--- title: "WAEC Nigerian History Areas of Concentration 2027/2028" url: https://examloaded.com/waec-nigerian-history-areas-of-concentration/ date: 2026-10-13 modified: 2026-10-16 lang: en author: "Rabiu Francis" description: "See the WAEC Nigerian History Areas of Concentration 2027/2028, including West African history, ancient Nigeria, colonial rule, nationalism, independence and post-independence topics. The WAEC Nigerian History Areas of Concentration 2027/2028..." categories: - "2027 Official WAEC Exam Insights: Practice Questions, and Syllabus" tags: - "WAEC Areas of concentration 2027" image: https://examloaded.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/WAEC-Nigerian-History-Areas-of-Concentration-2027-2028.webp word_count: 4094 --- # WAEC Nigerian History Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 See the WAEC Nigerian History Areas of Concentration 2027/2028, including West African history, ancient Nigeria, colonial rule, nationalism, independence and post-independence topics. The **WAEC Nigerian History Areas of Concentration 2027/2028** will help you organise your revision around the major topics contained in the syllabus. [![WAEC Nigerian History Areas of Concentration 2027/2028](https://examloaded.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/WAEC-Nigerian-History-Areas-of-Concentration-2027-2028-300x202.webp)](https://examloaded.com/waec-nigerian-history-areas-of-concentration/waec-nigerian-history-areas-of-concentration-2027-2028/)WAEC Nigerian History Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 The examination is divided into two main papers. **Paper 1 covers West Africa and the Wider World from the earliest times to 2000**, while **Paper 2 covers national history**. Nigerian candidates answer the Nigeria section of Paper 2. **READ:** [Access 2027 WAEC Questions and Answers in all Subjects – Free Study Guide](/waec-questions-and-answers/) **ALSO READ:** [WAEC Specimens 2027](/waec-specimens-practicals/) For Nigeria, Paper 2 is divided into: - Nigeria from Earliest Times to 1800 - Nigeria in the 19th Century - Nigeria from 1900 to 2000 The main areas you should prepare are: - Historiography and Historical Skills - Trans-Saharan Trade - Islam in West Africa - European Contact with West Africa - Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade - Christian Missionary Activities - Scramble and Partition of West Africa - Colonial Rule - Independent West African States - International Organizations - Land and Peoples of Nigeria - Ancient Nigerian Civilizations - Nigerian States and Societies - Indigenous Crafts and Industries - External Influences - Sokoto Caliphate - Borno under the Shehus - Yorubaland in the 19th Century - Benin in the 19th Century - British Conquest of Nigeria - Amalgamation of 1914 - Colonial Administration - Nationalism - Independence - Nigeria Since Independence - International Organizations - Global Issues **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Accounting Syllabus 2027/2028 Questions PDF Download](/waec-financial-accounting-syllabus-questions/) ## WAEC Nigerian History Areas of Concentration at a Glance For your preparation, concentrate on: - Meaning of History - Reasons for Studying History - Sources of History - Historical Skills - ICT in Historical Studies - Trans-Saharan Trade - Origin of Trans-Saharan Trade - Organization of Trans-Saharan Trade - Effects of Trans-Saharan Trade - Islam in West Africa - Introduction of Islam - Spread of Islam - Effects of Islam - European Contact with West Africa - Reasons for European Contact - Effects of European Contact - West African Reactions - Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade - Origin of the Slave Trade - Organization of the Slave Trade - Effects of the Slave Trade - Suppression of the Slave Trade - Christian Missionary Activities - Impact of Christian Missions - Industrial Revolution - Scramble for Colonies - Partition of West Africa - Colonial Subjugation - West African Resistance - Colonial Rule - Patterns of Colonial Administration - Colonial Economy - Underdevelopment - West Africa and the World Wars - Problems of Independent West African States - Neo-colonialism - Economic Underdevelopment - Unequal Development - Political Instability - Military Intervention - Boundary Disputes - West African Unity - United Nations - OAU/African Union - ECOWAS - Land and Peoples of Nigeria - Geographical Zones - Environment and Human Activities - Nok Civilization - Ife Civilization - Igbo-Ukwu Civilization - Benin Civilization - Kanem and Borno - Hausa States - Nupe - Oyo - Benin - Igbo - Efik - Tiv - Centralized States - Non-centralized States - Inter-group Relations - Economic Relations - Intermarriage - Bilingualism - Migration - Warfare - Political Relations - Pottery - Salt Making - Iron Working - Gold Mining - Soap Making - Leather Work - Weaving - Carving - Bronze Casting - Tie and Dye - Bead Making - Boat Building - Contact with North Africa - Islam in Borno - Islam in Hausaland - Early European Contact with Coastal States - Nigeria and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade - Sokoto Caliphate - Sokoto Jihad - Administration of the Sokoto Caliphate - Relations with Neighbours - El-Kanemi - Shehu Umar - Later Shehus - Fall of Borno - Christian Missionary Activities in Nigeria - Yorubaland in the 19th Century - Ibadan Dominance - British Pressure on Yorubaland - Benin in the 19th Century - British Conquest of Nigeria 1851–1900 - British Conquest 1900–1914 - Amalgamation of 1914 - Central Administration - Indirect Rule - Colonial Economy - Social Developments - Decolonization - Origin of Nationalism - Nationalist Movements - Road to Independence - Independence in 1960 - First Republic - Coups d’état - Military Rule - Nigerian Civil War - Reconstruction - Murtala/Obasanjo Regime - Second Republic - Buhari/Idiagbon Regime - Babangida Regime - Interim National Government - Abacha Regime - Transition to the Fourth Republic - Olusegun Obasanjo Administration - Poverty - Corruption - Youth Unemployment - Religious Crisis - Terrorism - Commonwealth - OPEC - West Africa in the Diaspora - Racism - Debt Relief - International Aid - Peacekeeping - World Peace - Armament - Nuclear Science - Millennium Development Goals These topics come directly from the West African and Nigerian sections of the syllabus. ## Paper 1 West Africa and the Wider World Paper 1 covers **West Africa and the Wider World from the earliest times to 2000**. The major areas are: - Historiography and Historical Skills - Trans-Saharan Trade - Islam in West Africa - European Contact with West Africa - Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade - Christian Missionary Activities in West Africa - Scramble for and Partition of West Africa - Colonial Rule in West Africa - Problems of Independent West African States - West Africa and International Organizations ## Historiography and Historical Skills You should understand: - What History is - Why History is studied - Sources of History - Historical Skills - Ancient Approaches - Modern Approaches - Prospects of ICT in Historical Studies ## Meaning and Importance of History Be able to explain what History means and why it is studied. Your preparation should include the relationship between past events and present developments. ## Sources of History Study the different kinds of evidence historians use when reconstructing past events. You should understand how historical information is obtained, interpreted and evaluated. ## Historical Skills Prepare the skills needed to analyse historical evidence. The syllabus specifically refers to: - Ancient Approaches - Modern Approaches ## ICT in Historical Studies Study the prospects of **Information and Communication Technology in historical studies**. ## Trans-Saharan Trade The syllabus requires you to study: - Origin - Organization - Effects on West African States ## Origin of the Trans-Saharan Trade Understand the factors that led to the development of trade across the Sahara. ## Organization of the Trade Study how the trade was carried out. Pay attention to: - Routes - Traders - Commodities - Commercial Relationships ## Effects of the Trans-Saharan Trade Prepare the effects on the development of West African states. These should be studied in terms of political, economic, social and religious change within the historical context of the syllabus. ## Islam in West Africa Study: - Introduction of Islam - Spread of Islam - Effects of Islam ## Introduction and Spread of Islam Understand how Islam entered West Africa and the ways through which it spread. ## Effects of Islam Prepare its impact on West African societies. ## European Contact With West Africa The syllabus requires: - Reasons for European Contact - Immediate Effects - West African Reactions ## Reasons Europeans Came to West Africa Study the factors that brought Europeans into contact with West African societies. ## Effects of European Contact Understand the immediate effects on West African communities and states. ## West African Reactions Prepare the different responses to European activities. ## Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Study: - Origin - Organization - Effects - Suppression ## Origin of the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Understand how the trade developed. ## Organization Prepare how the trade was organized and conducted. ## Effects Study its impact on West African societies. ## Suppression Understand the efforts that brought about the suppression of the trade. ## Christian Missionary Activities in West Africa The syllabus connects Christian missionary activities with the suppression of the slave trade. Study: - Missionary Activities - Impact on West Africa ## Scramble for and Partition of West Africa Important topics include: - Industrial Revolution - Scramble for Colonies - Colonial Subjugation - Occupation - West African Reaction ## Industrial Revolution and Colonial Expansion Understand the connection between European industrial development and the search for colonies. ## Scramble for Colonies Study European competition for West African territories. ## Colonial Subjugation Prepare how European powers established control. ## West African Resistance Study the responses of West African peoples to colonial conquest and occupation. ## Colonial Rule in West Africa The syllabus covers: - Patterns of Colonial Rule - Consolidation of European Culture - Colonial Economy - Underdevelopment - Colonial Africa and the Two World Wars ## Patterns of Colonial Rule Understand the different ways European colonial powers governed West African territories. ## Colonial Economy Study the main features of colonial economic policies. ## Colonialism and Underdevelopment Prepare the relationship between colonial economic structures and underdevelopment. ## West Africa and the World Wars Study the impact of the two World Wars on colonial West Africa. ## Problems of Independent West African States The syllabus lists: - Nature of Politics - Neo-colonialism - Economic Underdevelopment - Unequal Development - Instability - Military Intervention - Boundary Disputes - Threats to West African Unity ## Neo-colonialism Understand the continued influence of external powers after independence. ## Economic Underdevelopment Study the economic difficulties of independent West African states. ## Political Instability Prepare the causes and effects of political instability. ## Military in West African Politics Study military intervention in the politics of West African states. ## Boundary Disputes Understand the problems caused by disputes over borders. ## West African Unity Study the challenges facing regional unity. ## West Africa and International Organizations The syllabus includes: - United Nations - Organization of African Unity/African Union - ECOWAS For each organization, study: - Membership - Aims - Objectives - Achievements - Failures ## Paper 2 Nigerian History Areas of Concentration For candidates taking the examination in Nigeria, Paper 2 is divided into: ### Section A Nigeria from Earliest Times to 1800. ### Section B Nigeria in the 19th Century. ### Section C Nigeria from 1900 to 2000. ## Section A Nigeria From Earliest Times to 1800 The topics are: - Historiography and Historical Skills - Land and Peoples of Nigeria - Centres of Ancient Civilization - Centralized and Non-centralized States - Inter-group Relations - Indigenous Crafts and Industries - External Influences - Nigeria and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade ## Historiography and Historical Skills in Nigeria Prepare: - Meaning of History - Why History is studied - Sources - Historical Skills - Ancient Approaches - Modern Approaches - ICT in Historical Studies ## Land and Peoples of Nigeria The syllabus requires knowledge of the **main geographical zones of Nigeria** and the impact of the environment on human activities. Activities specifically mentioned include: - Hunting - Fishing - Farming ## Geography and Human Activities Study how different environments affected the ways people lived and worked. ## Centres of Ancient Civilization The four centres specifically listed are: - Nok - Ife - Igbo-Ukwu - Benin ## Nok Study Nok as one of Nigeria’s ancient centres of civilization. ## Ife Prepare the historical significance of Ife. ## Igbo-Ukwu Study Igbo-Ukwu and its importance in Nigeria’s early history. ## Benin Prepare Benin as an ancient centre of civilization. ## Centralized and Non-centralized States The syllabus lists: - Kanem and Borno - Hausa - Nupe - Oyo - Benin - Igbo - Efik - Tiv For these societies, understand their political organization within the scope of the syllabus. ## Kanem and Borno Study their organization and historical development. ## Hausa Prepare the Hausa states and their political organization. ## Nupe Study Nupe within Nigeria’s pre-colonial political history. ## Oyo Understand Oyo as an important centralized state. ## Benin Study Benin’s political system. ## Igbo Prepare the organization of Igbo societies. ## Efik Study Efik society and political organization. ## Tiv Understand Tiv political and social organization. ## Inter-group Relations The syllabus includes: - Economic Activities - Intermarriages - Bilingualism ## Economic Relations Study how trade and other economic activities connected different communities. ## Intermarriage Understand the role of marriage in creating relationships between groups. ## Bilingualism Study how interaction among groups could lead to knowledge and use of more than one language. ## Migration, Wars and Politics The syllabus requires you to study the impact of: - Migration - Wars - Politics on inter-group relations. ## Indigenous Crafts and Industries The syllabus lists: - Pottery - Salt Making - Iron Working - Gold Mining - Soap Making - Leather Work - Weaving - Carving - Bronze Casting - Tie and Dye - Bead Making - Boat Building For each area, pay attention to: - Technology - Social Importance - Economic Importance ## Pottery Understand its production and importance. ## Salt Making Study salt production as an indigenous economic activity. ## Iron Working Prepare the technology and importance of iron working. ## Gold Mining Study gold mining within the historical economy. ## Leather Work Understand its role as an indigenous craft. ## Weaving Study weaving and its social and economic importance. ## Carving Prepare carving as an important indigenous craft. ## Bronze Casting Study bronze casting, particularly in relation to ancient Nigerian civilization. ## Tie and Dye Understand its production and economic significance. ## Bead Making Study bead production and its uses. ## Boat Building Prepare the technology and economic importance of boat building. ## External Influences The syllabus divides this into two major areas. ### Contact With North Africa Study: - Trans-Saharan Trade - Islam in Borno - Islam in Hausaland - Impact ### Early European Contact Study: - Coastal States - Trade - Christianity - Impact ## Nigeria and the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Prepare: - Origin - Organization - Effects ## Section B Nigeria in the 19th Century The major topics are: - Sokoto Caliphate - Borno under the Shehus - Christian Missionary Activities - Yorubaland in the 19th Century - Benin in the 19th Century - First Phase of British Conquest of Nigeria ## Sokoto Caliphate Study: - Establishment - Administration - Relations With Neighbours - Impact of the Sokoto Jihad on Nigeria ## Establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate Understand the circumstances leading to its formation. ## Administration Study how the Caliphate was administered. ## Relations With Neighbours Prepare its relationships with neighbouring societies. ## Impact of the Sokoto Jihad Study the effects of the jihad on Nigeria. ## Borno Under the Shehus Prepare: - Emergence of El-Kanemi - Developments Under El-Kanemi - Shehu Umar - Later Shehus - Fall of Borno ## El-Kanemi Study his emergence and the developments associated with his leadership. ## Shehu Umar Prepare developments under Shehu Umar. ## Later Shehus Understand the later political developments. ## Fall of Borno Study the events and factors connected with Borno’s fall. ## Christian Missionary Activities The syllabus requires: - Activities - Impact ## Yorubaland in the 19th Century The syllabus specifically includes: - Era of Ibadan Dominance - Increased British Pressure on Yorubaland ## Era of Ibadan Dominance Study Ibadan’s importance in 19th-century Yorubaland. ## British Pressure Prepare the increasing British involvement in Yorubaland. ## Benin in the 19th Century Study the major developments in Benin during the period. ## First Phase of British Conquest of Nigeria The syllabus gives: **1851–1900**. Study the process through which British influence and control expanded during this period. ## Section C Nigeria From 1900 to 2000 The major topics are: - Second Phase of British Conquest - Amalgamation of 1914 - Colonial Administration - Indirect Rule - Colonial Economy - Social Developments - Decolonization - Nationalism - Nigeria Since Independence - International Organizations - Global Issues ## Second Phase of British Conquest The syllabus divides this into: ### 1900–1914 Including: - Early Phase of British Conquest - Amalgamation of 1914 - Significance of Amalgamation ### 1914–1960 Including: - Central Administration - Indirect Rule - Colonial Economy - Social Developments ## Amalgamation of 1914 Study: - Background - Amalgamation - Significance ## Central Administration Understand how colonial Nigeria was administered. ## Indirect Rule Prepare the operation of indirect rule. ## Colonial Economy Study the major features of the colonial economy. ## Social Developments Prepare the social changes that occurred during colonial rule. ## Decolonization Process 1922–1960 The syllabus includes: - Origin of Nationalism - Nationalist Movements After the Second World War - Road to Independence - Attainment of Independence ## Origin of Nationalism Study the factors behind the growth of nationalist consciousness. ## Nationalist Movements Prepare nationalist activities, particularly after the Second World War. ## Road to Independence Study the developments leading to independence. ## Independence Understand Nigeria’s attainment of independence in 1960 within the sequence of decolonization. ## Nigeria Since Independence The syllabus divides post-independence Nigeria into several periods. ## First Republic 1960–1966 Study the political developments of the First Republic. ## Coups, Military Rule, Civil War and Reconstruction 1966–1975 Prepare: - Coups d’état - Military Rule - Nigerian Civil War - Reconstruction ## Nigerian Civil War Study the war as part of the political developments between 1966 and 1975. ## Reconstruction Prepare post-war reconstruction. ## Murtala/Obasanjo Regime 1975–1979 Study the major developments of the regime. ## Second Republic 1979–1983 Prepare the return to civilian administration. ## Buhari/Idiagbon Regime 1983–1985 Study the return to military government under the Buhari/Idiagbon administration. ## Ibrahim Babangida Regime 1985–1993 Prepare the major political developments during the Babangida period. ## Interim National Government and Abacha Regime 1993–1998 Study: - Interim National Government - Abacha Administration ## Transition to the Fourth Republic Prepare the process leading to civilian government. ## Olusegun Obasanjo Administration Study the beginning of the Fourth Republic within the syllabus period up to 2000. ## Emerging Issues Up to 2000 The syllabus specifically lists: - Poverty - Corruption - Youth Unemployment - Religious Crisis - Terrorism ## Nigeria and International Organizations Study Nigeria’s relationship with: - United Nations - Commonwealth of Nations - Organization of African Unity/African Union - ECOWAS - OPEC ## United Nations Prepare Nigeria’s involvement with the United Nations. ## Commonwealth Study Nigeria’s relationship with the Commonwealth of Nations. ## OAU and African Union Understand Nigeria’s role in African continental cooperation. ## ECOWAS Prepare Nigeria’s role in West African regional cooperation. ## OPEC Study Nigeria’s involvement in the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries. ## Global Issues The syllabus includes: - West Africa in the Diaspora - Racism - Debt Relief - International Aid - Peacekeeping - Socio-political Interests of Developed Societies - World Peace - Armament - Nuclear Science - Millennium Development Goals ## West Africa in the Diaspora Study West African historical connections with communities outside the region. ## Racism Prepare racism as one of the global historical issues listed in the syllabus. ## Debt Relief Understand debt relief within international relations. ## International Aid Study the role of international aid. ## Peacekeeping Prepare peacekeeping as an international issue involving West African states. ## World Peace The syllabus connects world peace with: - Armament - Nuclear Science ## Millennium Development Goals Study the Millennium Development Goals within the historical period covered by the syllabus. ## WAEC Nigerian History Paper 1 Areas of Concentration Paper 1 contains **50 objective questions** and lasts **1 hour**. For Paper 1, give attention to: - Important Terms - Historical Developments - Causes - Effects - Organizations - Colonial Developments - Independent West African States - International Relations Because Paper 1 covers West Africa and the Wider World, do not prepare only Nigerian national history. ## WAEC Nigerian History Paper 2 Areas of Concentration Paper 2 lasts **2 hours** and is divided into Sections A, B and C for Nigerian candidates. You answer **four questions altogether** and must answer at least one question from each section. This means you need to prepare: - Pre-1800 Nigeria - 19th-century Nigeria - Nigeria from 1900 to 2000 Do not abandon any one of the three periods. ## Best Order to Study WAEC Nigerian History ### Stage 1 Historical Skills Begin with: - Meaning of History - Sources of History - Historical Skills - ICT in Historical Studies ### Stage 2 Early West African History Study: - Trans-Saharan Trade - Islam - European Contact - Slave Trade - Christian Missionary Activities ### Stage 3 Colonial West Africa Prepare: - Industrial Revolution - Scramble for Colonies - Partition - Colonial Rule - Colonial Economy - World Wars ### Stage 4 Independent West Africa Study: - Neo-colonialism - Economic Problems - Political Instability - Military Rule - Boundary Disputes - Regional Organizations ### Stage 5 Nigeria Before 1800 Prepare: - Geography and Peoples - Nok - Ife - Igbo-Ukwu - Benin - Pre-colonial States - Inter-group Relations - Crafts and Industries - External Influences - Slave Trade ### Stage 6 Nigeria in the 19th Century Study: - Sokoto Caliphate - Sokoto Jihad - Borno - Christian Missionaries - Yorubaland - Benin - British Conquest ### Stage 7 Colonial Nigeria Prepare: - British Conquest - Amalgamation of 1914 - Central Administration - Indirect Rule - Colonial Economy - Social Developments ### Stage 8 Nationalism and Independence Study: - Origin of Nationalism - Nationalist Movements - Decolonization - Road to Independence - Independence ### Stage 9 Nigeria Since Independence Prepare: - First Republic - Military Coups - Civil War - Reconstruction - Murtala/Obasanjo - Second Republic - Buhari/Idiagbon - Babangida - Interim National Government - Abacha - Fourth Republic ### Stage 10 International and Global Issues Finish with: - United Nations - Commonwealth - OAU/AU - ECOWAS - OPEC - Racism - Debt Relief - International Aid - Peacekeeping - World Peace - Millennium Development Goals ## How to Use These Areas of Concentration ### Start With the Complete Syllabus Use the full syllabus as your main guide. **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Nigerian History Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download](/waec-nigerian-history-syllabus-questions/) ## Study History in Chronological Order Do not jump randomly between historical periods. For Nigeria, a useful order is: **Pre-colonial Nigeria → 19th Century → Colonial Rule → Nationalism → Independence → Military Rule → Fourth Republic** This will help you understand how one development leads to another. ## Learn Causes and Effects For major events, prepare: **Causes → Course → Effects → Significance** This method works well for topics such as: - Slave Trade - Sokoto Jihad - Colonial Conquest - Amalgamation - Nationalism - Civil War - Military Coups ## Connect Personalities to Events Do not memorise historical personalities as isolated names. Connect each person to: - Period - Event - Government - Political Development - Reform - Movement ## Use Timelines Create timelines for: - British Conquest - Colonial Administration - Nationalism - Independence - Military Governments - Civilian Republics ## Use Maps Maps can help you understand: - Nigerian Geographical Zones - Ancient States - Trans-Saharan Trade - European Contact - Colonial Boundaries - West African States ## Practise Essay Questions Paper 2 requires four essay answers. Practise writing answers with: - Relevant Introduction - Chronological Arrangement - Clear Historical Points - Explanation - Supporting Facts - Conclusion ## Pay Attention to Question Words Understand the difference between instructions such as: - State - Explain - Describe - Discuss - Examine - Compare - Assess Your response should match what the question asks. ## What Should You Focus on Most for WAEC Nigerian History? You should cover the whole syllabus, but make sure you are particularly confident in: - Historiography - Sources of History - Trans-Saharan Trade - Islam in West Africa - European Contact - Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade - Missionary Activities - Scramble for West Africa - Colonial Rule - Problems of Independent States - International Organizations - Land and Peoples of Nigeria - Nok - Ife - Igbo-Ukwu - Benin - Kanem-Borno - Hausa States - Nupe - Oyo - Igbo - Efik - Tiv - Inter-group Relations - Indigenous Industries - Sokoto Caliphate - El-Kanemi - Yorubaland - British Conquest - Amalgamation of 1914 - Indirect Rule - Colonial Economy - Nationalism - Independence - First Republic - Nigerian Civil War - Military Rule - Second Republic - Fourth Republic - United Nations - Commonwealth - OAU/AU - ECOWAS - OPEC - Global Issues ## Frequently Asked Questions ### What Are the WAEC Nigerian History Areas of Concentration for 2027? The major areas include West African History, ancient Nigerian civilizations, pre-colonial Nigerian states, colonial rule, nationalism, independence, military rule, civilian governments and international organizations. ### What Should I Focus on Most in Nigerian History? Give strong attention to West African history for Paper 1 and all three Nigerian historical periods for Paper 2. ### What Does Nigerian History Paper 1 Cover? Paper 1 covers **West Africa and the Wider World from the earliest times to 2000**. ### How Many Questions Are in Paper 1? Paper 1 contains **50 multiple-choice questions**. ### How Long Is Paper 1? Paper 1 lasts **1 hour**. ### What Does Paper 2 Cover? For Nigerian candidates, Paper 2 covers: - Nigeria from Earliest Times to 1800 - Nigeria in the 19th Century - Nigeria from 1900 to 2000 ### How Many Questions Do I Answer in Paper 2? You answer **four questions** altogether. ### Must I Answer From Every Section of Paper 2? Yes. The syllabus requires candidates to answer at least **one question from each section**. ### Is Historiography Included? Yes. Study: - Meaning of History - Sources of History - Historical Skills - ICT in Historical Studies ### Is Trans-Saharan Trade Included? Yes. Study its origin, organization and effects. ### Is Islam in West Africa Included? Yes. Prepare its introduction, spread and effects. ### Is the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade Included? Yes. Study: - Origin - Organization - Effects - Suppression ### Is Colonial Rule Included? Yes. Study colonial administration, colonial economy, European cultural influence and the effects of the World Wars. ### Which Ancient Nigerian Civilizations Should I Study? The syllabus lists: - Nok - Ife - Igbo-Ukwu - Benin ### Which Nigerian States Are Included? They include: - Kanem and Borno - Hausa - Nupe - Oyo - Benin - Igbo - Efik - Tiv ### Is Inter-group Relations Included? Yes. The syllabus mentions: - Economic Activities - Intermarriage - Bilingualism - Migration - Wars - Politics ### Is the Sokoto Caliphate Included? Yes. Study its establishment, administration, relations with neighbours and the impact of the Sokoto Jihad. ### Is Borno Included? Yes. Study: - El-Kanemi - Shehu Umar - Later Shehus - Fall of Borno ### Is Yorubaland Included? Yes. The syllabus specifically mentions: - Ibadan Dominance - Increased British Pressure ### Is Benin Included? Yes. Benin appears both among ancient civilizations and as a separate 19th-century topic. ### Is British Conquest Included? Yes. The syllabus covers the first phase from **1851–1900** and the later phase from **1900 onward**. ### Is the 1914 Amalgamation Included? Yes. You should study the **Amalgamation of 1914 and its significance**. ### Is Indirect Rule Included? Yes. It forms part of colonial administration from 1914 to 1960. ### Is Nationalism Included? Yes. Study: - Origin of Nationalism - Nationalist Movements - Road to Independence - Attainment of Independence ### Is the Nigerian Civil War Included? Yes. The syllabus includes military rule, civil war and reconstruction between 1966 and 1975. ### Are Military Governments Included? Yes. The syllabus covers the major military administrations up to the transition to the Fourth Republic. ### Is the Fourth Republic Included? Yes. The syllabus includes the transition to the Fourth Republic and the beginning of the Olusegun Obasanjo administration up to 2000. ### Which International Organizations Should I Study? The Nigeria section includes: - United Nations - Commonwealth - OAU/AU - ECOWAS - OPEC ### Are Global Issues Included? Yes. Study: - West Africa in the Diaspora - Racism - Debt Relief - International Aid - Peacekeeping - World Peace - Armament - Nuclear Science - Millennium Development Goals ### Do Nigerian Candidates Answer Questions on Ghana, Liberia, Sierra Leone or The Gambia? No. The syllabus states that candidates answer the national-history questions for the country in which they take the examination. Nigerian candidates therefore answer the Nigerian national-history section. ### Where Can I Download the Complete Nigerian History Syllabus? Use the [WAEC Nigerian History Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download](/waec-nigerian-history-syllabus-questions/) page. ### Where Can I Find Areas of Concentration for Other WAEC Subjects? Use the [WAEC Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 for All Subjects](/waec-areas-of-concentration-for-all-subjects/) page. ## Conclusion The **[WAEC](https://www.waecnigeria.org/) Nigerian History Areas of Concentration 2027/2028** cover both West African history and Nigerian national history. For Paper 1, concentrate on Historiography, Trans-Saharan Trade, Islam, European Contact, the Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade, Christian Missionary Activities, the Scramble for West Africa, Colonial Rule, Independent West African States and international organizations. For Paper 2, Nigerian candidates need to prepare all three periods: Nigeria from earliest times to 1800, Nigeria in the 19th Century and Nigeria from 1900 to 2000. Important Nigerian topics include Nok, Ife, Igbo-Ukwu, Benin, Kanem-Borno, Hausa states, Nupe, Oyo, Igbo, Efik, Tiv, inter-group relations, indigenous crafts, the Sokoto Caliphate, Borno under the Shehus, Yorubaland, British conquest, the 1914 Amalgamation, indirect rule, nationalism and independence. You should also prepare the First Republic, military rule, the Nigerian Civil War, the Second Republic, subsequent military administrations, the transition to the Fourth Republic and Nigeria’s relationships with organizations such as the United Nations, Commonwealth, OAU/AU, ECOWAS and OPEC. Use the complete syllabus as your main checklist, study events chronologically, understand causes and effects, and practise answering WAEC essay questions with clear and relevant historical arguments. **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Nigerian History Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download](/waec-nigerian-history-syllabus-questions/) **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 for All Subjects](/waec-areas-of-concentration-for-all-subjects/) **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download for All Subjects](/waec-syllabus-for-all-subjects-pdf-download/) **READ ALSO:** [WAEC Timetable 2027](/waec-timetable-for-science-art-and-commercial/)