This question was fairly popular and was well handled by the candidates. Some candidates who attempted it scored good marks because they were able to outline the reasons for the acquisition of Nigeria by the British as a colony. However, few candidates misinterpreted the question and stated the reasons for the conquest of Nigeria by the Europeans which was question number eight (8).This robbed them of substantial marks. Candidates were expected to explain the following points in order to score good marks:

(i)To obtain raw materials for their industries back home in Britain;

(ii) to counter French interest in Nigeria;

(iii) to use Nigeria in its effort to suppress the Atlantic slave trade;

(iv) to create employment for some of their unemployed youths in Britain;

(v) to use Nigeria as a market where their surplus manufactured goods could be sold.