History Paper 2 WASSCE Private Candidates, 2019

Question 2

  1. State any two features of non- centralized states in Nigeria.
  2. Highlight any three factors that enabled the Igbo to live in unity in pre-colonial times.

Observation

Some candidates mixed up the information of the two sections. Some gave the answer of section (b) to section (a). The candidates’ performance was poor. However, candidates were expected to state and highlight the following points:

(a)  
(i) No central government.
(ii) The basic social unit was the village.
(iii) The compound was the smallest unit of social gathering.
(iv) Religious activities played a great role in the state.

(b)  
(i) The Igbo lived in the same geographical area.
(ii) They practiced exogamy which encouraged a man to seek wife from a village other than his own.
(iii) They had age-grade loyalty with their various functions.
(iv) Powerful oracles bound them together, e.g. oracle of Arochukwu.
(v) Market squares in the villages were the focal points for all the members to discuss the welfare of their villages.
(vi) They spoke the same language which brought mutual understanding.
(vii) They shared the same culture such as Kinship and cult system.
(viii) They developed trade links in all villages which served as economic and social integration.