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LECTURE MATERIAL
First Semester
COURSE COORDINATOR:
DR. MAGAJI KUTAHO
UNIVERSITY OF ABUJA
NIGERIAN PEOPLES AND CULTURE
LECTURE NOTE
GST 103/203 LECTURE NOTES (2024)

INTRODUCTION
Education is the transfer of culture from one generation to another. This
course provides an overview on Nigerian people and culture. It is
suitable as a general course for all Nigerian Universities

Undergraduates.
General objectives of the Course
Upon completion of Nigerian People and Culture GST103, you will be
able to:
■ trace the History of Nigeria
■ differentiate between the Hausas, Fulani, Kanuri and Nupe
■ understand the Yoruba, Igbo, Bini, Itsekiri and Ijaw Cultures "point out
cultural areas within Nigeria

■ know the zones within Nigeria
■ explain Nigerian economic system before, during and after colonization
■ discuss the right and duties of a citizen
INTRODUCTION TO AN ENTITY CALLED "NIGERIA"
 Nigeria is situated between latitudes 40oN and 14oN and longitude
30oE and I4oE of the Greenwich meridian.

 It is bounded in the west by the Republic of Benin, on the north by
the Republic of Niger, on the north-east, by Lake Chad, on the cast
by the Republic of Cameroun and in the south by the Atlantic Ocean.
 It is mostly located in the tropical region.
 It has a total area of 923, 768km2
 It has a total land mass of 910, 768km2 and 13,000km2 waterways.
 Nigeria has a population of about 167 million people (NPC, 2012)
 The major religion in Nigeria is Christianity and Islam. Though there
are still a sizeable worshipper of African traditional religion within the
confines of Nigeria.
 As one moves from the south to the north, the vegetation
progressively changes from tropical rain forest to savannah
grassland.
 The rains are heaviest in the south and thinnest in the north.
 Since the 1970s desert encroachment and desertification have
become a serious environmental problem to the northernmost states.
 The peoples of Nigeria are varied as would be discussed in detail
during the course of this study.
 There are about 500 different ethnic groups within the boundaries of
Nigeria.

 You may know that the major ethnic groups are Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba,
Kanuri, Fulani, Bini, Tiv, Ijaw, and Nupe, but there are some states
that have more than ten different ethnic groups, speaking different
languages.
NOTABLE ETHNIC GROUPS IN THE NORTHERN NIGERIA
THE HAUSA CULTURE
 Culture is what gives meaning to the politics, economics,
language, dietary, religion, philosophy, and aesthetics, among
others of the people.
 The Hausas are predominantly found in the north-western part of
Nigeria.
 They were substantially Islamized even before the Sokoto Jihad of

1804.
 The Hausa people themselves are groupings of a number of
different people who have been incorporated into die "original"
stock through conquest and assimilation.
 Homogeneity of the Hausa stems from a common language and
religion (Islam).
 The Hausa claim to have descended from a certain hero named
Bayajida, a refugee prince from Baghdad.

 The legend states that after leaving the Middle East, he stayed for
a while in Kanem, where he married a daughter of the Mai (or
king) called Magira.
 Later on he fled westward in order to escape the wrath of his

father-in law, and abandoned his wife who had for him a male
child.
 He briefly stayed in Gaya before reaching Daura, where he was
credited to have killed an evil snake that was preventing people of
the town from drawing water from a well.
 Perhaps because of his bravery and as a reward, he is believed to
have later married the Queen of Daura (Magajiya), which enabled
him to become the ruler of the state.

 His descendants are claimed to have founded what was known as
the seven Hausa states of Biram, Bagauda (Kano), Gunguma (Zazzau),
Duma (Gobir), Kumayo (Katsina), Zamma (Rano) and Gazora (Daura),
which were collectively referred to as the Hausa Bakwai Distinctively, the
pagan Hausa lived in small villages of exogamous patrilineal kin and they
worshiped natural spirits which were referred to as Iskoki. They were
predominantly gatherers and farmers. The Muslim Hausa had a large
centralized system. They had highly developed technologies and
economy. The Hausa were famous for leatherwork, cloth making, dyeing,
iron-making, trading, etc. You may recall that the success of the Jihad
campaigns of Shehu Usman Danfodiyo in Hausaland at the beginning of

the 19th century, gave birth to the Sokoto Caliphate, and this gave the
Fulani an important position in the political affairs of the Hausa states.
From what you have learnt, the Hausa arc reputable long-distance
traders and great cultivators. They also tend to be literate in Arabic,

resulting from the influence of Islam and the Sokoto Jihad.
Socio-political institutions - combination of social and political factors -
were introduced into the Hausa political structure. For example, the
offices of the Galadima (senior counselor), Madawaki (palace
administrator), Magaji (overseer), Dogari (guard), and Zagi (orderly)
have roots in the Islamization of Hausaland during the two centuries.
The judicial and fiscal systems were similarly influenced by Islam.

Such titles, concepts and institutions as the Alkali or the Qadi (judge),
Zakat (tax on income), Jangali (tax on livestock) became
commonplace in the administration of the state. The three most
important Hausa rulers at the wake of the 15th century were those of
Karo, Zaria and Katsina which adopted Islam in their political as well
as social and
THE FULANI CULTURE
Now that you have completed the study of the Hausa, there is another
notable ethnic group that lives side-by-side with the Hausa and others.
This is the Fulani ethnic group. The Fulani ethnic group is largely
nomadic. They are believed to have originated from the Futa Jalon
highland region of West Africa from where they migrated in stages to
various places in the West African sub-region.
Fulani is a notable ethnic group in Northern Nigeria. They are
described differently as follows: "Peul" by the Wolof, "Fula" by the
Bambara, "Fcllata" by the Kanuri and are generally called Fulani by
other Nigerians. The Fulani call themselves "Fulbe". They profess

Islam while others maintain syncretic practice and their main
occupational activity is cattle-rearing by the males and cow-milking by
the females. The Fulanis are of two categories, namely: fulanin daji
(nomadic) fulani and fulanin gida (sedentary) fulani. The former, who
have maintained their nomadic way of life, move from one place to
another in search of pasture or grazing land for their livestock. The
latter have settled in towns and villages teaching, farming, trading etc.
The Fulani are widely distributed in West Africa most especially in the
Sahel, wandering from one spot to another with their herds of cattle. In
fact, they are found in almost every country of the Sudan zone of West
Africa extending from the Senegal area in the West to the Upper Nile in
the east.
The pastoral Fulani's life is principally basic and simple. They strive to
maintain their tradition and culture wherever they go. They generally
adhere to a code of behaviour referred to as pulaaku which suggests
they must exhibit the following qualities: shiness, bravery, ownership of

cows etc. In the pre-colonial period, the Fulani, under Shehu Usman
Danfodiyo's leadership, were able to revive Islam in most parts of the
Hausaland. Following the Jihad, (an aggressive campaign for an idea)
they functioned basically as administrators and sometimes as

cultivators. As devout Muslims, they were very instrumental in assisting
Shehu Usman Danfodiyo in the execution of the popular Sokoto Jihad
which helped in the socio-political as well as the religious changes of
Northern Nigeria in the course of the nineteenth century.
THE KANURI CULTURE
Another notable ethnic group in Nigeria is the Kanuri. There are many
versions of Kanuri origin. The "So" version reveals that Kanuri were the
original settlers in Kanem-Bomo. They developed a sophisticated
socio-political culture based on agriculture and the knowledge of the

use of iron technology. In addition to the "So" version there is the Saif
bin DhiYazan myth. This version attributes the foundation of the
Kanem-Borno polity to the great Arab hero Saif bin DhiYazan of
Himyar, which supposedly happened between the 9th and the 10th
centuries CE. Saif was also credited to have established the renowned
Saifawa Dynasty (refer to Fig. 1.10).
The socio-political organization of the Kanem-Bomo people was based
on kingship. For instance, the Mai (king) was the highest authority in the
political structure of the empire. The mother of die Mai, known as magira
was a very important and respected personality in the Kanem-Borno

political structure. The sister of the Mai (mogaram) was also important
because she assisted the Mai in the administration of the empire.
Another political institution that is kingship oriented in the Kanuri Culture
was an imperial state council known as the council of the twelve or the
"Nokena", which acted in advisory capacity to the Mai.
This khadi was the chief judge of die state. He plays a major role in the
Kanuri political structure as the chief judge and the legal advisor to the
Mai. The army played a significant role in the Kanem-Bomo political
system. It was a professional

army divided strategically into two divisions: Home and Bush
Garrisons. Another institution of the Kanem-Bomo political structure
was the titled nobility. They were known to have exercised great
influence in state affairs and the Mai assigned to the fiefdoms to

administer. The most important of these titles were the Galadima
(governor of the western province), the Kaigama (commander in chief
of the army), the Yerima (governor of Yari province) and the Mustrema
(queen mother's representative). They also played important roles in
the administration of the dynasty and held offices such as the
Mushemu, Yuroma and Kachalla.
THE NUPE CULTURE
This ethnic group can be found in central part of Nigeria. Like many
Nigerian ethnic groups, the Nupe people have different versions of
origin. Many scholars believe that the early Nupe people originated from
where they are presently (part of Kogi, Kwara and Niger States). Other
scholars argued that the first people of Nupe originated from Egypt.
Hence Egypt seems to be the origin of Nupe people in this regard.
Edegi is considered by some Nupe people as the founder of their state;
and according to Nupe tradition Edegi might have arrived in the early
Sixteenth Century from Idah. He (Edegi) was also believed to have had
an Igala father and a Nupe mother. Historical traditions reveal that the
Nupe people had at a time paid allegiance and tribute to the Atta of the

Igala state. To them (the Nupe) in the Sixteenth Century, a hero, an
Idah prince, known as Tsoede re-established Nupe independence with
himself as the Etsu Nupe (King of Nupe land).
Regarding their religion, the Nupe people are highly Islamized group
found in the Niger valley above its confluence with the Benue. A strong
Nupe kingdom had existed since the 15th Century up to the Jihad. The
Fulbe jihad leaders who took over Nupe land were completely absorbed
into Nupe culture and became Nupe. The Nupe are a highly united
group. A unity sustained by a belief in common origin, a common
language and culture, the symbol of the Etsu Nupe and a feeling of
Nupe consciousness. Due to early contact with the Europeans on the
river Niger, they are highly westernized. Etsu Nupe was known as the
head of the Nupe kingdom. He operated a two-level administration:
central and provincial. Etsu Nupe enjoyed a divine status and people
worshipped him and respected him. His words were laws. His power
and actions were regulated by a body of traditions and taboos. Besides
the Etsu Nupe there was a class of powerful gentlemen called nobility.
Its main task is to help the king carry out his duties as leader. Such
nobility include: shaba, kpotuh and maku. At the village level, there was
a head called Zitzu. He was an appointee of the Etsu and he was
assisted by a council of elders. He was expected to pay tribute to Etsu.

SUMMARY
In this study session, you learnt that:
1. The Hausa are found in the North Western part of Nigeria. They
were substantially Islamized even before the Sokoto Jihad of 1804.

2. The Fulani is an ethnic group in the North and are believed to have
originated from the Futa Jalon highland region of West Africa from
where they migrated to various places in the West African Sub-
region. The Fulani are of two groups, namely pastoral Fulani
(Fulanin Daji) and sedentary Fulani (Fulanin Gida).
3. The Kanuri have different versions of origin, the "So" version of the
Kanuri origin states that, the "So" were the first settlers in the
Kanem-Bomo, while the Saif bin DhiYazan version attributes the

foundation of Kanem Bomo to the great Arab hero Saif bin
DhiYazan who was credited to have established the popular
Saifawa Dynasty.
4. As for the Nupe Culture, some scholars argued that they originated
from Egypt. However, the Idah version is that, Edegi was the
founder of their state. He was believed to have had an Igala father
and a Nupe mother. It was also believed that the Nupe people at
one time paid allegiance and tribute to Atta of the Igala state.
5. The socio-political organisations of Hausa comprised the following:
i. Galadima ii. Madawaki iii. Magaji iv. Dogari v. Zagi

6. The socio-political organizations of Kanuri comprised the following:
i. The Mai ii. Magira iii. The Mainin Kinendi iv. The Army v. the
Kaigama
7. The Fulbe seem to have no political organisation before 19th

Century, rather they adopted the Hausa Socio-political structure.
8. The socio-political organisations of Nupe comprised the following: i.
Etsu Nupe ii. Shaba iii. Kpotuh iv. Maku
NOTABLE ETHNIC GROUPS IN SOUTHERN NIGERIA
In the previous session, you learnt about the notable ethnic groups in
Northern Nigeria. In this Study Session, we shall be extending our
discourse to the notable ethnic groups in southern Nigeria which includes

Yoruba, Igbo, Bini, Itsekiri and Ijaw (Izon). The focus will be on their
origins and their socio-political organisations
THE YORUBA CULTURE
The ethnic group now commonly referred to as the 'Yoruba' have been
identified by different names spanning millenniums and centuries.
Pacheco Pereira identified them in 1500 as the Lucumi while early
missionary accounts of the 19" Century referred to them as the Aku.
Yoruba, which originally referred to the Oyo, began to be used for the
generality of the group by the Europeans and it has caught on. The
earliest known account of their existence in the region according to

archaeological evidence dates to around 9000 BCE as revealed by
human remains at Iwo Eleiv. However, their inability to develop arts of
writing early in their history gave rise to fables and conflicting accounts of
their origin. R.C.C. Law traced the first written account of Yoruba origin
to the second Sultan of the Sokoto Caliphate, Sultan Mohammed Bello.
In his writing, Infaq at Maisuri, Bello in his version in 1812 stated that the
Yoruba derived from Nimrod, a descendant of the cursed Ham who fled
Mecca while resisting Islam. This account was later appropriated by new
Oyo palace historians who expanded it to identify Nimrod as iMmurudu
whom they now referred to as the father of Oduduwa, the acclaimed
progenitor of the Yoruba. Samuel Johnson on his part adapted this
account but replaced the Meccan origin widi Egyptian Coptic Christians.
Figure 1: Yoruba areas in Nigeria
Another myth of the Yoruba origin alleged that Oduduwa descended
from heaven sent by God to create the earth. That Oduduwa's first point
of arrival on earth was Ile-Ife, hence the notion that lle-lfe is the centre of
the earth. What is however certain is the fact that the Yoruba arc

indigenous to Southwest Nigeria. The Itsekiri are their kins. They
constitute a sizeable population of Middle Belt states of Kwara and Kogi.
There are indigenous Yoruba in Edo state. Until the colonial conquest of
Africa, the Yoruba region extended from Benin Republic to parts of

Togo. A sizeable number also settled in Sudan en route to or from
Mecca.
Note that: The Trans-Atlantic slave trade also led to their forced
migration to the Americas where Yoruba cultural traditions have endured
to the present in Brazil (as Lucumi), in Trinidad and Tobago and in Cuba,
amongst many other places.
In Nigeria, the Yoruba constitute a homogenous socio-linguistic and

cultural group. Their language belongs to the Niger-Congo language
family and shares basic characteristics with the Igbo, Edo, Fulani,
Bariba, Efik, Jukun, among other groups. Ile-lfe developed a centralized
state system, complex artistic and craftsmanship abilities, socio-cultural
and religious practices, as well as economic versatility. It became a
cultural and political model for other Yoruba communities which began to
replicate the Ife model in their domains. Ile-Ife became the spiritual
motherland of the Yoruba. However, Oyo soon developed a more
complex political and military system.
The Yoruba political system is very complex. The Oba (king) is an
absolute ruler with divine authority, yet his powers are checked by

various institutions such as the council of chiefs (the Oyomesi-hereditary
advisers in Oyo in particular and Ilu in other Yoruba lands), the Ogboni
society, Ifa divination, and sometimes by mass rebellion or rejection of
his authority or person. Any member of the council of chiefs could in turn
be deposed by the king. Kingship rotates among several royal houses;
hence, the son of a reigning king cannot succeed his father. A
paramount ruler (the king) seldom appeared in public and was not
commonly accessible to his subjects. His subordinate chiefs
administered the quarters, villages, the towns and other domains on his
behalf. Yet, each of the chiefs has specific traditional duties limited to
each of them alone. Yoruba settlement had the Oba's palace in the
centre. Village heads (Baale) are subject to the king through his chiefs,
while lineage heads (baale and mogaji in Ibadan) administer the
quarters and the wards but are subjected to the immediate higher head.
Youths and quarter children have their roles and rights. The rights of
women are assured as their leader is an official member of the council of
chiefs.
Marriage among the Yoruba was exogenous; hence, it was not a mere
event between two individuals but an event involving two previously
unrelated families. After betrothal, a man must not only give presents to
his future wife, but also should help her father on his farm or when
building a house. The would-be in-law also plays important role in funeral
rites. The Yoruba operate patrilineal societies. Apart from farming, the
Yoruba were also traders and craftsmen. Generally speaking, even
strangers did have access to land for farming purposes through Iaakole
(i.e., land rent) charge. Cooperative efforts used in farming include 'aaro'
and 'owe'. The 'aaro' form of labour mobilization was reciprocal in that
farmer who was assisted to weed his farm or build his house today. The
Ori Olokun would be called upon tomorrow to render similar service.
While the 'owe' was not reciprocal. Drumming and feasting would
normally follow after the execution of an 'owe' or an 'aaro' task.
THE IGBO CULTURE
Another notable ethnic group in Nigeria is the Igbo. The Igbo have a
unique culture. There are three versions on the origin of the Igbo. The
first version says the Igbo migrated from the Middle East to their present
location. The second version says they have been in their present
location in eastern Nigeria from the beginning. The third version says
they descended from the sky. The language of the Igbo belongs to die
Niger-Congo family. The Igbo people thrived in the Igbo-Ukwu art culture
while they cherished Arochukwu in the spiritual realm.
You need to know that birth, marriage and burial arc considered the
three most important family events. Igbo traditional marriage, known as
igbankwu is not just an affair between the future husband and wife, it
involves parents, the extended family and the whole village. The would-

be groom parent will bring palm wine and kolanuts to the bride's family
and other items such as goats, chickens etc. as requested by the family.
We wish to state that the wedding ceremony varies from village to
village. Birth is also celebrated among the Igbo but die naming ceremony
is usually performed on the 28lh day. Many customs surround the burial
rites such as paying last respect to the dead, singing traditional songs
and traditional dances, acrobatic displays by masquerades, etc.
The Igbo political system is a segmentary system of governance where
you have hierarchy of power from the family to the age group and to
special titles. This power is often distributed among the following title
holders: Ozo, Ichie, Mazi, Ozioko, Nze, Diokpa, hi, Okpara, Ezeji and a
few others.
The village of Igbo-Ukwu is the harbinger of the oldest known sculpture
from Igboland. In that village (Igbo-Ukwu), there was an excavation of
the grave of a man of some importance and wealth dating back to the 9th
Century which produced some of the earliest bronze castings, glass
beads, bowls and ornaments. The objects found at Igbo-Ukwu are also
for ritual as well as secular purposes. The objects found at this site were
a large collection of objects and regalia mostly made through the "lost
wax" technique and others made through smiting and casting method. In
terms of style, the artifacts found at Igbo-Ukwu are not similar to the Bini,
lfe or any other Nigerian arts; they are originally local in shape and
content. The findings at this site indicate a very well-developed economy

with surplus to engage in artistic production. Others that hold powers
include priests, elders, diviners, medicine men, the Okparas, members of
secret society and age grades. They all have recognized roles to play
within the Igbo political set up.
THE BINI CULTURE
This is another notable culture in Nigeria. There are three versions of
the origin of the Benin kingdom. The first version is from Edo
mythology. According to this mythology, the Benin Kingdom was
founded by the youngest of the children of Osanubua (the high god).
This child came with his elder brothers who subsequently founded Ife
and Yoruba Kingdoms. The Second Version talks about the elders of
Benin requested King of Ife (Odudirwa) to send his son as the King of
Benin. Oduduwa complied by sendingOranmiyan. ButOranrniyan did

not stay for long. He impregnated the daughter of the Onogie of Edo.
This woman later delivered a son who was installed as the first Oba of
Benin. This Oba was later calledEweka. He and the people of Benin
lived at Usama. The Third Version according to lgharevba (1968), the
Bini migrated from Egypt and in the course of their journey southward,
they settled at lle-lfe and finally moved to their present location. The
leadership of the Bini people was based on segmentary system where

authority is exercised right from the family. There are three types of
families:
1. The Nuclear Family
2. The Joint Family
3. The Extended Family
Each is headed by an elder who sanctions each member of the family.
Similarly, there are societal elders constituting authority based on the
village system and there are representative title holders who constitute
a councilor court for discharging laws and justice in the whole kingdom.
THE ITSEKIRI CULTURE
You may wish to know this important culture in Nigeria. The people of
Itsekiri claimed to have descended fromUmale-Okun (the sea god)
some of the Itsekiris claim to have descended from Ode.a Yoruba town
in Ijebu Water-side. In a different dimension, one part of the Itsekiri
tradition claimed a relationship with Iginuwa, a son of one of the chiefs
of the Yoruba; it was said that Iginuwa was sent to the Itsekiri land in
company of chiefs and their servants whereby, the chief, together with
the Itsekiri established the present land (Fig. 2.12). On his arrival
Iginuwa met with some Ijaw who took him along with his followers and
consolidated his power as a leader of the new land.

Figure 2: The Niger-Delta
The socio-political organisation of the Itsekiri was closely related to the
Bini people. The palace and titles for instance were modelled after that of
the Benin kingdom. But in the Itsekiri's case, instead of the Oba, the
kingdom was ruled rather by the Olu. He alone presided over a council
known as Ojoye which was made up of seven nobles or title holders. The
Olu combined in himself spiritual and temporal powers.
THE IJAW CULTURE
The Ijaw ethnic group accounts for a sizeable percentage ofNigeria's
population. You also need to know that they are located along the
coastal belts of Southern Nigeria from the Forcados to Bonny River,

long and extensive years of interaction with various neighbours have
greatly influenced their traditions thereby leading to differences in the
cultural assumptions of component Ijaw groups. They are mostly
identified as Western Delta Ijaw (Gbaramatu, Mein, Iduwini. Arogho,
Egbema (Bassan), ApoiIjaw); the Central Delta Ijaw (Apoi,

Furupagha, OlodiamaIjaw); and the Eastern Delta Ijaw (Bonny, Elem
Kalahari, Nembe (Brass),Okrika). Some scholars have come up with
different Ijaw traditions of origin. These scholars include Kenneth Dike
(1956), G.I. Jones (1964) and E.J. Alagoa (1972). Dike ascribed the
establishment of Ijaw politico-religious institutions to the
commencement of trans-atlantic trade around the IS"1 Century, while
G.I. Jones modified this submission by propounding claims of
migration from Eastern Delta pinning it to the period of or before
Portuguese contact with the region (1450-1550). On the contrary,
Alagoa, an Ijaw, brought up 'Mein tradition' to assert migration from
Central Delta to Eastern Delta. Archaeological studies sponsored by
Alagoa to settle this controversy provided more concrete information.

The results showed that Eastern Delta Ijaw communities were settled
far ahead of the Central Delta region. They belong to the Niger-Congo
linguistic subgroup and they speak Izon. The eastern Ijaw group,
however, speak Kalahari. The western Delta ljaw also speak Edoid
languages while the Ogbia clan, the Andoni as well as the Obulom
speak Cross-River languages.
Note
Horton (1969) noted that the politico-religious organizations of the Ijaw
are similar to those of other Southeastern Nigerian groups especially the
Igbo. The entire adult male population seats in three age grades
assembly to perform legislative and judicial functions presided over by

the Amanyanabo (village head). The village head is chosen from a single
descent group.
In ljaw cosmology, a High God (Tamuno) is acknowledged. An ancestor
cult similar to that of the Igbo also exists. Being riverine people, there is
a strong belief in the water goddess (Owti) that plays certain roles in
human affairs. The Ijaw, over the course of their history arc reputed
fishermen, canoe builders, salt manufacturers and above all elaborate
and extensive merchants and traders, well known for the establishment
of merchant houses.
The Yoruba people are located mainly in South-West of Nigeria and they
constitute a homogenous socio-linguistic and cultural group within the
Western part of the country. The Yoruba are mostly traders and
craftsmen. Marriage among the Yoruba is exogenous. The government
and administration of a Yoruba town are democratic.
1. The origins of the Igbo people vary from:
• That they migrated from the Middle East to their present
location;
• That they have been in their present location in South-Eastern
Nigeria from the beginning, and
• That they descended from the sky.

3. The Igbo political structure is a segmentary system of governance
where there is hierarchy of power from the family to the age group
and to special title-holders. Others such as the priests, elders,
diviners and medicine men also hold powers.

4. The origin of Benin culture could be traced to three myths:
• The first myth was that the Benin Kingdom was founded by
the youngest of the children of Osanubua (the high god);
• The second myth was that the elders of Benin requested king or
Oduduwa of Ife to send his son as the king of Benin. Oduduwa
complied by sending Oranmiyan who impregnated the daughter
of the Onogie of Edo who delivered a son who was installed as
the first Oba of Benin;

• The third myth was that the Bini people migrated from Egypt
and in the course of their journey southwards; they settled at
Ile-Ife and finally moved to their present location.
• The leadership of the Bini people is based on segmentary
system where authority is exercised right from the family. The
families are headed by elders and there are societal elders
constituting the authority as well as other titleholders.
CULTURAL AREAS OF NIGERIA AND THEIR
CHARACTERISTICS

You may recall that the population of Nigeria stood at about 167 million
according to NPC August, 2012. It is common knowledge that within the
country's boundaries, there are over 500 ethnic groups, each speaking
its own language, although some may not necessarily speak the
language identified with their ethnic groups. These ethnic groups range
in size from tiny units consisting of less than 700 people to groups
numbering well above 10 million. The well-known ethnic groups in
Nigeria include Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo, Fulani, Kanuri, Efik, Ibibio, Tiv, Izon
(Ijaw) Edo, among others as shown below
Figure 3: Areas of well-known ethnic groups
Although there are over 500 distinct ethnic groups in Nigeria, the
number of languages spoken does not necessarily correspond to this
figure. As such, there is bound to be more or less than this figure,
since one ethnic group might speak different languages while different
ethnic groups might speak one language. This has led to a lack of

precision in identifying die number of languages spoken in Nigeria.
What compounds diis problem further is the existence of different
varieties of the same language, otherwise known as dialects. For
instance, one language may have several varieties which at times are
not mutually intelligible. Whether such are regarded as distinct
languages or dialects (varieties) of die same language has always
remained a bone of contention among linguists. Although, the index of
Nigerian languages 1993 identified 452 languages, the Ethnologies
identified 529 languages (2013).
Figure 4: Various Linguistic groups and their location
LINGUISTIC CLASSIFICATIONS

Just as is the case with their number, linguists also disagree on any
single classification scheme for African languages. But it is generally
recognized that Nigeria is one of the principal linguistic crossroads of
Africa. J.H. Greenberg in his classification of African languages

distinguishes four major groups, called phyla. This in linguistics means a
large division of possibly related languages, or a major language family
which is not subordinate to another. They are Afro-Asiatic, Khoisan,
Niger-Congo and Nilo-Saharan. In Nigeria, the majority of the languages
belong to the Niger-Congo Phylum, though there are a substantial
number of languages belonging to the Afro-Asiatic phylum especially the
Chadic family (Hausa, Marghi, Pabir-Bura, Bole, Karekare. Tangale,
etc.). The Nilo-Saharan has Kanuri, Dandi, Teda and Zanna. There are
no languages from the Khoisan phylum in Nigeria.
Note: The Niger-Congo family is divided into: West Atlantic, Mande, Gur,
Kwa, Benue-Congo and Adamawa-Ubangi. The majority of Nigerian
languages belong to the Kwa, Benue Congo and Adamawa-Ubangian
families. The other families within Niger-Congo are: West Atlantic
(Fulbe), Mande (Busa and Shanga), and Gur (Baatonun).
GOVERNMENT'S POSITION ON LANGUAGE
Due to linguistic diversities, the Federal Government has encouraged the
citizens to employ English Language as a lingual franca, language of
administration, education, trade and commerce, while attempts are being
made to evolve a national language through its National policy on

Education. The National Policy on Education makes it mandatory that
language of immediate environment or community should be the medium
of communication in early childhood education. The Junior Secondary
School students are to be taught and examined in any of the three major
indigenous Nigerian languages - Hausa, Igbo and Yoruba. The Senior
Secondary School students are to offer one other indigenous Nigerian
language other than their mother tongue. Besides the issue of national
language, different states in Nigeria have dominant languages which
unite them.
NIGERIA GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION
You can recall that Nigeria's major ethnic groups are widely distributed
all over the country. The Hausa are widely distributed, but they constitute
majority in the far north of the country. The Fulani-speaking people are
also spread throughout Northern Nigeria. They are found all over
Northern Nigeria. The Kanuri arc mainly found in Borno and Yobe states;
the Nupe in the Niger and Benue valleys. The Tiv are concentrated in the
area south of the Benue River.
The Yoruba arc found in Southwestern Nigeria as well as parts of Kwara,
Kogi, Edo and Delta States. The Bini are located in Edo and Delta

states, while the Ijaw (Izon) are spread throughout the coastal strips of
Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Edo and Lagos states.
The Igbo are mainly found in Imo, Anambra, Enugu, Ebonyi, Abia States
and parts of Delta and Rivers States. However, as a result of population

pressure and pressure on land, many Igbo people have migrated to
various parts of Nigeria. There are other smaller ethnic groups that arc
located in various parts of the country.
1. According to the National Population Commission, August, 2012
the population of Nigeria stood at 167 million people with over 500
ethnic groups.
2. The majority of the Nigerian Languages belong to the
Niger-Congo groupings and the remaining languages are
distributed between Afroasiatic and Nilo-Sahara groups.
3. In the Northern part of the country, the Kanuri are found in Borno
and Yobe, while the Nupe are found in Niger and Benue Valleys.
The Tivs, on the other hand, are found in the south of Benue River.
4. In the southern part of the country the Ijaw are spread throughout
the coastal stripes of Rivers, Delta, Edo, Bayelsa and Lagos
States. The Igbo are mainly found in Southeastern states of
Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Abia.
NORTHERN ZONE

You are aware that Nigeria is the most populous country in Africa.
Continuous human habitation of the area dates back to pre-historic
times. Some artifacts found in Nok in Plateau State date back 39,000
B.C. and many Late Stone Age (15,000 -5, 000 BC.) artifacts have been
found in the Mejiro Cave (Oyo State), Daima (Bomo State) and Rop rock
shelters (Plateau State) among others. All these indicate long human
habitation of the area. While detailed ethnic, linguistic and cultural
composition of the area is difficult to explain, it is obvious that by 1500
AD most of the groups have occupied their approximately current
locations. In part, due to the common features shared by most groups,
this discussion would highlight the history and political structure of these
groups before the 19th Century. For convenience and clarity, Nigeria
would be sub-divided into four zones: Northern, Central, Western and
Eastern.
Compared to the Central Zone, this part of Nigeria is less culturally
diverse. Besides, there are the Kanuri and the Hausa which constitute
the notable cultural groups of the zone. Also, it is a fact that Hausa is the
largest cultural group in Nigeria. Historically. Daura was the original
home of the Hausa people. For instance, it is related that the seven
original Hausa states of Daura. Kano, Zaria, (Zazzau) Kakaina, Rano,
Biram and Gobir were founded by the children of a certain Bawo, son of
a certain migrant prince of Baghdad, variously called Abu Yazici or Abu
Yazidu or Bayajjida. It is on record that, Daura was the mother of

Cannanite named Najb. So, the Bayajida myth represents the mirror of a
historical period in which the formation of states began in Hausa land.
Today the Hausa people of Nigeria are mostly concentrated in Kano,
Katsina, Jigawa, Sokoto, Kebbi and Zamfara States.
The Hausa people are widely spread over a large area of the central
Sudan, due mainly to religious, political and economic activities. Their
language is also widespread. It is recorded that not only Hausa language
is classified under the Chadic sub-group of AfroAsiatic or Hamito-Semitic
family, but it is also spoken over a very wide area by so many
nationalities. The Hausa language is a lingua- franca of the entire
northern of Nigeria. Surprisingly, it is recorded that seventy- five percent
of Hausa speakers arc non-Hausa, the language is spoken in the whole

Sudan Savanna area. Hausa people, as noted earlier, arc the chief
representatives of the people of this Zones and that is why reference is
constantly made to them in most of the examples in this section. The
social and political organization of the Hausa people is found on strict
status differentiation. We have the Sarakuna (Chiefs in Hausa language)
and Masu Saraula. The former are at the top of the hierarchy, while the
MasuSaraula are holders of offices. Those who hold hereditary offices

constitute the sub-class of MasuSaraula Na Asali while those who hold
office of allegiance form the MasuSarauta Na Cafka, and they constitute
the middle class. There is the third class called Talakawa, which is made

up of farmers and peasants, petty civil servants, craftsmen, traders etc.
Similarly, it is on record that every Hausa migrant community has the
equivalence of a central figure or ruler in Hausaland called Sarkin
Hausawa, just as we have among the professional guilds, e.g. Sarkin

Makera of the blacksmith, Sarkin Makada of the drummers, the Imam
etc.
Farming, industry and commerce constitute the three major components
of Hausa economy. The main agricultural crops found in this zone arc:
maize, millet, guinea corn and beans among many others. Their
agriculture has always been at the forefront of the Nigerian economy.
People in this zone, especially the Hausa, arc known for their craft
products such as: leather, blacksmithing, sculpture, perfumes and
several textile wares. They are also famous for commerce and they are
one of Africa's famous merchants. Hausa women enjoy enormous
economic freedom more than any other women in Nigeria. They are free
to run their private businesses and enjoy absolute control over their
income. Historically, Hausa cultures provide that a wife is justified to
claim a fee for labour rendered to her husband in the process of
economic production. It is also on record that some women are far richer
than their husbands.
Beside the Hausa, the Fulani are one of the notable ethnic groups in this
zone. While they call themselves "Fulbe", and refer to the language they

speak as "Fulfulde", the Wolof call them "Peul" and the Bambara
address them as "Fula".
The Kanuri are mainly found in Borno and Yobe States. Like the Fulani,
they also practice Islam as their religion and have distinctive cultural
practices of their own.
CENTRAL ZONE
The Central Zone covers the whole area conventionally described as
the Nigerian Middle Belt or sometimes referred to as Kasashen Bauchi.
It covers much more than fifty percent of the Niger territory extending
from the Idoma, Ebira and Igala axis in the south to as far north as the
community collectively known as the southern Zaria and from the
Cameroonian border in the east to the border of Republic of Benin in
the west. This is the home of majority of Nigeria's cultural and ethnic
groups. Five states arc found in this zone, which are Benin, Kwara.
Kogi, Northern Plateau and Taraba. These states account for fifty
percent of the culture of Nigeria. The general characteristic of this zone

is the small population size they have. The only groups with
considerable population are Tiv, Gwari and Nupe. (Fig. 4.6)
The rest are smaller in size, because of this it becomes very difficult to
make a distinctive classification. Examples of such are Jukun,
Mumuye, Tere, Kaka, Koro, Anaguta, Zaranda. Vomni, Mbula,

Chuomu, Lan, Njirai. Vemgo, Wula, Higgi, Gade, Rubu, Amo, Kurama,
Burom, Kakanda, Tarok. Most of the people in these areas claim their
origins from Hausa or Jukun ancestors. The main economic
preoccupation of the people in this zone is fanning. Southern most

reaches of the zone especially from the lower Benue valley to the
Niger-Benue confluence form part of the West Africa Yam belt. This is
the home of Nupe, Koto and the Tiv. Elsewhere in the zone, the
primary crops arc guinea corn, maize, and millets among others. They
also cultivate cassava but not in commercial quantity. In this zone land
belongs to everyone in the community or the lineages and not to
individuals. Nigeria's two major rivers - the Niger and Benue and their
several tributaries - flow through this zone and provide professionalism

in fishing and farming.
Religious belief in this zone is quite different from those in the Western
and Eastern Zones. Nevertheless, as it is in the two zones, there is a
general belief in the existence of the Supreme God as well. But the
Supreme Being is differently called according to the numerous ethnic
groups found in this zone. For instance, among the Kurama he is called
"Ashili" or "Bakashili", Among Tiv, he is known as "Aondo", while the
Rukuba call him "Katakuru". The Gwari calls him "Shekoki", "Shesha",
"Esse", "Sheko" or "Soko". The Nupe call him "Soko". Among the Jukun,
he is referred to as "Chido" or "Shido", etc. The people of this zone also
believe in other forces such as ancestral spirits. The Igala, Jukun and Tiv
are well known for their strong beliefs in witchcraft, magic and sorcery. It
is also worth noting that the zone is the most representative of religious
balance in Nigeria, in that Islam and Christianity as well as other religions
cohabit excellently. It is also recorded that members of the same family

can belong to different faiths and still co-habit as brothers and sisters in
the same household.
Politically, the zone is also different from the rain forest people who are
known for empires and monarchies. Historically, before the rise of the
northern emirates, ushered in by the 19th Century Jihad, and the advent
of the warrant chief system brought by colonialism, the people in this
zone were never used to culture of centralized governments. Only few
ethnic groups such as Igala, Nupe and Jukun had developed elaborate
monarchical structures. In antiquity this zone is known for its petty
chiefdoms or village lineage-based democracies.
Note that: Some ethnic groups have been paying allegiance to the Caliph
who has spiritual and political control of the greater part of the zone.
WESTERN ZONE
This zone is the principal habitat of Nigeria's ethnic groups referred to as
the Mennonites. These include the Yoruba, the Ndoki, Oduel, Urhobo,
Bini, Itsekiri and Isoko among others, Urhobo and lsoko in this zone are
the only two belonging to the Kwa family. The major occupation in this
Zone is fishing and cultivation of root crops. The main dress among

these groups is the wrapper usually worn with a jumper or broad shirt for
men and blouse for women. Political organization in this zone is based
on village groups or clans with each developing distinct dialect. The
basic political unit in this zone is the village especially when it is fairly
large in a confederation and the whole of the culture group is something
of merely a cultural unit. The basic political units in die Yoruba culture
are in the town. A town is made up of lineage organized in order of
seniority determined by the order of settlement. Each lineage has a
hereditary title assumed by its leader. In most cases political heads of
the town is called Baale or Oba. For the purpose of administration, the
town is divided into wards under the leadership of ward chiefs called
(Ijoye, Adugbo or OloriItun). Wards arc further subdivided into

administrative units, i.e. Compounds (Agboile) headed by the eldest man
(Baale). There is no distinction between judicial and legislative power but

a hierarchy of power from Baale, Ijoye and the highest Oba.
Cultures of this zone are also remarkable for their sophisticated artistic
traditions and skills such as the science of metallurgy, iron smelting and
bronze-smelting in such communities as Ife, Oyo etc. The people of this
zone are as religious as elsewhere in the nation. There is a general
belief in the existence of the Supreme God who is called different
names e.g. Olodumare or Olorun among the Yoruba, Osanobua among
the Bini, Osenobua among the Esan, Oghena among the Etsakoa, etc.
Supreme God is believed in this zone to have created the world with no
direct involvement in the affairs of men, but have unlimited power as
well as benevolence and punitive measure.
EASTERN ZONE
This zone consists of many ethnic groups such as the Igbo, Ijaw, Ibibio
and Efik. These groups mostly had democratic systems of government

and several kingdoms such as Nir AkwaAkpa (Calabar), Aro confederacy
and Opobo which were huge influences in the zone. Equally is the village
democracies among the Igbo and other communities of the East. At the
level of the village in Igbo land, public administration is under die control
of the village assembly which comprises every able-bodied male adult.
At the core is what is called the inner council (AmaAla) which consists of
lineage heads, title holders, and other elders on the basis of their
personal qualities. Cultures of this zone are also remarkable for their
sophisticated artistic traditions and skills such as the science of
metallurgy, iron smelting and bronze-smelting in such communities as
Nkwere, Awka, Abiriba, etc. The people of this zone arc as religious as
elsewhere in the nation.
Note that: There is a general belief in the existence of the Supreme God
who is called different names e.g. Chukwu or sometime Obbasi among
the Igbo, Abasi among the Ibibio, etc.

1. The Northern Zone is the driest part of Nigeria where we have
Hausa, Kanuri and Fulani and arc predominantly farmers. The
major cultural activities include livestock rearing, farming and
trading.
2. The Central Zone covers the area referred to as Middle Belt and
it is the centre for many cultures. Farming, especially yam
cultivation and fishing, are the main economic activities of the
people of this zone.
3. The Western zone belongs to the Kwa family of languages and
their major occupation is fishing and cultivation of root crops.
4. The Eastern zone consists of the Edo, Igbo, Esim and Etsakoa
group of cultures. They have good artistic traditions and skills of

iron crafts and they believe in Supreme God.
THE EVOLUTION OF NIGERIA
This Study Session is designed to acquaint you with issues and the
various developments that gave birth to an entity called Nigeria. Our
analysis shall cover areas such as the evolution of Nigeria,
amalgamation and reasons for amalgamation and various constitutional
developments that culminated into the present Nigeria.
Reasons for the Amalgamation
When you have studied this session, you should be able to:

1. identify at least three of the independent states before the
independence
2. enumerate some of the amalgamation processes before 1914 in
Nigeria
3. trace the negative impacts of indirect rule on our chiefs and emirs
outline some of the reasons for the amalgamation of the Northern and
Southern protectorate in 1914 trace the four different notable
Constitutional Development experiences in Nigeria constitutional
Development.
THE EVOLUTION OF NIGERIA
The polity called Nigeria as we know it today was before colonial rule
made up of several independent states variously referred to as
kingdoms, empires, chiefdoms, etc. Each state was independent of the
other but there were numerous layers of relationships among them. The
politically strong ones just before the onset of colonial rule were the
Sokoto Caliphate, Borno, the Hausa states and Nupe in the north and
Oyo and Benin in the south. This is in addition to several small kingdoms
and numerous states without clearly defined political leadership beyond
the family or clan referred to as politically non-centralized states. These
states were at the onset of British colonial rule gradually amalgamated
and administered as one colonial entity known as the colony and

protectorate of Nigeria. It was this colonial creation that became
independent in 1960 as the Republic of Nigeria.
The territories that later became Nigeria comprised different states with
sovereign status. Relations between these states were international

relations before the colonial onslaught. Considering the constellation of
state systems within the area - the Sokoto Caliphate to the north and the
northwest, Bomo to the northeast, the Oyo and Benin empires to the
southwest, and the numerous non-centralized communities of the forest
belt to the southeast, the possibility of the emergence of a state system
similar to the present Nigeria without an external intervention is indeed
very remote. However, some scholars such as Billy Dudley have argued
that the inter- group relationships such as those of trade, conquests,

political association, myths of common origin, etc. could still have
provided the basis for a state like Nigeria.
Note: The credit for the amalgamation and emergence of Nigeria in its
present form goes to the British.
AMALGAMATION

The name "Nigeria" was first used by Flora Shaw, who was to become
the wife of Frederick Lugard, in an article to the London Times of 1899 to
refer to the territories around the River Niger in Northern Nigeria. The
name was originally applied to the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria

before it later came to be applied to the whole country.
British interest in Northern Nigeria predated the nineteenth century,
however, by the beginning of the nineteenth century as early as 1879 the
British government allowed British trading companies access to these
territories for commercial activities. By 1826 British merchant ships had
traded 011 the Bonny River, and by 1886 up to 1900 the British allowed
the United Africa Company (UAC), which later became the chartered
Royal Niger Company power to administer the Northern Nigeria
territories on its behalf. This meant that the company was the
government of Northern Nigeria at this period. By 1900 the British
government took over administration of the territory from the Royal Niger
Company and appointed Frederick (later Lord Lugard) as High
Commissioner. It was Lugard who proclaimed the Protectorate of
Northern Nigeria. What became Nigeria was an amalgam of various
colonial possessions which were acquired over different times and later
amalgamated gradually even though the general reference to
amalgamation is the one of 1914 which brought the two giant territories
of the Northern and Southern protectorates together. In 1900 the Niger
Coast protectorate was amalgamated with the Colony of Lagos to form

the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria. This is different from the Colony of
Lagos which had a different status.
Then in 1906 there was the second series of amalgamation when the
Colony of Lagos was merged with the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria
to form a single entity known as the Colony and Protectorate of Southern
Nigeria. Finally, there was the amalgamation of 1914, which brought the
Protectorate of Northern Nigeria and the Colony and Protectorate of
Southern Nigeria into one single entity known as the Colony and
Protectorate of Nigeria on 1st January 1914.
Note that: In 1861 the British annexed the Territory of Lagos as a colony
but administered it by the governor for the West African settlements’
resident in Sierra Leone between 1866 and 1874 and the governor for
Gold Coast Colony between 1874.
REASONS FOR THE AMALGAMATION
The British amalgamated Nigeria for the same reasons that made them
to colonize it in the first place. That is, to serve their imperial interests.
The main reasons for the amalgamation are: First, they wanted a cheap
and secure source of raw materials for their industries. Second, they
wanted a market for their manufactured goods. Third, they needed a
source for generating capital resources for investment in Britain thereby
strengthening the British pound sterling against other currencies. Fourth,
they needed a manpower reserve for military and other purposes. Fifth,

they wanted the ports, water ways, roads, railways, and air spaces for
transportation and imperial communication systems. All these would be
easier and more efficient only if Nigeria was amalgamated.
COLONIAL RULE
In the previous discussion, the interest of colonial rule was stated
bearing in mind the invasion and occupation of Nigeria. The major task
before the British was to find the most cost-effective way to rule their
newly acquired territory, a territory composed of different cultural and
religious groups with different systems of governance and administration.
The British, based on Lord Lugard's recommendations, decided to
interfere as little as possible in the day-to-day administration of the
peoples they ruled. It was decided that interference should be limited to
what was necessary to the basic needs of colonial administration and
economic exploitation of the country or to eliminate what they perceived
as repugnant to British conception of justice and morality.
To this end, a system of British rule through local traditional rulers known
as Indirect Rule was instituted. These rulers would be responsible for
carrying out colonial policies and tax collection under the supervision of

British colonial officers. This system created the illusion of Africans ruling
themselves and significantly reduced the cost of administration. It also
created a wedge between the traditional rulers who became beneficiaries
of the colonial system and patriots resisting colonial domination.
In Northern Nigeria, Indirect rule, in part, insulated Islam from the
Christian influences which might have led to resistance to colonialism.
The northern part of Nigeria, with its large states and developed emirates
system was the most fertile ground for the indirect rule system of
administration. The system was a success in the northern region.
However, in the western and eastern regions it was not so successful. In
Benin and Yoruba land, the British re-enacted the former empires in
1916 and an unpopular attempt to bring back the Oyo Empire was also
attempted. The Oba now appointed and backed by the British were
expected to serve them. Many of them became autocratic because the
mechanism for removing despotic ones was no longer effective. This did
not eliminate resistance as four officials of the Oyo Native Authority were
killed at Iseyin in 1916. Similarly, in 1918 a rebellion broke out after the
Abeokuta Native Authority introduced direct taxation.
In Igboland, for example, there were no chiefs; the British had to create
a class of chiefs referred to as warrant chiefs, to collect taxes and
enforce colonial policies. The policy of indirect rule was premised on
local peoples being ruled by their local traditional rulers without

disruption to their lives. However, the warrant chiefs had no prior
legitimacy in the places they ruled and were invariably corrupt and
unscrupulous; therefore, they were deeply resented. In most of the
southern provinces indirect rule was a problem because of the absence

of traditional rulers and centralized governments. This did not stop the
British from introducing them anyway. Throughout Nigeria when
traditional rulers or British appointed rulers served as intermediaries
between the government and the people, the result was always misrule
and corruption by local officials and eventually anti-colonial resistance.
The 1929 Aba Riots arose because of tax abuse and other forms of
bad governance.
Note: Native courts set up by the colonial administration to try cases

based on local traditions and customs were equally failed. The most
vociferous opposition to the native authorities came from the class of
western educated Nigerians for example nationalists like Dr. Nnamdi
Azikiwe, Herbert Macauley, Obafemi Awolowo and Aminu Kano.
In spite of die claim of mutual benefits to both the British and local
traditional rulers as well as the claim of minimum disruption of people's
lives and livelihood. British interference was widespread and very
negative. Some of the visibly negative impacts included the following:

Most emirs and chiefs who resisted British rule in any form were
deposed and new pliant ones installed. Therefore, only those who
collaborated with the colonial regime were maintained.
The British reduced the status of both the Caliph at Sokoto and the
Shehu of Borno to that of emirs. The Caliph was renamed Sultan.
The judicial system was changed to reduce the potency of die Islamic
legal system (shari'ah). Shari'ah courts became subordinate to
customary and common law courts.
CONSTITUTIONAL DEVELOPMENTS
You may know that the colonial government set out how they can rule
Nigeria through defined rules and regulations. A constitution is a
document which clearly defines how a state should be governed. It
contains statements that depict the relationship between the rulers and
the ruled and the basic rights and duties of citizens in a country. A
constitution, therefore, is a body of rules and regulations that set out how
a state should be governed. It defines the structure, powers, functions of
the government and the rights and responsibilities of citizens.
Constitutionalism is a basic principle that states that the government
should rule the people according to the constitution of the land. The
essence is to make sure that the activities and operations of the
government arc within the confines of the law. Constitutionalism

promotes respect for the operations of the rule of law. The historical
development of constitutions and constitutionalism in Nigeria can be
traced to the establishment of colonial rule in the 1860s. However,
constitutional government in the formal sense began with the institution

of the Nigerian Council by Lord Lugard after the amalgamation of the
Southern and Northern Protectorates in 1914. The evolution of the
Nigerian Council marked the beginning of constitutional development in
Nigeria. The council was however dissolved in 1922 following the
adoption of the Clifford Constitution. Between 1922 and 1954, four
different notable constitutions were operated in Nigeria. These are the
Clifford Constitution (1922), the Richard Constitution (1946), the
Macpherson Constitution (1951) and the Lyttletton Constitution (1954).

The Richard Constitution gave birth to the idea of regionalism, which
enabled the different regions: East, West and North to develop at their
own pace. The 1951 constitution introduced a quasi-federal model into
the administration of the regions. This allowed for power to be shared
between the central and the regional governments but the central
government was empowered to have control over the regional
governments in some matters. The Lyttleton constitution of 1954
rearranged the whole system and introduced a federal system of
government. The constitution marked the beginning of the operation of
federal system in Nigeria. In 1957 and 1958 constitutional conferences
were held for the purpose of resolving some issues such as the minority
problem and charting the way forward for the granting of self-
government in 1960. Between 1960 and 1979, three constitutions were
put in place in the country. These are the 1960 Independence, the 1963
Republican and the 1979 Presidential constitutions. The amended 1999

constitution is an improvement of the 1979 constitution.
In this study session, you Iearnt that:
1. The territory dials later became Nigeria comprised different empires,
Kingdoms, Chieftains and emirates.
2. The amalgamation of Nigeria brought about two giant territories of
Northern and Southern Protectorates together in 1914.
3. The reason for the amalgamation of Nigeria was to serve the interest
of the imperial government especially in the areas of cheap raw
materials and market for their manufactured goods.
4. The British colonial master's rule through the traditional rule is called
indirect rule. The responsibility of the traditional rulers was to carry out
colonial policies and tax collection under the supervision of the British
officers.
5. The process of constitutional development passed through
recommendations of the following colonial leaders:
• Clifford Constitution 1922
• Richard Constitution 1946
• Macphcrson Constitution 1951

• Lyttlcton Constitution 1954.
THE ECONOMY AND NATIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Earlier in the previous sessions, you have studied some notable cultures
and peoples of Nigeria. You need to know about the economy of the
Nigerian people as they strive for their ends meet. It is on this basis that
this Study Session shall examine with you the Nigerian economy and it
strive toward national development.
NIGERIAN ECONOMIC SYSTEM PRE- AND POST-INDEPENDENCE
Nigeria is an economically powerful nation. Here is a country made up of
land covering 98.321 million hectares of which about 74.036 million
hectares are arable. Nigeria was also one of the leading countries in
agriculture, thanks to the good quality of its soil, good heat and adequate
moisture. But what still remains of immense importance to the Nigerian
economy is the large size of her population. The Nigerian population is
noted to have been increasing astronomically. Between 1952 and 1991,
the Nigerian population increased from 31.1 million to 88.5 million.
Currently, population estimates put Nigeria's figure at 167 million (2012).
In 1990 the World Bank ranked Nigeria the seventh most populous
country in the world, after China, India, USA. Indonesia, Brazil and
Japan. Before independence, agriculture accounted for over fifty percent
of the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of Nigeria. Again, about three
quarters of the Nigerian population were engaged fully cither in

agriculture or agriculture-related activities. Cedar, iroko and walnut are
very much found in the mangrove and rain forest while within the
Savannah, cocoa, rubber, palm produce, kola nut and gum-Arabic
flourish. Crops such as yam, cassava, maize and citrus are generated. It
is also easier in the Nigeria's grassland to raise cattle and obtain other
dairy products. This is also true with the cultivation of grains such as
guinea corn, millet, rice, cotton, groundnuts, beans and other leguminous
crops.
THE STRUCTURE OF ECONOMIC ACTIVITIES IN NIGERIA
Though most Nigerians engage in agriculture or agriculture-related
activities, economists say there are at least eighteen activity sectors of
the Nigerian economy. These include agriculture, livestock, forestry,

fishing, crude petroleum, mining and quarrying, manufacturing, utilities,
building and construction, transport, communication, wholesale and retail
trade, hotels and restaurants, finance and insurance, real estate and
business service, housing, producers of government services, and
community, social and personal services. As already mentioned,
agricultural activities are spread all over the federation. In I960
agriculture absorbed over 75 percent of the work force while industry and
other sectors together employed the rest, therefore, in contributing to the
Nigerian GDP.2), agriculture was the leading sector. With respect to that,
Nigeria enjoyed die modest tag of a middle-income country. However,

from 1980 to the present, GNP per capita dropped. This situation,
coupled with the deteriorating social services, continuous high rates of
inflation, declining productivity and high rates of unemployment, have
made the average Nigerian poor by all standards.

Besides agriculture, there are some very important mineral deposits as
well. These deposits are scattered in almost all parts the country. In the
West, for instance, we have the alluvial gold deposits, while there is tin in
the North. The East is the centre of coal. Edo/Delta, Rivers, Imo/Abia
and Cross River/Akwa-Ibom States share the lion's part of petroleum
products. Iron, brass and bronze are found in Lokoja. Although scattered,
limestone, kaolin, diatomite and clay are found in abundance in Nigeria.
A nation is said to be self-reliant when her citizens depend largely on her

human and material resources for most of their basic needs. In other
words, self- reliance as a national development strategy usually refers to
a nation's determination to rely on the utilization of domestic resources to
produce most of her required goods and services. As far as Nigeria is
concerned, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to claim that she is
economically self-reliant. Here is a country where the economic
underdevelopment is so obvious. Almost all the economic indicators are
on the negative side: low-capacity utilization in industries, primitive and
abandoned agriculture, debt problems, inflation, balance of payments
crisis, unemployment and underemployment, malnutrition and
misdirection of resources. Also, the over-dependence on oil and other

imported inputs are serious problems in the Nigerian economy. This
simply shows that Nigeria for now is not economically self-reliant.
On the contrary, a nation is said to be economically self-reliant when
there are: heavy reliance on domestic resources for the production of

required goods and services; reduced dependence on outsiders for the
supply of required goods and services; active use of international trade
policy instrument for controlling imports and domestic prices that are
relatively higher than they would otherwise have been in the absence
of development strategies of self-reliance. However, you should always
remember that achieving self-reliance is a perpetual task. Self-reliance
is a process that needs to be sustained That is why even when a
country is called self- reliant it is always very necessary to identify and

examine likely factors which enhance a country's economic self-
reliance capabilities on a consistent basis.
Note that: In Nigeria's case, agriculture, capital, technology, energy and
industrialization are the key aspects of the economy.
MAJOR PROBLEMS OF THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY
Nigeria is a country of paradox: Nigeria is regarded as a poor country
despite the abundance of human and natural resources. This is obvious
when we look at the standard of living index as mentioned earlier. The
economic situation of Nigeria today is negatively different from that of the
past. In the year 1970, for instance, Nigeria was self-sufficient in food
production and the economy was somehow balanced. But the relegation
of agriculture to the second rank to the benefit of the so-called oil boom
has put Nigerian economy in a very precarious situation. The
consequence is that almost all the non-oil sectors of the economy have
become stagnant. Worst still, revenues accruing from crude oil sales are
mismanaged. This situation has led to some serious problems facing the
Nigerian economy today. These problems are:
1. Slow growth of the industrial sector with capacity utilization averaging
about 3%
2. High and growing rate of unemployment
3. Slow growth of the agricultural sector
4. High internal and external debt burden
SOME SOLUTIONS TO THE NIGERIAN ECONOMY
There is no doubt that, over the years many attempts have been made to
address the problems of the Nigerian economy, on agriculture, many
policies have been put in place. The most important of these policies are:
Operation Feed the Nation (OFN) under die military regime of General
Olusegun Obasanjo (rtd) and the Green Revolution programme under
the civilian administration of Alhaji Shehu Shagari.

Also, many successive administrations have put in place fiscal and
monetary policies to address Nigeria's economic problems. In respect of
fiscal policy, various administrations have set the following objectives:
1. Provision Reduction of the level of price inflation;
2. of the necessary protection for local industries;
3. Provision of a suitable price incentive framework in favour of
increased agricultural and industrial production;
4. Expansion of agriculture and industry;
5. Encouragement of local production of import- substituting goods by
encouraging local industries with heavy local content;
6. Encouragement of dispersal of industrial location;
7. Discouragement of importation of consumer goods which are

available locally in order to curtail the out flow of foreign exchange;
8. Enhancement of government revenue
9. Moderation of the rate of price inflation,
10. Stimulation of industrial and agricultural production
11. High level of employment
12. Improvement of balance of payment positions,
13. Reduction of foreign indebtedness, and
14. Generation of more revenue, especially from the non-oil sector of
the economy.

We should also remember that to achieve fiscal and monetary
objectives mentioned above, governments also put some measures in
place such as:
1. Reduction of government expenditure with the intention of reducing

offensive demand, and subsequently checking inflationary pressures;
2. Continuous reorganization and reformation of customs and excise
tariff;
3. Encouragement of investment in agriculture through the abolition of
duties on machinery for exclusive use in agriculture and subsidizing
inputs employed in the sector;
4. Setting credit ceiling for banks and encouraging sectoral distribution
of credit;
5. Regulation of the liquidity ratio and cash ratio of commercial banks;
6. Introduction of compulsory advance deposits scheme to restrict
imports.
In 1986, die Babangida administration decided to modify and extend
the previous fiscal and monetary objectives and measures.
Consequently, the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) was
introduced. It was mainly aimed at:
1. Restructuring and diversifying the productive base of the economy
with a view to reducing dependence on the oil sector and imports;
2. Achieving fiscal balance and ensuring balance of payments viability;

3. Laying the basis for sustainable and non-inflationary growth
4. Intensifying private sector growth potential.
1. Before independence agriculture accounted for more than 50% of
the country's GDP but after independence agricultural activities
decline.
2. The economic activities largely include some of the following:

• Agriculture
• Livestock
• Fishing
• Crude oil and Mining.
3. Nigerian economy is not self-reliant because of the following
problems:
• Domestic agricultural system
• Debt problems
• Unemployment and underdevelopment
• Malnutrition and misdirection of resources and over dependent
on oil.
• The consequences of problems of Nigerian economy lie on the
fact that almost all the non-oil sectors of the economy have
become stagnant.

CITIZENSHIP EDUCATION
In this Study Session, our discussion will involve holistic analysis of what
the word 'citizenship 'means. Who is a citizen? What are the roles and
duties of a citizen? What are the ways or means through which the
citizenship status of a place, an organization and a country can be
acquired? These and many more formed the bases of our discussions
here.
RIGHTS, DUTIES AND OBLIGATIONS OF A CITIZEN
Figure 5: The Nigerian Coat of Arms
Citizens enjoy certain rights referred to as Fundamental Human Rights.
A right is a privilege. When a privilege is contained in the constitution of a
country, it is known as a civil right. Therefore, citizens' rights are those
privileges enjoyed by citizens which are expressed within the legal
framework and protected by the state. The fundamental human rights
which citizens must enjoy are: right to life, right to posses' property,

freedom of religion, freedom of assembly and association, freedom of
movement, freedom of expression and rights to liberty and security.
Note
When these rights are violated, a person can seek redress in the law
courts. Therefore, in guaranteeing these rights by the state, a person is
expected to perform certain duties and obligations to the state.
Duties arc those responsibilities a citizen performs in the state and to
other citizens. These are obedience to the laws of the land; payment of
taxes expected by the tax law of the country; non-interference with the
rights of other citizens; defense of the country when called upon to do so;
be honest and loyal to the government. Obligation is the performance of
civil and political rights which directly or indirectly contributes to the
success of the government. These include: exercising voting rights;
contributing to the smooth running of the lawful government; resisting the
reign or the ruling of an unpopular government by constitutional means,
and every citizen owes it as an obligation to obey the government,
provided that the government is legitimate and productive.
PATTERNS OF CITIZENSHIP ACQUISITION
Citizenship can be acquired through the following ways:
Citizenship by Birth: When one is born into a country of which both
parents are members, automatically one becomes a member of that
country.

Citizenship by Registration: A person can become a citizen of another
country by registration by going through the guidelines stipulated by the
law of the land. For example, in Nigeria any woman who is married to a
Nigerian, those born outside Nigeria but whose grandparents are

Nigerians and any person born outside Nigeria but whose parents are
Nigerians can apply for citizenship through registration. This, however, is
predicated on government's approval of such an application.
Citizenship by Naturalization: One can become a citizen of another
country through naturalization. Before this can happen, there are certain
conditions that one must have fulfilled in that country before applying to
naturalize. Honorary Citizenship: The government of a country can
honour distinguished eminent personalities with the rights of citizenship.
NEGATIVE ATTITUDES OF NIGERIAN YOUTH
Many Nigerian youths have ruined their lives by taking to excessive
partying, obscenity, armed robbery, sexual immorality, participating in
secret cults and other social vices inimical to the well-being of the
society. Bribery and corruption are the two deadly unwholesome
practices that have disturbed the conscience of many Nigerian patriots.
Bribery and corruption take place in the process of obtaining a legitimate
official service or right. Many Nigerians have been made to offer bribe
along the line because a deliberate obstacle has been placed on the
path of rendering normal service or right without delay. Indeed, both the

demand for a bribe and the offer of a bribe arc regarded as corrupt
practices. As Oladumi (1991:67) rightly observes, "it is the joint
responsibility of all citizens to fight these evil elements". Bribery and
corruption arc workers and students' enemies. In order to overcome the

negative attitudes of Nigerians, several governments have come up with
different programmes: President Shehu Shagari's policy of Ethical
Revolution, General Buhari's War against Indiscipline and General
Babangida's National Orientation Agency.
Indecent Dressing
Another area that calls for our attention is our mode of dressing. There is
no doubt that there is a moral bankruptcy in Nigeria as a result of cultural
imperialism manifesting in wearing dresses that do not belong to

Nigerian culture. Today, many Nigerians have abandoned their
traditional ways of dressing. Instead, they have adopted western style of
dressing. Many Nigerians want to dress like the Americans, i.e. in jeans
patched up all over. Some even dress as if they are naked. In general,
they pretend to be 'westernized'. It is this negative dressing that entices
some fraudulent youngsters to develop the taste for illicit sex and other
forms of immorality. The dress code which is currently being enforced in
our educational institutions should be supported. AW religions, especially
Islam and Christianity, encourage decent dressing. It is even considered
a sin before God for one to expose any part of one's body that is

considered sacred. We need to know the dangers inherent in western
cultural imperialism which threatens the existence of Nigeria's national
culture and counter such.
Sexual laxity is also harmful to the moral well-being of any nation.
Besides, the people who are engaged in illegitimate and reckless sexual
acts stand the risk of contracting all kinds of sexually transmitted
diseases such as HIV/AIDS, Syphilis, etc. In addition to this, nobody
wants to marry a harlot.
Thuggery
Political thuggery and gangsterism are becoming a fashion in Nigerian
politics. The Nigerian politicians recruit, train and arm our teeming
youth and then use them as thugs in their political campaigns. In the
2003 Federal elections, for instance, thugs were used to intimidate
political opponents, in the process of which many lives were lost. But
those who survived are now turning around to intimidate their former
masters, i.e. those they assisted during the 2003 elections. Thugs who
have been trained in the art of using modem weapons are now using
the weapons at their disposal negatively. To put it in another way.
They have become armed robbers on highways and villages, towns
and cities.
Cultism

Some Nigerians arc members of secret cults. General Yakubu
Gowon, one time Nigeria's Head of State, on one occasion
remarked that cultism in our tertiary institutions is a threat to peace
and national security (Gowon, 1998). There are many cases of

cultism in Nigerian higher institutions. We should be aware that
cultism, is an evil association engaged in negative activities that can
destroy one's career and can also ruin one's life. Not only that,
cultism can be a stumbling block to Nigeria's quest for peace and
prosperity. Besides, die idea of a secret cult is falsehood and avart
garde.
Fighting Bribery and Corruption
We must therefore fight corruption and bribery from all fronts. We must
refuse to give or demand bribe. The Federal Government is currently
fighting corruption through the Economic and Financial Crimes
Commission (EFCC), Independent and Corrupt Practices and other
Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and other similar agencies of
government.
We must join hands with EFCC to fight corruption and bribery. It is

important to realize that the main causes of bribery and corruption
include:
1. Government official bureaucracy
2. Undue influence

3. Unnecessary delay
4. False style of living
5. Artificial scarcity.
Note that: Nigerians must therefore try to avoid bribery and corruption.
Students, lecturers, police, soldiers, friends, families etc. should
cooperate with relevant government agencies to tackle these ugly
practices in the Nigerian society.
Examination Malpractices
In another vein, examination misconduct has become endemic in our

nation's institutions. Many students have perfected ways of cheating in
examinations. Some students now use modern technology like the GSM
handsets, calculators, etc. to cheat in examinations. This makes
governments at all levels to come out with various laws and penalties to
curb examination misconducts. Students should know that cheating in
examinations may be a disgrace to parents, friends, relations and even

the person who is involved in the acts.
There are various penalties which the Nigerian universities have spelt
out for examination offenders. The penalties depend on the nature of the
examination offence committed. Some of these penalties are:
1. Expulsion from the University
2. Repeating a session
3. Repeating two academic sessions

4. Warning
5. Carrying over the paper in which the candidate cheated.
1. The major negative attitudes of Nigerian youth arc cultism, indecent
dressing, political thuggery and examination misconduct.
2. The pattern of citizenship acquisition includes the following:

Citizenship by birth, registration, naturalization, and honorary
citizenship.
3. The moral obligations of a citizen arc diverse. Some of these
obligations include: the duty of political participation, economic
productivity, paying of tax, and other sundry duties.
Nigerian Environmental Problems
The environment is an important element in the preservation of life on
earth. Man's activities are centred on exploiting it for survival. The

expanding manner in which man is exploiting its environment has
brought about environmental problems which form the central theme of
our discussion in this Study Session. We shall be examining how these
problems manifest in various ways and equally impact adversely on the
development of man and his environment with greater emphasis on the
Nigerian communities.
MAJOR COMPONENTS OF THE NATURAL ENVIRONMENTS

Environment is human beings' immediate surrounding including fauna
and flora. The environment is made up of two major components,
namely, the natural and social environment.

Social Environment
The major components of the natural environment are: the atmosphere,
the hydrosphere, the lithosphere and the biosphere. The atmosphere is
the medium above the surface of die earth extending for about 170
kilometres consisting mainly of a mixture of gases. The hydrosphere is
the water medium of the surface of the earth, oceans, seas, lakes and
rivers; the lithosphere is the hard, rigid upper crust of the earth extending
for about 80 kilometres. It is the inner core of the earth, the atmosphere,
being less rigid in form. And the biosphere is the zone of the earth's
planet that contains living organisms.
The social environment or man-made environment is the system which
man has instituted in order to organize himself to satisfy his needs. The
social environment consists of the physical and social structures,
systems or institutions created by man to meet his needs, which includes
food, education, clothing, shelter, health, companies, etc. The idea is that
the social environment influences the natural environment. The
exploitative venture of man in the social environment over time is what
has resulted in environmental problems. Environmental problems are
due to man's exploitation of the environment. Due partly to increase in
population and the level of advancement in technology, the environment

has been heavily abused giving rise to various types of problems in the
environment, which now constitutes a problem to man.
ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
There are various forms of environmental problems that human activities
have caused. Some of these include:
1. Pollution: Pollution is the end result of the unfavourable exploitation of
the environment by man. The types of pollution that can result due to
man's undue manipulation of the environment are: air pollution, noise
pollution, water pollution, arid land pollution.
2. Poor Drainage System: The improper planning of towns and cities, has
led to the emergence of poor drainage system. These drainages often
cause serious environmental problem.
3. Deforestation: This is the act of cutting down or burning trees in the
environment. This may be due to overgrazing, unsustainable farming

methods or cutting firewood for local usage.
4. Improper Waste Disposal: Improper disposal of waste has become a
serious environmental problem. This is the result of rising level of
population of the country.

5. Ecological Problems: Ecological problems arising from
excessive rainfall which culminate in flooding and erosion
thereby causing havoc in the environment
CAUSES OF ENVIRONMENTAL PROBLEMS
The following arc some of the factors responsible for environmental
problems.
1. Population Explosion: The geometric increase in population around
the world is a major cause of environmental problems. This increase
has given rise to undue pressure on the environment.
2. Advancement in Technology: This is equally one of the factors that
have contributed to environmental problems in great measure. The
growth and the consequent wastes emitted in the course of
technological exploration are danger to the environment and human
beings.
3. Poverty Breeds Environmental Problems: It prevents the provision
of quality and adequate social amenities which arc required for the

improvement of life. Poverty promotes underdevelopment and this
easily attracts environmental problems.
4. Unplanned Urbanization: This has to do with improper planning of
the environment. Unplanned urbanization leads to environmental

abuses, which in a large scale deface the environment causing
environmental problems.
5. Government Negligence: When government fails to live up to
expectation in the discharge of its responsibilities, it reflects in the
environment. For example, when environmental agencies refuse to
execute their responsibilities, the consequences are environmental
problems.
1. Poverty prevents the provision of quality and adequate

social amenities which are required for environment social
life.
2. Poverty promotes underdevelopment
3. Poverty attracts environmental problems
Solutions to Environmental Problems
These environmental problems can be solved in the following ways:
1. Promotion of environmental education and awareness: The
Nigerian Government is making concerted efforts to create
awareness on environmental abuse, challenges and management.

When awareness is created on how to utilize the environment, the
orientation of people will change concerning conservation and
proper utilization of the environment.
2. Siting of Waste bins/dumps: Waste dumps are usually in die form of

incineration or simple dump sites. The provision of these facilities at
the right places will help to check the abuse of the environment.
However, dump sites or bins should be regularly cleared to make
the site functional, effective and clean.
3. Provision and Implementation of Legal Policy Framework:
Government should promulgate laws or policies that will help to
curb abuses of the environment and make sure those violators of
such policies are severely punished to encourage proper use of the

environment.
4. The recycling of materials, improving mining methods, devising
more efficient engines that consume less fuel, and recovering minor
minerals during processing or mining will go a long way in
protecting the environment.
1. The various forms of environmental problems that arc induced
by human activities are pollution, poor drainage system,
deforestation and waste disposal.

2. The following are some of the factors that are responsible for
environmental problems:
■ Population explosion,
■ Advancement in technology
■ Poverty
■ Unplanned urbanization, and " Government negligence
■ Ecological problems
3. Environmental problems could be solved in the following ways:
" Promotion of environment education and awareness.
Building of waste and dump sites in strategic places. Provision and
implementation of legal policy framework on environment.
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LECTURE MATERIAL

GST 103/203 LECTURE NOTES (2024)

Education is the transfer of culture from one generation to another. This

course provides an overview on Nigerian people and culture. It is

suitable as a general course for all Nigerian Universities

General objectives of the Course

Upon completion of Nigerian People and Culture GST103, you will be

■ trace the History of Nigeria

■ differentiate between the Hausas, Fulani, Kanuri and Nupe

cultural areas within Nigeria

■ explain Nigerian economic system before, during and after colonization

■ discuss the right and duties of a citizen

INTRODUCTION TO AN ENTITY CALLED "NIGERIA"

 Nigeria is situated between latitudes 40oN and 14oN and longitude

30oE and I4oE of the Greenwich meridian.

GST 103/203 LECTURE NOTES (2024)

the Republic of Niger, on the north-east, by Lake Chad, on the cast

by the Republic of Cameroun and in the south by the Atlantic Ocean.

 It is mostly located in the tropical region.

 It has a total area of 923, 768km2

 It has a total land mass of 910, 768km2 and 13,000km2 waterways.

 Nigeria has a population of about 167 million people (NPC, 2012)

 The major religion in Nigeria is Christianity and Islam. Though there

are still a sizeable worshipper of African traditional religion within the

 As one moves from the south to the north, the vegetation

progressively changes from tropical rain forest to savannah

 Since the 1970s desert encroachment and desertification have

become a serious environmental problem to the northernmost states.

 The peoples of Nigeria are varied as would be discussed in detail

during the course of this study.

GST 103/203 LECTURE NOTES (2024)

NOTABLE ETHNIC GROUPS IN THE NORTHERN NIGERIA

THE HAUSA CULTURE

 Culture is what gives meaning to the politics, economics,

language, dietary, religion, philosophy, and aesthetics, among

others of the people.

 The Hausas are predominantly found in the north-western part of

 They were substantially Islamized even before the Sokoto Jihad of

 The Hausa people themselves are groupings of a number of

different people who have been incorporated into die "original"

stock through conquest and assimilation.

 Homogeneity of the Hausa stems from a common language and

 The Hausa claim to have descended from a certain hero named

Bayajida, a refugee prince from Baghdad.

GST 103/203 LECTURE NOTES (2024)

a while in Kanem, where he married a daughter of the Mai (or

king) called Magira.

 Later on he fled westward in order to escape the wrath of his

 He briefly stayed in Gaya before reaching Daura, where he was

credited to have killed an evil snake that was preventing people of

the town from drawing water from a well.

 Perhaps because of his bravery and as a reward, he is believed to

have later married the Queen of Daura (Magajiya), which enabled

him to become the ruler of the state.

the seven Hausa states of Biram, Bagauda (Kano), Gunguma (Zazzau),

Duma (Gobir), Kumayo (Katsina), Zamma (Rano) and Gazora (Daura),

which were collectively referred to as the Hausa Bakwai Distinctively, the

worshiped natural spirits which were referred to as Iskoki. They were

predominantly gatherers and farmers. The Muslim Hausa had a large