Nigeria Independence Quiz Questions And Answers

Nigeria gained independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960. This marked a significant turning point in the country's history, ending over 100 years of British control. The date is celebrated annually as Nigeria's Independence Day, a national holiday that honors the sacrifices of those who fought for self-governance. The country transitioned from a colony to a federal republic, with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa becoming the first Prime Minister. The day is regarded as the birth of modern Nigeria, and the independence movement has since shaped the nation's growth and development.

Islam is the predominant religion followed by the Hausa ethnic group in Nigeria. The Hausa people, primarily located in the northern region of Nigeria, embraced Islam as early as the 14th century. Today, nearly all Hausa people practice Islam, and it forms an integral part of their cultural identity. Islamic practices influence many aspects of daily life, including language, dress, and festivals. The Hausa people's strong Islamic faith has shaped their societal values, and they are known for their religious commitment, which is reflected in their involvement in Islamic practices across Nigeria.

Abuja is the capital city of Nigeria, officially chosen in 1991. It replaced Lagos, which remains the country’s largest city and commercial hub. Abuja was selected because of its central location, which made it more accessible to people from different parts of Nigeria, fostering unity. It also offered a neutral ground to avoid favoring any particular ethnic group or region, unlike Lagos, which had strong ties to the Yoruba ethnic group. Abuja is now the center of government, housing key political institutions and foreign embassies, making it vital to Nigeria's administration.

The Action Group (AG) was a political party in Nigeria founded in 1950. It was led by Obafemi Awolowo, a significant figure in Nigerian politics, and it primarily represented the southwestern region. The AG was one of the key parties pushing for Nigeria’s independence from British colonial rule. The party advocated for a more federal structure, social welfare, and educational reforms. The AG played an influential role in Nigerian politics, particularly in the western region, and contributed significantly to the creation of Nigeria's political institutions after independence.

The MCNC (Movement for the Cultural Renaissance of Nigeria) was primarily associated with the Igbo ethnic group. The Igbo are one of the major ethnic groups in Nigeria, predominantly located in the southeastern part of the country. The MCNC was instrumental in promoting the political, cultural, and social interests of the Igbo people. During Nigeria’s struggle for independence, the Igbo were heavily involved in advocating for self-governance and equality. The party’s influence was critical in the eastern region and contributed to the political dynamics that shaped Nigeria's post-independence development.

The Action Group (AG) primarily represented the Yoruba ethnic group, which is predominantly located in southwestern Nigeria. The Yoruba played a crucial role in Nigeria's fight for independence, and the AG was one of the most significant political parties advocating for the political and cultural rights of the Yoruba people. Under the leadership of Obafemi Awolowo, the AG contributed significantly to the establishment of a federal system in Nigeria. The Yoruba ethnic group, with their distinct cultural heritage and political influence, was at the forefront of Nigeria's independence movement and post-colonial governance.

In 1960, Nigeria had three major political parties: the Northern People's Congress (NPC), the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), and the Action Group (AG). These parties were influential in the politics of pre-independence Nigeria. The NPC mainly represented the northern regions, the NCNC had a strong presence in the eastern regions, and the AG was active in the western regions. Their roles were crucial in the push for independence and the shaping of Nigeria's political landscape post-independence. The correct answer is 3 because these were the prominent political parties in 1960.

The NCNC (National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons) was a major political party in Nigeria and the Cameroons during the colonial period. Founded in 1944, the NCNC advocated for the independence of Nigeria and played an essential role in the decolonization process. The party was founded by prominent leaders, including Nnamdi Azikiwe, who later became Nigeria's first President. It was particularly active in the eastern part of Nigeria and pushed for political and economic self-determination for both Nigeria and British-controlled Cameroon. The NCNC's legacy remains significant in Nigeria’s history of independence.