WAEC Nigerian History Areas of Concentration 2027/2028
By Rabiu Francis ✨ Last Updated: October 16, 2026See 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.
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
ALSO READ: WAEC Specimens 2027
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 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
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 page.
Where Can I Find Areas of Concentration for Other WAEC Subjects?
Use the WAEC Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 for All Subjects page.
Conclusion
The WAEC 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
READ ALSO: WAEC Areas of Concentration 2027/2028 for All Subjects
READ ALSO: WAEC Syllabus 2027/2028 PDF Download for All Subjects
READ ALSO: WAEC Timetable 2027
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