What did NOT give birth to the development of nationalism in Nigeria?

1. Analyze the question This is an "EXCEPT/NOT" question. Four options are causes of Nigerian nationalism (grievances under colonial rule). One is not. We look for the option that does not fit the colonial situation.

2. Concept Nationalism in Nigeria grew from resentment of colonial rule. The main causes included:

• Racial discrimination in jobs, pay and promotion (A)
• Interference with and disrespect for African culture and religion (C)
• Denial of social amenities and opportunities, such as poor infrastructure and limited education (D)
• Foreign domination of the economy, with companies like UAC and John Holt controlling trade (E)
• Others: the return of ex-servicemen after World War II, the influence of the Atlantic Charter, Pan-Africanism, and the press

3. Step-by-step check

• A: Discrimination against Nigerians in employment caused anger. It is a cause.
• B: It says that key decisions were made by Nigerians for Europeans to carry out. Under colonial rule, the reverse was true: Europeans made the key decisions and Nigerians were made to carry them out. Nigerians were excluded from decision-making, and that exclusion fuelled nationalism. So the statement as given describes something that did not happen, and it could not have caused nationalism.
• C: Interference with culture caused resentment. It is a cause.
• D: Denial of facilities caused agitation. It is a cause.
• E: Foreign control of the economy was a major grievance. It is a cause.

4. Answer

5. Exam tip For "NOT/EXCEPT" questions, test each option against the real history. Colonial grievances are about Nigerians being excluded, discriminated against, or exploited. Any option that shows Nigerians in control or in a position of power is likely the wrong one, which makes it the answer to a "NOT" question.