JAMB History past questions and answers

Checked by the Skolra question team · Last updated 15 October 2026

JAMB History: 465 past questions from 6 papers between 2020 and 2025, each with the answer and an explanation. In the UTME you answer 40 History questions, with Use of English and two other subjects, in 2 hours. Here are ten.

1. 1.

   The last colonial governor general of Nigeria was_____________

   1. A
      Sir James Robertson
      Correct
   2. B
      Frederick Lugard
   3. C
      Lord Lugard
   4. D
      Sir Bernard Bourdillon
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   Answer: A

   The correct answer is 'Sir James Robertson'. This reflects the historical context of The last colonial governor general of Nigeria was_____________. This answer aligns with documented historical events and records.

2. 2.

   What are the Kingmakers in Oyo called?

   1. A
      The Iwarefa
   2. B
      The Ilari
   3. C
      The Oyomesi
      Correct
   4. D
      The Bashorun
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   Answer: C

   The Kingmakers in Oyo are called the Oyomesi. This powerful council of seven senior chiefs played a crucial role in selecting and sometimes deposing the Alaafin (king) of Oyo. The Oyomesi represented the interests of the different quarters of Oyo and held significant political authority in the traditional governance system.

3. 3.

   Numismatics deals with:

   1. A
      The study of postage stamps
   2. B
      The study of ancient manuscripts and inscriptions
   3. C
      The study of pottery and ceramics
   4. D
      The study of coins, currency and medals
      Correct
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   Answer: D

   Numismatics is the study of coins, currency and medals. Historians use numismatics as an auxiliary source of history because old coins carry dates, rulers' images, inscriptions and metal content that help reconstruct trade, economic activity and political history of a period.

   The study of coins, currency and medals is therefore correct.

4. 4.

   The founder of the MAHDIA (MAHDIYA) MOVEMENT is?

   1. A
      Menelik II
   2. B
      Usman dan Fodio
   3. C
      Muhammad Ahmad
      Correct
   4. D
      Samory Toure
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: C

   The correct answer is 'Muhammad Ahmad'. This reflects the historical context of The founder of the MAHDIA (MAHDIYA) MOVEMENT is. This answer aligns with documented historical events and records.

5. 5.

   The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has its administrative headquarters in ______

   1. A
      Dakar
   2. B
      Abuja
      Correct
   3. C
      Accra
   4. D
      Lagos
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: B

   The correct answer is 'Abuja'. This reflects the historical context of The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has its administrative he. This answer aligns with documented historical events and records.

6. 6.

   The study of past societies through their written records is:

   1. A
      Documentary history
      Correct
   2. B
      Oral history
   3. C
      Archaeology
   4. D
      Prehistory
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: A

   Documentary history is correct. It refers to the study of past societies using written records such as documents, letters, official reports, and inscriptions. Societies that left behind written records are studied through documentary history, which is why this period is also called "history proper" as distinct from prehistory.

7. 7.

   The major outcome of the Bretton Woods Conference was the establishment of:

   1. A
      the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
      Correct
   2. B
      the Non-Aligned Movement
   3. C
      the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT)
   4. D
      the United Nations Organization
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: A

   The Bretton Woods Conference of July 1944 was held to design a new international monetary system after the Second World War. Its major outcome was the establishment of the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the body charged with promoting exchange-rate stability and lending support to countries facing balance-of-payments problems.

8. 8.

   Which of the following is incorrect.?

   1. A
      Nigeria gained independence in 1960
   2. B
      Nigeria was partitioned into three regions
      Correct
   3. C
      Lugard amalgamated Nigeria in 1914
   4. D
      The Oyo Empire fell to external invasion
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: B

   The correct answer is 'Nigeria was partitioned into three regions'. This reflects the historical context of Which of the following is incorrect.. This answer aligns with documented historical events and records.

9. 9.

   All but one is not impact of British on Nigeria.

   1. A
      Expansion of pre-existing trans-Saharan trade routes
      Correct
   2. B
      Introduction of western formal education
   3. C
      Promotion of cash crop farming for export
   4. D
      Imposition of indirect rule through traditional institutions
   Show answerHide answer

   Answer: A

   British colonialism left lasting marks on Nigeria, including the establishment of western formal education through mission and government schools, the promotion of cash crop farming (groundnut, palm oil, cocoa, cotton) for export to Britain, and the use of indirect rule through existing traditional rulers to administer the territory. The trans-Saharan trade routes, however, predated British colonialism by many centuries and were not a product of British influence — in fact, colonialism disrupted and eventually marginalised the trans-Saharan trade by redirecting commerce toward the Atlantic coast.

10. 10.

    Which external influence contributed to the spread of the Bantu language in the Nigeria area?

    1. A
       Portuguese colonization in the 15th century
    2. B
       Migration of Bantu-speaking peoples from Central Africa
       Correct
    3. C
       British colonial administration in the 19th century
    4. D
       Arab trade expeditions in the Sahara
    Show answerHide answer

    Answer: B

    The spread of Bantu language in Nigeria and other parts of Africa was primarily due to the migration of Bantu-speaking peoples from Central Africa, particularly from the Congo Basin region. This gradual migration and settlement resulted in the wide distribution of Bantu languages across sub-Saharan Africa.

The questions come from past JAMB, WAEC and NECO papers. We use software to help write the answer options and explanations, and every answer is checked twice before it goes on the site. How we check

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