((a) Name the three explorers who travelled across the Sahara Desert
                           during their expedition in the 19th century.  
                      (b) In what four ways were the Niger expeditions significant in the
                           history of Nigeria?

                      This was another unpopular question as very few candidates attempted it.
  The few that attempted it could hardly identify correctly the three explorers
  and the significance of the Niger expeditions in the history of Nigeria. Some candidates scored low marks because of poor articulation of points,
  factual errors and inability to explain their points. The candidates were expected to give the  following points:
(a)        (i)         Dr. Walter Oudney.
                                    (ii)        Lt. Hugh Clapperton.
                                    (iii)       Lt. Dixton Denham
                                    (iv)       Dr. Heinrich Barth.

(b)        (i)         It opened up possibility of trade with the hinterland.
                                    (ii)        The hinterland people were now exposed to British incursion.
                                    (iii)       It opened up possibility of employment opportunities to the
                                                 native people who acted as guides and interpreters to the
                                                 explorers.
                                    (iv)       Establishment of friendly relationships with some rulers
                                                encouraged further contact between the two sides.
                                    (v)        The coastal city state like Akassa, Bonny and Brass ultimately
                                                 became British trading outposts for goods from the interior,etc.