GST 112 Test Compilations 9

Comprehensive Study Summary: Nigerian History, Politics, and Culture

This document provides a rich overview of key historical, political, social, and cultural aspects of Nigeria, spanning from pre-colonial times through to contemporary issues. It covers the introduction of major religions, colonial administration, post-independence challenges, economic developments, and significant cultural practices.

I. Historical Context and Colonial Era

• Introduction of Islam: During its introduction to West Africa, Islam saw significant interactions between the Borno and the Berber merchants/clerics. In Hausaland, Islamization notably occurred during the reign of Sarki Rumfa, who also worked with chronicler Abdul Karim Al-Maghilli. The spread of Islam in Yorubaland was influenced by factors like the emergence of Ilorin as a frontier emirate and 19th-century wars, but not by the installation of the Ooni in the 19th century. Islam was present in the Nupe kingdom before the 18th century. The introduction of Islam affected various aspects of life, but notably not the climate of the people.
• Christianity and Colonialism: The first Christian missionaries in Nigeria visited Warri. European and American missionaries reintroduced Christianity in Nigeria in the 19th century. During the colonial era, British conquest was facilitated by various factors, with divine assistance not being one of them. The Indirect Rule system did not encourage the use of Native Militias.
• Amalgamation and Early Governance: Nigeria emerged as one entity in 1914 after the amalgamation. Oba Dosunmu was the King of Lagos who ceded territory to the British in 1861. Kaduna became the capital of Nigeria's former Northern Region (specific year not confirmed by checkmark).
• Urban Development: The establishment of Port Harcourt was primarily to facilitate the export of coal. Cities like Oka-Akoko were not directly influenced by colonial industrialization/commercialization efforts, unlike Port Harcourt, Jos, and Sapele. A "City" is defined by a large human settlement with extensive utilities, transportation, housing, and demography.

II. Political Landscape and Post-Independence Challenges

• Nigerian Civil War: Hassan Katsina captured the Biafra Radio and announced a takeover by Nigerian forces. Yakubu Gowon famously stated, "We are quelling a rebellion, not fighting an external enemy." The civil war covered the period 1967-1970, and at its end, Gowon extended the olive branch. Gowon led Nigerians out of the civil war on the side of "One Nigeria."
• Military Rule and Return to Democracy: Aguiyi Ironsi was the first military Head of State in Nigeria. Nigeria returned to civilian rule and liberal democracy in 1999. The 1993 presidential candidates were Alhaji Bashir Tofa and Chief M.K.O. Abiola.
• Corruption: The United Nations decade for women was 1975-1985. The culture of corruption in Nigeria has spiraled to all segments of the Nigerian state in the post-colonial period. Corruption is established when a people accept corruption as a way of life. To effectively fight corruption, Nigerians need not relent in promoting anti-corruption programmes. The fight against corruption in Nigeria has not been worsened by spiritual forces. One effect of corruption in Nigeria is election rigging.
• Political Participation: Women have largely been marginalized in Nigerian politics. Grace Alele Williams was the first female Vice Chancellor of any Nigerian university.
• Babangida Administration: The General Babangida Administration did a lot to foster women empowerment and the rights and image of Nigerian women.
• Human Rights & Security: The execution of environmentalist and human rights activist Kenule Beeson Saro-Wiwa took place on 10 Nov, 1995. The major religious insurgency affecting Nigeria since 2009 was caused by the activities of the Boko Haram group.
• Economy and Resources: Federal control of crude oil production has deprived host communities of the fiscal revenue accruing from oil production. The economic status of a city is largely determined by its financial health. The Miller Brothers company pioneered and facilitated rubber production in Sapele.

III. Social and Cultural Aspects

• Cultural Traditions: Under some cultural traditions, a prospective bride must undergo circumcision. Non-material contributions of parents to new couples include prayers for blessings. In some Nigerian groups, a woman who committed adultery without confessing would not be able to bear children. Traditional education equipped individuals to fit usefully into their society workspace. Nigerian traditional laws are generally favourable to widows. "Matriculation ceremonies" are not considered an aspect of our cultural heritage in the context of naming, funeral, or marriage ceremonies.
• Gender Roles and Women's Status: Titles such as Erelu, Iyalode, and Iyaloja were traditionally held by prominent Yoruba women. In Hausaland, women were most often relegated to the harvesting of agricultural crops. Westernized Women organizations emerged and developed under the colonial era. In Islamic practices, men conducted prayers while women and children obeyed the instructions (related to their specific roles during prayer).
• Marriage and Family: In contemporary Nigeria, bride price is mostly paid in cash. The Yoruba ethnic group encouraged the groom's family to entertain both families at the point of marriage. The bride exchange phenomenon is common among the Tiv group. In Yoruba tradition, honey is a material required in naming a child.
• Ethnic Groups and Languages: The Kanuri ethnic group founded the Kanem-Borno state. Most of the languages spoken in Nigeria are under the Kwa group of languages. "Esu" is not related to the traditional system in Northern Nigeria, unlike Habe, Ewuare, and Tsoede.
• Social Issues: Egalitarianism is not considered a social cankerworm, unlike nepotism, bribery, and corruption. The regime of quick and easy money in Nigeria did not encourage diligence. "Putting their communities first before their selfish interest" was not associated with many Warrant Chiefs, indicating issues of abuse of office.

IV. Other Key Information

• Geography: Nigeria occupies an area of 923,768 sq km. Diaspora refers to the physical and cultural presence of Nigerians outside Nigeria.
• Religion: On matters of faith, The Pentecostals could be considered the most intolerant Christian group. Bishop Dorcas Olaniyi is identified as the Leader of Faith Revival Ministries World Outreach in Lagos.
• Pollution: Pollution directly associated with generator sets is air pollution.
• International Relations: At the Kampala peace talks of May 1968, Biafra requested recognition of its sovereignty.