JAMB Area of Concentration for History Subject 2027/2028

The JAMB Area of Concentration for History Subject 2027/2028 covers the main historical topics you should study for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.

The subject takes you through the history of Nigeria from the earliest period to colonial rule, independence and later political developments. It also covers important events in West, North, East and Southern Africa, including imperialism, colonialism, nationalism, apartheid and the problems African countries faced in building their nations.

As you study History, you should not depend only on memorizing names and dates. You need to understand why events happened, how they developed, the effects they produced and the relationships between different historical developments.

This guide will take you through the main JAMB History topics in a clear order and show you what you should understand under each area.

Read also: History JAMB Syllabus 2026/2027 Download PDF

The Nigeria Area up to 1800

This section covers the peoples, early centres of civilization, states, economic activities and outside influences that shaped the Nigeria area before 1800.

Land and Peoples of the Nigeria Area

You should study the main geographical zones of the Nigeria area and the different peoples who lived within them.

Pay attention to:

• The geographical zones
• The people found in each zone
• The relationship between the people and their environment
• Relations among people from different zones
• Ways different groups interacted and integrated

You should be able to connect the environment with the way people lived and understand how different communities related with one another.

Early Centres of Civilization

Important early centres and settlements to study include:

• Nok
• Daima
• Ife
• Benin
• Igbo Ukwu
• Iwo Eleru

You should also study important monuments and shelter systems such as:

• Kuyambana
• Durbi-ta-Kusheyi
• City walls
• Palaces

You need to understand the historical importance of these centres and structures. They help to show how organized and developed different societies were in the early history of the Nigeria area.

Origin and Formation of States in the Nigeria Area

Different states and communities developed in different geographical regions.

Central Sudan

Study:

• Kanuri
• Hausa states

Niger-Benue Valley

Study:

• Nupe
• Jukun
• Igala
• Idoma
• Tiv
• Ebira

Eastern Forest Belt

Study:

• Igbo
• Ibibio

Western Forest Belt

Study:

• Yoruba
• Edo

Coastal and Niger Delta

Study:

• Efik
• Ijo
• Itsekiri
• Urhobo

For these groups, you should understand:

• Traditions of origin
• Migration
• Social organization
• Political organization
• Relations between states
• Religion
• War
• Peace

You should be able to explain how different groups developed and how they interacted with their neighbours.

Economic Activities and Growth of States

Economic activities played an important role in the growth of states.

The main agricultural and food-producing activities included:

• Hunting
• Farming
• Fishing
• Animal husbandry
• Horticulture

You should also study important industries such as:

• Pottery
• Salt-making
• Iron smelting
• Blacksmithing
• Leather-working
• Wood-carving
• Cloth-making
• Dyeing
• Food processing

Trade was another major part of economic life.

Study:

• Local trade
• Regional trade
• Long-distance trade
• Trans-Saharan trade
• Trade routes

You should understand how trade and other economic activities contributed to the expansion and development of different states.

External Influences

The Nigeria area also experienced contact with people from outside the region.

North African and Arab Influence

Study:

• Introduction of Islam
• Spread of Islam
• Impact of Islam
• Trans-Saharan trade

You should be able to explain how contact with North Africa affected people and states south of the Sahara.

European Influence

Study:

• Early European trade with coastal states
• Trans-Atlantic slave trade
• Origin of the slave trade
• Organization of the trade
• Impact of the trade

You should understand how early European contact affected the coastal communities and be able to trace the development and effects of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

The Nigeria Area, 1800–1900

This period covers major political changes in different parts of the Nigeria area, the growth and decline of states, increasing European influence, and the British conquest that later led to colonial rule.

The Sokoto Caliphate

The Sokoto Jihad is one of the major topics you should understand in this period.

Study:

• Causes of the Jihad
• Course of the Jihad
• Consequences of the Jihad
• Establishment of the Sokoto Caliphate
• Administration of the Caliphate
• Relations with neighbouring states
• Achievements of the Caliphate
• Impact of the Caliphate
• Collapse of the Caliphate

You should be able to explain why the Jihad began, how it developed and the factors that helped the Caliphate to grow.

You should also understand how the Caliphate was governed, how it related with neighbouring areas and the internal and external factors that later contributed to its collapse.

Kanem-Borno

Under Kanem-Borno, study:

• Collapse of the Saifawa dynasty
• Borno under the Shehus
• Borno under Rabeh

You should understand the factors behind the decline of the Saifawa dynasty and the changes that took place under later rulers.

You should also be able to assess the role of Rabeh in the history of Borno.

Yorubaland

The major areas to study are:

• Fall of the Old Oyo Empire
• Yoruba wars
• Causes of the wars
• Effects of the wars
• Peace Treaty of 1886
• Effects of the treaty

You should understand why the Old Oyo Empire declined and how the Yoruba wars affected political and social life in the area.

The Peace Treaty of 1886 should also be studied in relation to the changes that followed it.

Benin

Under Benin, study:

• Internal political development
• Relations with neighbouring states
• Relations with Europeans

You should be able to explain important political developments within Benin and understand how the kingdom related with both neighbouring communities and European traders.

Nupe

For Nupe, concentrate on:

• Internal political development
• Relations with neighbouring groups

You should understand the political changes within Nupe and how these affected its relations with surrounding areas.

Igbo

Under Igbo history, study:

• Internal political development
• Relations with neighbouring peoples

You should be able to explain the important political features of Igbo society during this period and understand its relationships with nearby groups.

Efik

For the Efik, study:

• Internal political development
• Relations with neighbouring groups

You should understand how Efik political life developed and how the people interacted with surrounding communities.

European Penetration and Its Impact

European involvement in the Nigeria area increased during the nineteenth century.

You should study:

• European exploration of the interior
• Suppression of the trans-Atlantic slave trade
• Development of commodity trade
• Rise of consular authority
• Christian missionary activities
• Activities of European trading companies
• Effects of European activities on the coast
• Effects on the hinterland

You should understand why Europeans explored the interior and why the trans-Atlantic slave trade was suppressed.

You should also be able to trace the rise of commodity trade and consular authority and explain the role played by Christian missionaries and trading companies.

British Conquest of the Nigeria Area

The final part of this period deals with the British conquest.

Study:

• Motives for the conquest
• Methods used during the conquest
• Resistance to British conquest
• Results of the conquest
• Aftermath of the conquest

You should be able to explain the reasons Britain wanted control of the Nigeria area and the methods used to achieve that control.

You should also understand the forms of resistance that took place and assess the results and effects of the conquest.

Nigeria, 1900–1960

This period covers the establishment of colonial rule, the 1914 Amalgamation, colonial administration, economic and social changes, nationalist movements, constitutional development and the events that led to Nigeria’s independence in 1960.

Establishment of Colonial Rule up to 1914

You should study the administration of the different protectorates before the 1914 Amalgamation.

Pay attention to how colonial administration was organized and how the protectorates were governed during this period.

You should be able to explain the administrative arrangements that existed before the territories were brought together.

The Amalgamation of 1914

Study:

• Reasons for the Amalgamation
• Effects of the Amalgamation

You should understand why the different territories were amalgamated in 1914 and the effects this had on the administration of Nigeria.

Colonial Administration After the Amalgamation

After amalgamation, colonial administration involved both central and local institutions.

Central Administration

Study:

• Legislative Council
• Executive Council

You should understand the composition and role of these bodies and how they affected colonial administration.

Indirect Rule

Study:

• Reasons for introducing Indirect Rule
• How Indirect Rule worked
• Effects of Indirect Rule

You should be able to explain why the system was introduced and assess how it operated in different parts of Nigeria.

Local Administrative Institutions

Study:

• Native Authorities
• Native Courts
• Native Treasuries

You should understand the functions of these institutions within the colonial system.

Resistance to Colonial Rule

Different groups resisted colonial policies and administration.

Important movements to study include:

• Ekumeku Movement in the Asaba hinterland, 1898–1911
• Satiru Uprising of 1906
• Egba Anti-tax Agitation of 1918
• Aba Women Movement of 1929

You should understand the reasons behind these movements and their importance in the wider resistance to colonial rule.

The Colonial Economy

You should study the major features of Nigeria’s economy under colonial rule.

These include:

• Currency
• Taxation
• Forced labour
• Transportation
• Post and telecommunications
• Agriculture
• Mining
• Industry
• Commerce
• Banking

You should understand how these areas operated within the colonial economy and how they affected the people.

Social Development Under Colonial Rule

Colonial rule also brought changes in social life.

Study:

• Western education
• Urbanization
• Social integration
• Improvement unions
• Health institutions

You should understand the growth of these institutions and changes and be able to explain how urbanization affected the people.

Nationalism, Constitutional Development and Independence

Nationalism became an important part of Nigerian political life as opposition to colonial rule increased.

You should study the rise of nationalist movements and how they contributed to the demand for self-government.

Clifford Constitution of 1922

Study:

• The 1922 Clifford Constitution
• Rise of Nigeria’s first political party

You should understand the role of this constitution in Nigeria’s political development.

World War II and the Demand for Independence

Study the effect of World War II on:

• Agitation for independence
• Political awareness
• Constitutional development

You should understand how the war influenced nationalist activities and demands for political change.

Richards Constitution of 1946

Study the Richards Constitution of 1946 and its place in Nigeria’s constitutional development.

Macpherson Constitution of 1951

Study the Macpherson Constitution of 1951 and how it contributed to later constitutional changes.

Party Politics, Regionalism and Minority Agitations

You should study:

• Development of party politics
• Regionalism
• Federalism
• Minority agitations

You should understand how political parties developed and how regional and minority issues affected Nigerian politics.

Lyttleton Constitution of 1954

Study the Lyttleton Constitution of 1954 and its contribution to Nigeria’s constitutional development.

You should be able to relate it to the movement towards independence.

Constitutional Conferences of 1957 and 1958

Study:

• Lagos Constitutional Conference of 1957
• London Constitutional Conference of 1958

You should understand the role these conferences played in the final stages of Nigeria’s movement towards independence.

General Elections of 1959 and Independence

The General Elections of 1959 formed part of the final political developments before independence.

You should understand the factors that helped Nigeria achieve independence in 1960 and be able to connect the nationalist movement, constitutional changes, political parties and constitutional conferences with the attainment of independence.

Nigeria Since Independence

This section covers major political events in Nigeria after independence, including the First Republic, military rule, the Civil War, later governments and Nigeria’s role in international organizations.

The First Republic and Military Intervention

You should study the major political problems that affected the First Republic.

These include:

• Struggle for the control of the centre
• Revenue allocation
• Minority question
• 1962/63 census controversies
• Action Group crisis
• General Elections of 1964/65
• January 1966 coup
• Ironsi Regime

You should be able to explain why control of the federal government became an important political issue.

You should also understand the disagreements over revenue allocation, the concerns of minority groups and the controversies surrounding the 1962/63 census.

The Action Group crisis and the General Elections of 1964/65 should be studied as part of the political problems that affected the First Republic.

You should also understand the significance of the January 1966 military coup and the government of General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi.

The Nigerian Civil War

Study the Nigerian Civil War under three main areas:

• Causes
• Course
• Effects

You should understand both the remote and immediate causes of the war.

You should also be able to describe how the war developed and assess the effects it had on Nigeria.

The Gowon Regime

Study the government of General Yakubu Gowon.

Focus on:

• Challenges faced by the government
• Achievements of the government

You should be able to assess both the difficulties and achievements connected with the Gowon administration.

The Murtala/Obasanjo Regime

Study the period of General Murtala Mohammed and General Olusegun Obasanjo.

Focus on:

• Major challenges
• Major achievements

You should be able to assess the government by looking at both its problems and what it achieved.

The Second Republic

You should study the Second Republic and understand the main challenges and achievements of the period.

Do not study the period only as a date or name. You should be able to evaluate how the government performed and the difficulties it faced.

The Buhari Regime

Study the military government of General Muhammadu Buhari.

Focus on:

• Challenges
• Achievements

You should be able to assess the main features of the regime and how it dealt with the issues it faced.

The Babangida Regime

Study the government of General Ibrahim Babangida.

You should understand:

• Major challenges
• Major achievements

You should be able to assess the government and explain important developments connected with the period.

Interim National Government

Study the Interim National Government (ING).

You should understand:

• Its role
• The challenges it faced

This period should be placed correctly within the wider political developments that followed the Babangida government.

The Abacha Regime

Study the government of General Sani Abacha.

Focus on:

• Challenges
• Achievements

You should be able to assess the main difficulties and developments connected with the regime.

The Abdulsalami Regime

You should also study the government of General Abdulsalami Abubakar.

Focus on:

• Challenges
• Achievements

You should understand its place within Nigeria’s post-independence political history.

Nigeria in International Organizations

Nigeria’s role outside the country is another important area.

You should study Nigeria’s involvement in:

• Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)
• African Union (AU)
• Commonwealth of Nations
• Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC)
• United Nations Organization (UNO)

You should be able to explain Nigeria’s role in each organization.

Nigeria and Conflict Resolution

You should also understand Nigeria’s role in efforts to resolve conflicts in:

• Congo
• Chad
• Liberia
• Sierra Leone
• Guinea
• Sudan

This area requires you to connect Nigeria’s foreign involvement with its participation in regional and international affairs.

West and North Africa

This section moves beyond Nigeria to major developments in West and North Africa from the nineteenth century. It covers Islamic reform movements, the founding of Sierra Leone and Liberia, Christian missionary activities, political developments in Egypt and the Mahdiyya Movement in Sudan.

Islamic Reform Movements and State Building in West Africa

Islamic reform movements played an important part in political change and state formation in West Africa.

You should study the relationship between the Sokoto Jihad and other Jihads that took place in the region.

Important areas include:

• Relationship between the Sokoto Jihad and other West African Jihads
• Jihad of Seku Ahmadu
• Jihad of Al-Hajj Umar
• Activities of Samori Toure

You should be able to compare the achievements of the Jihads led by Seku Ahmadu and Al-Hajj Umar.

You should also understand the activities of Samori Toure and his role in the history of the Mandinka Empire.

Sierra Leone, Liberia and Christian Missionary Activities

You should study the establishment of Sierra Leone and Liberia and their place in West African history.

Focus on:

• Factors that led to the foundation of Sierra Leone
• Factors that led to the foundation of Liberia
• Spread of Christianity
• Activities of Christian missionaries
• Impact of missionary activities in West Africa

You should understand how Sierra Leone and Liberia became connected with the spread of Christianity in West Africa.

You should also be able to assess the effects of Christian missionary activities on the region.

Egypt Under Mohammed Ali and Khedive Ismail

Egypt experienced major political and economic changes during the nineteenth century.

Mohammed Ali

Study:

• Rise of Mohammed Ali
• Reforms introduced under his government
• Relations with European powers

You should understand the factors that helped Mohammed Ali rise to power and the changes introduced during his rule.

You should also be able to explain how his government related with European countries.

Khedive Ismail

Under Khedive Ismail, focus on:

• Fiscal policies
• Financial developments
• British occupation of Egypt

You should understand Ismail’s fiscal policies and be able to explain the factors that contributed to British occupation of Egypt.

The Mahdi and Mahdiyya Movement in Sudan

The Mahdiyya Movement is another major North African topic.

Study it under three main areas:

• Causes
• Course
• Consequences

You should understand why the movement began, how it developed and the results it produced in Sudan.

Eastern and Southern Africa

This section covers major political changes in Eastern and Southern Africa during the nineteenth century. You should understand the rise of important states, relations with Europeans, wars, migration and the effects of political expansion.

The Omani Empire

You should study the rise of the Omani Empire and its influence along the East African coast and nearby areas.

Focus on:

• Factors that led to the rise of the Omani Empire
• Commercial relations with the coast
• Commercial relations with the hinterland
• Political relations with the coast and hinterland
• Relations with Europeans

You should be able to explain why the Omani Empire became important and how trade helped to connect the empire with communities along the coast and inland.

You should also understand the political relationship between the empire and these communities, as well as its dealings with European powers.

Ethiopia in the 19th Century

Ethiopia experienced important political changes during the nineteenth century.

Theodore II and Ethiopian Unification

Study:

• Rise of Theodore II
• His attempt to unite Ethiopia
• Methods used in trying to achieve Ethiopian unification

You should understand the factors that helped Theodore II rise to power and the steps he took to bring different parts of Ethiopia under stronger central control.

Menelik II and Ethiopian Independence

You should also study Menelik II and his role in maintaining Ethiopian independence.

Focus on how his leadership fits into Ethiopia’s struggle to remain independent during a period when European powers were expanding their influence in Africa.

The Mfecane

The Mfecane is an important topic in Southern African history.

Study:

• Events in Nguniland before the Mfecane
• Rise of the Zulu nation
• Rise of Shaka
• Causes of the Mfecane
• Course of the Mfecane
• Consequences of the Mfecane

You should understand the conditions that existed before the Mfecane and the factors that helped Shaka rise rapidly.

You should also be able to explain how the Mfecane developed and assess its effects on the people and societies involved.

The Great Trek

The Great Trek should be studied together with the wider conflict between different groups in Southern Africa.

Focus on:

• Frontier wars
• British intervention in Boer-African relations
• The Great Trek
• Consequences of the Great Trek

You should understand the factors that led to the frontier wars and why Britain became involved in relations between the Boers and African communities.

You should also be able to describe the Great Trek and explain the effects it produced in Southern Africa.

Imperialism, Colonialism and Problems of Nation-Building in Africa

This section covers European expansion into Africa, colonial rule, the struggle for independence, apartheid in South Africa and the problems African countries faced while building stable nations.

The New Imperialism and European Occupation of Africa

You should study the New Imperialism in Africa and understand why European powers became more interested in controlling African territories.

Focus on:

• New Imperialism
• European scramble for Africa
• Berlin Conference
• European occupation of African territories
• African resistance to occupation

You should be able to explain the causes of the scramble for Africa and understand the importance of the Berlin Conference.

You also need to study how African societies resisted European occupation and be able to assess the nature of that resistance.

Patterns of Colonial Rule in Africa

European powers did not govern their African colonies in exactly the same way.

You should study and compare the systems used by:

• Britain
• France
• Portugal
• Belgium

Pay attention to the main features of each colonial system and the differences among them.

The main skill here is comparison. You should be able to explain how British colonial administration differed from French, Portuguese and Belgian rule.

The Politics of Decolonization

Decolonization deals with the struggle to end colonial rule and achieve independence.

Study:

• Colonial policies
• African dissatisfaction with colonial rule
• Impact of the First World War
• Impact of the Second World War
• Nationalist activities
• Rise of political parties
• Rise of political associations
• Strategies used to achieve independence

You should understand how colonial policies created dissatisfaction among Africans and how nationalist movements developed in response.

The two World Wars should also be studied in relation to African nationalism. You should be able to explain how they affected political awareness and the demand for independence.

You also need to understand the different methods African nationalist movements used in their struggle for independence.

Apartheid in South Africa

Apartheid is an important area in modern African history.

Study:

• Origin of apartheid
• Rise of Afrikaner nationalism
• Introduction of apartheid laws
• Internal reaction to apartheid
• Suppression of African nationalist movements
• External opposition to apartheid
• Dismantling of apartheid
• Post-apartheid developments

You should understand how apartheid developed and how Afrikaner nationalism contributed to its establishment.

You should also study the role of:

• Frontline States
• Commonwealth of Nations
• Organization of African Unity
• United Nations

These groups and organizations were involved in the wider international reaction against apartheid.

You should be able to connect internal resistance with international opposition and understand the steps that led to the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa.

Problems of Nation-Building in Africa

After independence, African countries faced many political, economic and social challenges.

Important areas to study include:

• Political problems
• Economic challenges
• Physical and environmental problems
• Ethnic pluralism
• Religious pluralism
• Military intervention
• Political instability
• Neo-colonialism
• Under-development
• Boundary disputes
• Threats to African unity
• Civil wars
• Refugee problems

You should understand how political and economic difficulties affected the development of African countries.

You should also be able to explain the role of ethnic and religious differences in nation-building and assess the effects of military involvement in African politics.

Another area is neo-colonialism, which should be studied in relation to development and continued external influence.

Boundary disputes, civil wars and refugee problems should also be connected. You should understand how conflicts within and between African states can create displacement and weaken national unity.

Imperialism, Colonialism and Problems of Nation-Building in Africa

This section covers European expansion into Africa, colonial rule, the struggle for independence, apartheid in South Africa and the problems African countries faced while building stable nations.

The New Imperialism and European Occupation of Africa

You should study the New Imperialism in Africa and understand why European powers became more interested in controlling African territories.

Focus on:

• New Imperialism
• European scramble for Africa
• Berlin Conference
• European occupation of African territories
• African resistance to occupation

You should be able to explain the causes of the scramble for Africa and understand the importance of the Berlin Conference.

You also need to study how African societies resisted European occupation and be able to assess the nature of that resistance.

Patterns of Colonial Rule in Africa

European powers did not govern their African colonies in exactly the same way.

You should study and compare the systems used by:

• Britain
• France
• Portugal
• Belgium

Pay attention to the main features of each colonial system and the differences among them.

The main skill here is comparison. You should be able to explain how British colonial administration differed from French, Portuguese and Belgian rule.

The Politics of Decolonization

Decolonization deals with the struggle to end colonial rule and achieve independence.

Study:

• Colonial policies
• African dissatisfaction with colonial rule
• Impact of the First World War
• Impact of the Second World War
• Nationalist activities
• Rise of political parties
• Rise of political associations
• Strategies used to achieve independence

You should understand how colonial policies created dissatisfaction among Africans and how nationalist movements developed in response.

The two World Wars should also be studied in relation to African nationalism. You should be able to explain how they affected political awareness and the demand for independence.

You also need to understand the different methods African nationalist movements used in their struggle for independence.

Apartheid in South Africa

Apartheid is an important area in modern African history.

Study:

• Origin of apartheid
• Rise of Afrikaner nationalism
• Introduction of apartheid laws
• Internal reaction to apartheid
• Suppression of African nationalist movements
• External opposition to apartheid
• Dismantling of apartheid
• Post-apartheid developments

You should understand how apartheid developed and how Afrikaner nationalism contributed to its establishment.

You should also study the role of:

• Frontline States
• Commonwealth of Nations
• Organization of African Unity
• United Nations

These groups and organizations were involved in the wider international reaction against apartheid.

You should be able to connect internal resistance with international opposition and understand the steps that led to the dismantling of apartheid in South Africa.

Problems of Nation-Building in Africa

After independence, African countries faced many political, economic and social challenges.

Important areas to study include:

• Political problems
• Economic challenges
• Physical and environmental problems
• Ethnic pluralism
• Religious pluralism
• Military intervention
• Political instability
• Neo-colonialism
• Under-development
• Boundary disputes
• Threats to African unity
• Civil wars
• Refugee problems

You should understand how political and economic difficulties affected the development of African countries.

You should also be able to explain the role of ethnic and religious differences in nation-building and assess the effects of military involvement in African politics.

Another area is neo-colonialism, which should be studied in relation to development and continued external influence.

Boundary disputes, civil wars and refugee problems should also be connected. You should understand how conflicts within and between African states can create displacement and weaken national unity.

How to Use the JAMB History Topics for Revision

History becomes easier when you study events in a clear order and understand the connection between causes, events and effects. Do not depend only on memorizing dates and names.

Study Events in Chronological Order

Arrange historical events according to when they happened.

For Nigerian History, you can revise in this order:

• Nigeria area before 1800
• Nigeria area from 1800 to 1900
• Colonial Nigeria from 1900 to 1960
• Nigeria since independence

For African History, group the topics by region and period so that you can follow how events developed over time.

Connect Causes, Events and Effects

For many History topics, you should understand three things:

• Why an event happened
• What happened during the event
• What happened afterwards

This approach is useful for topics such as:

• Sokoto Jihad
• Yoruba wars
• British conquest
• Nigerian Civil War
• Mahdiyya Movement
• Mfecane
• Great Trek
• Scramble for Africa
• Decolonization

When you study a topic, do not memorize the causes without also understanding its course and consequences.

Compare Related Historical Topics

Some areas require comparison.

You may need to compare:

• Different pre-colonial states
• British, French, Portuguese and Belgian colonial rule
• Different nationalist movements
• Different political regimes in Nigeria
• Islamic reform movements in West Africa
• Different forms of African resistance

When comparing two topics, look at their causes, leadership, methods, achievements, problems and effects where these areas apply.

Link Nigerian History With African History

Many events in Nigerian History are connected with wider developments in Africa.

For example, the Sokoto Jihad can be studied alongside other Islamic reform movements in West Africa.

Nigeria’s colonial experience can also be connected with the wider European occupation of Africa, while Nigerian nationalism can be studied alongside the broader struggle for African independence.

Seeing these connections can help you understand History as a series of related developments rather than separate facts.

Pay Attention to Important Dates

Dates are useful in History because they help you arrange events correctly.

Important dates in the topics include:

• 1886 Peace Treaty
• 1914 Amalgamation
• 1922 Clifford Constitution
• 1946 Richards Constitution
• 1951 Macpherson Constitution
• 1954 Lyttleton Constitution
• 1957 and 1958 Constitutional Conferences
• 1959 General Elections
• 1960 Independence
• 1962/63 census controversies
• 1964/65 General Elections
• January 1966 military coup

You should know what happened around each important date instead of memorizing the year alone.

Study Governments Through Their Challenges and Achievements

For post-independence Nigeria, several governments and regimes are covered.

When studying them, organize your notes around:

• Challenges faced
• Achievements
• Major political developments

This method is useful for the Gowon, Murtala/Obasanjo, Buhari, Babangida, Abacha and Abdulsalami periods, as well as the Second Republic and Interim National Government.

Understand Historical Importance

Some questions require more than stating what happened. You may need to explain why an event was important.

Pay attention to the significance of areas such as:

• Early centres of civilization
• Trade routes
• European contact
• Constitutional development
• Nationalism
• Berlin Conference
• African resistance
• Apartheid
• International organizations

Try to understand how each development affected later events.

Group Related Topics During Revision

You can make revision easier by studying related topics together.

For example:

• Study trade, economic activities and growth of states together.
• Study European penetration, conquest and colonial administration together.
• Study nationalism, constitutional development and independence together.
• Study imperialism, colonial rule and decolonization together.
• Study military intervention, political instability and nation-building problems together.

This makes it easier to see the relationship between different areas of the History syllabus.

Recommended Texts for JAMB History

The following books can support your JAMB History revision. Since the reading list is large, it is useful to choose texts according to the part of History you are studying.

Nigerian History

Useful texts for Nigerian History include:

• Michael Crowder (1979), Nigeria: An Introduction to Its History. London: Longman.
• Toyin Falola et al. (1989), History of Nigeria, Vol. I. Lagos: Longman.
• Toyin Falola et al. (1989), History of Nigeria, Vols. 2 and 3. Lagos: Longman.
• O. Ikime (ed.) (1980), Groundwork of Nigerian History. Ibadan: Heinemann.
• E. Isichei (1983), A History of Nigeria. London: Longman.
• M. Omolewa (1986), Certificate History of Nigeria. Lagos: Longman.

These books can support topics ranging from early Nigerian societies and states to colonial rule and later political developments.

West African History

For West African History, useful books include:

• J. F. Ade Ajayi and Michael Crowder (1971), History of West Africa, Vol. I. London: Longman.
• J. F. Ade Ajayi and Michael Crowder (1974), History of West Africa, Vol. II. London: Longman.
• Michael Crowder (1977), West Africa: An Introduction to Its History. Longman.
• A. G. Hopkins (1973), An Economic History of West Africa. Longman.
• K. Onwubiko (1983), School Certificate History of West Africa. Onitsha: African-First Publishers.

Read also: Full List of JAMB Recommended Textbooks for History 2027/2028

These can help with West African states, trade, Islamic reform movements, European contact and colonial developments.

Key Points to Remember

The JAMB History Area of Concentration covers both Nigerian History and major developments in other parts of Africa.

Keep these broad areas in mind during revision:

• The Nigeria Area up to 1800 covers geographical zones, early centres of civilization, formation of states, economic activities, trade and outside influences.
• The Nigeria Area from 1800 to 1900 covers the Sokoto Caliphate, Kanem-Borno, Yorubaland, Benin, Nupe, Igbo, Efik, European penetration and British conquest.
• Nigeria from 1900 to 1960 covers colonial administration, the 1914 Amalgamation, colonial economy, social development, nationalism, constitutional changes and independence.
• Nigeria Since Independence covers the First Republic, military intervention, the Civil War, different governments and Nigeria’s role in international organizations.
• West and North Africa covers Islamic reform movements, Sierra Leone, Liberia, missionary activities, Egypt and the Mahdiyya Movement.
• Eastern and Southern Africa covers the Omani Empire, Ethiopia, the Mfecane and the Great Trek.
• Imperialism and Colonialism in Africa includes the scramble for Africa, Berlin Conference, European colonial systems, African resistance and decolonization.
• Apartheid and Nation-Building covers apartheid in South Africa and the political, economic, ethnic, religious and security problems faced by African countries.

As you study these topics, make sure you can identify, explain, trace, compare, analyse and assess important historical events.

Pay attention to the relationship between causes, events and effects. Understanding how one development led to another is more useful than memorizing isolated names and dates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

The JAMB Area of Concentration for History Subject 2027/2028 covers Nigerian history from the earliest period through colonial rule, independence and post-independence developments. It also covers major historical events in West, North, East and Southern Africa.

As you revise, make sure you understand the causes, course, effects and historical importance of major events. You should also be able to compare related developments, trace changes over time and explain how events in Nigeria connect with wider African history.

Use the topics in this guide to organize your History revision carefully. If you have questions about any of the JAMB History topics, you can leave a comment and share this guide with other students.