Question 6
Identify five internal factors that contributed to the growth of nationalism in Nigeria after the World War II.
Observation
This was a popular question. Many candidates that attempted it performed below average as they fail to understand the demands of the question. The candidates were expected to explain the following points in order to score good marks.
- The return of the ex-servicemen after the war.
- The myth surrounding the superiority/invincibility of the white man was broken.
- Increase in the number of educated Africans.
- The formation of political parties.
- The establishment/role of newspapers.
- Discrimination against Africans in the civil service.
- Emergence and increase in trade union activities.
- The emergence and the activities of radical nationalists.
- Domination of the commercial sector by expatriate firms.
- The exclusion of the educated elite from colonial administration.
- The effect of urbanization.
- Worsening economic conditions.
- Rise in unemployment.
- Racial discrimination in social and cultural activities e.g. separate hospitals, recreational centers and separate houses.