History Paper 2 WASSCE (SC), 2016

Question 4

Outline any five factors that led to the victory of the Fulani Jihadists in northern Nigeria in the 19th century.

Observation

This question was very unpopular to the candidates and the few ones who attempted it found it difficult to answer. The candidates were expected to discuss the factors that ensured the success of the Fulani Jihadist and not factors that led to the Jihad. To get good mark, candidates were expected to mention the following points:

(i) Lack of unity among the Hausa kings who were in the habit of quarreling and warring against one another. For example, Gobir was at war with Kastina while Zamfara and Kano also fought for supremacy. The wars did not bring co-operation but opened a feeling of animosity and jealousy which contributed to the success of the Fulani Jihad.

(ii) The strategy adopted to divide the Hausa states and appointing Jihadists to carry out the Jihad in each of the states did not allow the Hausa states to make a combined action against the Fulani Jihadists.

(iii) The strong incentive given to each flag- bearer to make himself an Emir in his territory in the event of a successful Jihad urged them to fight.

(iv) The Fulani armies were more organized than most Hausa communities or states.

(v) The strong fighting ability of the Fulani due to them nomadic life.