Observation

This was not a popular question and many of the candidates who answered the question performed below average. They failed to understand the demands of the question and scored low marks. However, the candidates were expected to write the following points in order to score high marks:

1. Brought the four British West African territories together to fight for self government.


2. It sent a delegation to London to press home demands for certain key reforms in their respective territories.


3. The Congress awakened the political consciousness of the people through newspaper publications, seminars, public/town hall meetings.


4. It demanded and fought for electoral reforms/elective principle.


5. Demanded the Africanization of the Civil service.


6. Demanded and fought for the establishment of universities in member territories.


7. It fought for the formation of a West African House of Assembly.


8. It called for a reduction in the exploitation, domination/monopolization of economies of British West African territories by expatriates.


9. ) It demanded for the appointment of African judges and magistrates.


10. They demanded for the establishment of African Court of Appeal.


11. They demanded that the appointment and deposition of chiefs be left to the African king makers.




1. He founded different newspapers to help propagate nationalism in Nigeria.


2. Zik group established these newspapers in politically and economically important cities throughout the country to whip up the interest and enthusiasm of the populace as well as the direction of the independence struggle.


3. He co-founded the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroons (NCNC) which played an active role in the struggle for Nigeria’s independence.


4. Zik’s opposition to Richards’ constitution of 1946 which sought to increase only by four, African representations on the Legislative Council with the rest being nominated by the Governor.


5. His opposition to Richard’s constitution led to the promulgation of Macpherson constitution.


6. He toured the country to raise funds to lead a delegation to London and USA to plead the case of his party for self government for Nigeria.


7. He gave his support to the general strike in 1945.


8. He influenced nationalist struggle through the publication of several books e.g. Development of Political parties in Nigeria 1958, Economic reconstruction in Nigeria 1943.


9. As Member of Parliament 1947-1950, he joined others to ensure that Nigeria gain self government.


10. He joined Nigerian Youth Movement (NYM) with others to open the floodgate for nationalism in Nigeria.