When was the Southern Nigeria divided into Eastern and Western provinces for administrative conveniences?

Analyze the question: The question asks for the year Southern Nigeria was divided into Eastern and Western Provinces for administrative convenience.

Concept: Nigeria's administrative history shows several key divisions:

• 1914: Amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria by Lord Lugard.
• 1939: Southern Provinces split into Eastern and Western Provinces under Governor Sir Bernard Bourdillon. This gave three regions: North, East and West (the Lagos area stayed with the West).
• 1946: Richards Constitution formally recognised the three regions (North, East, West), effective 1947.
• 1951: Macpherson Constitution.
• 1954: Lyttelton Constitution (federalism).

Solution:

1. The Southern Provinces were a single administrative unit after 1914.
2. By the late 1930s, the area had become too large and diverse (Yoruba and Edo-speaking areas in the west, Igbo, Efik, Ijaw and others in the east) to be administered conveniently from one centre.
3. In 1939, Governor Bourdillon divided it into the Eastern and Western Provinces.
4. This is the year in the options that matches: 1939.

Answer: Option C. 1939.

Exam tip: Remember "1939 = Bourdillon = 3 groups" (North, East, West). The 1939 division laid the foundation for the three regions that the Richards Constitution of 1946 later formalised. Do not confuse it with 1914 (Amalgamation) or 1946 (Richards Constitution).