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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Neco History Exam (2025/2026): Full List Of Most Repeated Topics & Past Questions
The NECO History exam is crucial for students in the arts and humanities track. It covers Nigeria’s rich historical background, pre-colonial empires, colonial rule, nationalist movements, and post-independence developments.
If you're preparing for the 2025/2026 NECO SSCE, knowing which History topics are frequently repeated and understanding how to answer questions clearly and confidently can help you score an A1.
NECO History Exam Format
| Paper | Type | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Paper I | Objective (OBJ) | 50 multiple-choice questions |
| Paper II | Essay (Theory) | 6 theory questions — answer 4 |
Most Repeated NECO History Topics (2025/2026)
| Topic Category | Specific Focus |
|---|---|
| Pre-Colonial Nigeria | Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo societies; Kanem-Bornu, Oyo, Benin empires |
| Colonial Administration | Indirect rule, British conquest, colonial economy, resistance movements |
| Nationalism in Nigeria | Early nationalists, political parties, path to independence |
| Post-Independence Nigeria | Civil war, military rule, civilian transitions |
| West African Empires | Ghana, Mali, Songhai — administration, economy, decline |
| Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade | Causes, effects, abolition movements |
| Christian & Islamic Missions | Spread of religions, education, missionaries’ impact |
| Nigeria’s Constitution History | Clifford, Richards, Macpherson, Lyttleton, 1963, 1979, 1999 constitutions |
| Regional Cooperation | ECOWAS, OAU/AU, Nigeria’s foreign policy |
| Traditional Institutions | Kingship, age grades, council of elders, checks and balances |
Sample NECO History Objective Questions
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The Hausa city-states were known for their:
A. centralized military system
B. strong maritime activities
C. organized trade routes and taxation system
D. nomadic lifestyle
✅ Answer: C -
Who led the Aba Women’s Riot of 1929?
A. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti
B. Queen Amina
C. Unknown female leaders from Eastern Nigeria
D. Margaret Ekpo
✅ Answer: C -
The first political party in Nigeria was:
A. NCNC
B. NPC
C. NYM
D. NNDP
✅ Answer: D
Sample NECO History Essay Questions
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Describe the administrative structure of the Oyo Empire.
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Explain the main causes and effects of the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
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Outline the roles of Nigerian nationalists in the struggle for independence.
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Discuss the impact of British indirect rule in Northern Nigeria.
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Trace the constitutional developments in Nigeria from 1922 to 1999.
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Highlight five achievements of ECOWAS since its formation.
Topic Frequency Table (NECO History: 2021–2024)
| Year | Most Repeated Topics |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Pre-colonial societies, Slave trade, Post-independence politics |
| 2023 | West African empires, Indirect rule, Nigerian nationalism |
| 2022 | Missionary activities, Nigeria constitutions, Civil war |
| 2021 | Traditional institutions, Political parties, ECOWAS |
Important Terms & Concepts to Remember
| Term/Concept | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Indirect Rule | A system where British governed through traditional rulers |
| Nationalism | The struggle for self-rule and political independence |
| Constitution | A set of fundamental principles that define how a country is governed |
| Trans-Saharan Trade | Trade route across the Sahara connecting sub-Saharan Africa with North Africa |
| Civil War (1967–1970) | Armed conflict between Nigeria and Biafra over secession |
Tips to Score A1 in NECO History (2025/2026)
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Focus on writing in points and supporting each with short explanations.
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Learn the timeline of major events (especially 1800s–2000s Nigeria).
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Study maps of West Africa for questions on empires and trade routes.
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Use flashcards or summary notes for memorizing leaders and dates.
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Practice with at least 5 years of past NECO History questions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is NECO History hard to pass?
No, if you study repeated topics, memorize key dates, and practice past theory questions, you’ll do well.
Q: Do they ask about Nigerian civil war?
Yes, it’s a frequently repeated topic in both OBJ and theory.
Q: How many questions should I answer in the theory section?
Answer four out of the six theory questions.
Q: What is the best way to study NECO History?
Use topic-by-topic revision, solve past questions, and write essays in point-form style.
Final Thoughts
NECO History rewards well-organized answers, clear dates, and deep knowledge of Nigeria and West Africa. By focusing on the most repeated topics and understanding how events connect, you’ll increase your chance of getting A1 or B2 in 2025/2026.
“History is not just about remembering facts, but about understanding change.”
