference in London paved the way for Nigeria's independence?

Accepted Answer

D. London Conference of 1957

Answer

A. London Conference of 1945

Answer

B. London Conference of 1920

Answer

C. London Conference of 1963

Question 25

Which major international power supported Biafra during the Civil War?

Accepted Answer

A. France

Answer

B. China

Answer

C. United Kingdom

Answer

D. United States

Question 26

During the Mahdiyya Movement, the British-Egyptian forces were defeated at the Battle of

Accepted Answer

C. Khartoum

Answer

A. Kerreri

Answer

B. Dongola

Answer

D. Omdurman

Question 27

The first colonial capital of Nigeria was established in

Accepted Answer

C. Calabar

Answer

A. Lagos

Answer

B. Port Harcourt

Answer

D. Kano

Question 28

Which event marked the rise of Mohammed Ali to power in Egypt?

Accepted Answer

A. The French Invasion of Egypt

Answer

B. The British Occupation of Egypt

Answer

C. The Mamluk Massacre

Answer

D. The Ottoman-Saudi War

Question 29

How did the Murtala/Obasanjo regime handle the issue of minority rights and tensions among various ethnic groups?

Accepted Answer

B. Implementing a quota system in government employment and education

Answer

A. Encouraging forced assimilation of minority cultures

Answer

C. Imposing martial law in regions with conflicts

Answer

D. Granting autonomy to regions seeking independence

Question 30

The Rwandan genocide in 1994 resulted in the mass killing of which ethnic group?

Accepted Answer

B. Tutsis

Answer

A. Zulus

Answer

C. Hutus

Answer

D. Bantus

Question 31

The Magna Carta, signed in 1215, is an important historical document that limited the power of which figure?

Accepted Answer

A. Kings and Monarchs

Answer

B. The Pope

Answer

C. Military Generals

Answer

D. Wealthy Merchants

Question 32

What was the purpose of the Pan-African Congresses that began in 1900?

Accepted Answer

C. To discuss strategies for African independence and unity

Answer

A. To advocate for African colonization of Europe

Answer

B. To promote European imperialism in Africa

Answer

D. To establish trade alliances with Asian countries

Question 33

The movement led by El Hadj Umar Tall in the 19th century aimed to create an Islamic state in

Accepted Answer

B. Mali

Answer

A. Senegal

Answer

C. Guinea

Answer

D. Mauritania

Question 34

The decline of the Songhai Empire in the 16th century was partly due to

Accepted Answer

A. Internal unrest and external attacks

Answer

B. Arab invasions

Answer

C. British colonial expansion

Answer

D. Portuguese trade restrictions

Question 35

The Omani Empire declined in the 19th century due to

Accepted Answer

A. Internal power struggles

Answer

B. Natural disasters

Answer

C. Invasions from neighboring empires

Answer

D. European colonialism

Question 36

How did the establishment of missionary schools during the colonial era affect the Nigerian economy?

Accepted Answer

C. It improved the literacy rate and provided a skilled workforce.

Answer

A. It led to increased government spending on education.

Answer

B. It hindered economic development due to religious conflicts.

Answer

D. It favored British education over traditional Nigerian education.

Question 37

The "Magna Carta," signed in 1215, limited the power of which monarch?

Accepted Answer

C. King John of England

Answer

A. King Louis XIV of France

Answer

B. King Henry VIII of England

Answer

D. Emperor Charlemagne of the Holy Roman Empire

Question 38

Which of the following was a significant effect of colonial education in Nigeria?

Accepted Answer

C. Limited access to education for the masses

Answer

A. Elimination of traditional educational systems

Answer

B. Fostering unity among various ethnic groups

Answer

D. Preservation of indigenous languages and cultures

Question 39

Muhammadu Buhari served as Nigeria's military head of state during which period?

Accepted Answer

D. 1983-1985

Answer

A. 1976-1979

Answer

B. 2007-2010

Answer

C. 1993-1998

Question 40

The Great Walls of Kano, ancient defensive walls, were built to protect the city from potential attacks in what century?

Accepted Answer

B. 12th century

Answer

A. 15th century

Answer

C. 13th century

Answer

D. 18th century

Question 41

Which organization played a crucial role in the fight against apartheid in South Africa and was led by Nelson Mandela?

Accepted Answer

D. African National Congress (ANC)

Answer

A. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)

Answer

B. African Union (AU)

Answer

C. Southern African Development Community (SADC)

Question 42

Which of the following trade commodities was highly sought after and contributed to the rise of several states in the Nigeria area up to 1800?

Accepted Answer

D. Salt

Answer

A. Ivory

Answer

B. Gold

Answer

C. Spices

Question 43

Who was the Oba of Benin during the height of the kingdom's power in the 19th century?

Accepted Answer

B. Oba Ovonramwen

Answer

A. Oba Ewuare II

Answer

C. Oba Akenzua II

Answer

D. Oba Erediauwa

Question 44

In 1991, Nigeria hosted the "World Festival of Black Arts and Culture." Which city was the venue for this cultural event?

Accepted Answer

D. Lagos

Answer

A. Abuja

Answer

B. Kano

Answer

C. Calabar

Question 45

What was the outcome of the Battle of Adwa in 1896?

Accepted Answer

B. Italy withdrew from Ethiopia.

Answer

A. Ethiopia and Italy signed a peace treaty.

Answer

C. Ethiopia gained full independence from Italy.

Answer

D. Ethiopia was annexed by Italy.

Question 46

Which conference, held in 1884-1885, laid the groundwork for the partition of Africa among European powers?

Accepted Answer

D. Conference of Berlin

Answer

A. Congress of Vienna

Answer

B. Treaty of Tordesillas

Answer

C. Treaty of Versailles

Question 47

Apartheid in South Africa was a system that institutionalized racial segregation and discrimination. What year did it officially begin?

Accepted Answer

A. 1948

Answer

B. 1956

Answer

C. 1971

Answer

D. 1963

Question 48

The Mfecane was primarily driven by

Accepted Answer

B. Intertribal conflicts and population movements

Answer

A. Famine and drought

Answer

C. European colonial expansion

Answer

D. Arab slave trade

Question 49

Sierra Leone is home to a rich musical tradition, with one popular genre known as

Accepted Answer

A. Maringa

Answer

B. Reggae

Answer

C. Highlife

Answer

D. Salsa

Question 50

The Omani influence in East Africa led to the growth of a distinct Swahili culture. What contributed to the development of this culture?

Accepted Answer

C. Indian migration

Answer

A. Chinese trade missions

Answer

B. Persian conquests

Answer

D. Portuguese colonization

Question 51

Which region of Nigeria was known for its active involvement in long-distance trade during the pre-1800 period?

Accepted Answer

C. Lake Chad Basin

Answer

A. Sahara Desert

Answer

B. Niger Delta

Answer

D. Benue River Valley

Question 52

During The Great Trek, the Boers clashed with which indigenous African groups?

Accepted Answer

B. Zulu and Xhosa.

Answer

A. Maasai and Kikuyu.

Answer

C. San and Khoikhoi.

Answer

D. Berber and Tuareg.

Question 53

Which major event led to the decline of the Benin Kingdom's influence in the 19th century?

Accepted Answer

B. The Scramble for Africa

Answer

A. The American Civil War

Answer

C. The Opium Wars

Answer

D. The French Revolution

Question 54

What was the political structure of the Nupe Kingdom during this period?

Accepted Answer

B. Absolute monarchy

Answer

A. Feudal system

Answer

C. Tribal confederation

Answer

D. Parliamentary democracy

Question 55

What significant event occurred during the Murtala/Obasanjo regime's early days in office?

Accepted Answer

B. The release of political prisoners

Answer

A. The declaration of war against neighboring countries

Answer

C. The launch of the Green Revolution program

Answer

D. The Second Republic elections

Question 56

What contributed significantly to the rise of early states in Nigeria?

Accepted Answer

D. Agricultural advancements

Answer

A. Industrial revolution

Answer

B. Arab trade routes

Answer

C. European colonization

Question 57

Which European explorer is credited with discovering Sierra Leone in the 15th century?

Accepted Answer

D. Pedro de Sintra

Answer

A. Vasco da Gama

Answer

B. Christopher Columbus

Answer

C. Ferdinand Magellan

Question 58

Which African country experienced a prolonged and violent struggle for independence against French colonial rule, culminating in a war of independence that lasted from 1954 to 1962?

Accepted Answer

A. Algeria

Answer

B. Tunisia

Answer

C. Tunisia

Answer

D. Morocco

Question 59

The Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 introduced which significant political reform in Nigeria?

Accepted Answer

C. Introduction of the federal system

Answer

A. Introduction of regional autonomy

Answer

B. Creation of the Office of the Governor-General

Answer

D. Establishment of the Legislative Council

Question 60

The Richards Constitution of 1946 introduced a new political structure in Nigeria. What was a major criticism of this constitution by Nigerian nationalists?

Accepted Answer

B. It favored the interests of urban elites over rural populations.

Answer

A. It failed to recognize the diversity of ethnic groups in Nigeria.

Answer

C. It restricted the activities of nationalist organizations.

Answer

D. It granted too much power to regional governments.

Question 61

What was the primary reason for the military takeover by the Abacha regime?

Accepted Answer

C. To restore democracy

Answer

A. To implement economic reforms

Answer

B. To promote religious freedom

Answer

D. To fight corruption

Question 62

The Aba Women's Riots of 1929 were a response to:

Accepted Answer

C. The imposition of heavy taxes on women traders.

Answer

A. The prohibition of women from participating in politics.

Answer

B. The banning of traditional religious practices.

Answer

D. Forced labor in European-owned plantations.

Question 63

Which African leader famously stated, "I am the captain of my soul" and became an icon of the decolonization movement?

Accepted Answer

A. Nelson Mandela

Answer

B. Julius Nyerere

Answer

C. Patrice Lumumba

Answer

D. Jomo Kenyatta

Question 64

Which international boycott significantly contributed to the end of apartheid in South Africa?

Accepted Answer

B. The Anti-Apartheid Boycott

Answer

A. The Suez Canal Boycott

Answer

C. The Boston Tea Party Boycott

Answer

D. The Montgomery Bus Boycott

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