NECO 2005 Government · Question 21

The major objectives of the colonialists in Nigeria does NOT include

Options

  1. A.adventure
  2. B.economic reasons
  3. C.educational expansion
  4. D.market expansion
  5. E.missionary activities

Answer: C. educational expansion

Explanation written with AI and checked against the answer key

Step 1: Analyze the question The question asks which option was NOT a major objective of the colonialists in Nigeria. So we are looking for the "odd one out."

Step 2: Recall the concept European contact with and colonization of Nigeria was driven mainly by the "3 Cs" and related motives:

  • Commerce (economic reasons): Europeans wanted raw materials such as palm oil, cocoa, and groundnuts, and later rubber and tin.
  • Market expansion: Industrial Europe, especially after the Industrial Revolution, needed new markets to sell manufactured goods.
  • Christianity (missionary activities): Missionaries wanted to spread the Christian faith and end the slave trade.
  • Adventure and exploration: Explorers such as Mungo Park, Clapperton, and the Lander brothers came to discover the course of the River Niger and open up the interior.
  • Civilization: a stated aim, though often used to justify other interests.

Step 3: Evaluate the options

  • A. Adventure: Yes, it was a motive (exploration of the interior).
  • B. Economic reasons: Yes, it was the central motive (raw materials and trade).
  • C. Educational expansion: Education was a by-product. Missionaries introduced schools mainly to train converts, interpreters, and clerks. It was a tool to serve other goals, not a major objective of colonialism.
  • D. Market expansion: Yes, it was a motive (outlets for European goods).
  • E. Missionary activities: Yes, it was a motive (spreading Christianity).

Step 4: Answer The option that was not a major objective is C. educational expansion.

Tip: For colonial motives, remember "Commerce, Christianity, Civilization, and Adventure." Education came as a means or result of these, not as a goal itself. In "NOT/EXCEPT" questions, first list what you know is true, then pick the one that doesn't fit.

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