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Ikiodiete George
- 3 Min Read
Waec Gce History Exam (2025/2026): Full List Of Most Repeated Topics & Past Questions
The WAEC GCE History exam tests students' understanding of Africa’s political, cultural, and colonial past, as well as Nigeria’s pre-colonial, colonial, and post-independence history. Whether you're an art student or history enthusiast, knowing the most repeated topics and past questions is key to scoring high.
This blog post highlights the most frequently tested WAEC GCE History topics, sample past questions, and top tips to help you pass effortlessly.
WAEC GCE History Exam Format
| Paper | Type | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Paper 1 | Objective (Multiple Choice) | 50 questions covering Nigerian & African history |
| Paper 2 | Theory (Essay) | 4–5 essay questions (choose 4) from both Nigerian and African history |
WAEC GCE History – Most Repeated Topics (Nigeria & Africa)
| Category | Most Repeated Topics |
|---|---|
| Pre-colonial Nigeria | Hausa/Fulani, Yoruba, Igbo, Kanem-Bornu, Benin, Jukun political systems |
| Colonial Rule | British conquest, Indirect Rule, French assimilation, resistance movements |
| Nationalist Movements | Herbert Macaulay, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Ahmadu Bello, Anthony Enahoro, NCNC, AG, NPC |
| Military Rule | 1966 coups, civil war (1967–1970), Murtala/Obasanjo regime, Buhari, Babangida |
| Post-Independence Era | 1st, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th republics, 1999 Constitution |
| African History | Mali, Ghana, Songhai Empires; Ethiopia; Apartheid in South Africa; Pan-Africanism |
| Colonial Economy | Taxation, cash crops, transport development, British economic policy |
| Slave Trade & Abolition | Atlantic slave trade, Abolition movements, effects on Africa |
| ECOWAS, OAU/AU | Formation, objectives, successes, and challenges of African regional bodies |
Sample WAEC GCE History Objective Questions (Paper 1)
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The primary aim of British indirect rule was to:
A. Promote education
B. Train Nigerians to rule
C. Minimize cost of administration
D. Establish equality
✅ Correct Answer: C -
Who led the 1906 uprising against British rule in Nigeria?
A. Nana of Itsekiri
B. Oba Ovonramwen
C. King Jaja
D. Ekumeku warriors
✅ Correct Answer: D -
The Berlin Conference of 1884–1885 was mainly about:
A. Abolishing slavery
B. Promoting African unity
C. Partitioning Africa among European powers
D. Ending colonialism
✅ Correct Answer: C
WAEC GCE History Past Theory Questions (Paper 2)
Question 1 (Repeated)
Discuss the political organization of the Kanem-Bornu Empire before the 19th century.
Answer Outline:
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Ruled by a powerful Mai (King)
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Council of ministers
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Provinces with local administrators
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Islamic influence in administration
Question 2 (Repeated)
Highlight the major achievements of Herbert Macaulay in Nigeria's nationalist struggle.
Answer Outline:
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Founder of the NNDP
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Newspaper publications that opposed colonial rule
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Mobilized Lagos elites
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Criticized colonial taxation and injustice
Question 3 (Likely)
Explain four causes of the 1967–1970 Nigerian Civil War.
Most Repeated WAEC GCE History Topics by Year
| Year | Frequently Asked Topics |
|---|---|
| 2024 | Indirect rule, Military regimes in Nigeria, OAU |
| 2023 | Nationalist movements, Pre-colonial Yoruba and Hausa political systems |
| 2022 | Civil war, ECOWAS, Slave trade |
| 2021 | Mali Empire, Berlin Conference, 2nd Republic |
| 2020 | French assimilation policy, Apartheid, British economic policy |
Differences Between British & French Colonial Systems
| Feature | British Indirect Rule | French Assimilation |
|---|---|---|
| Local Rulers’ Role | Maintained with limited power | Replaced with French-trained Africans |
| Language Used | English | French |
| Culture Imposed | Mild | French culture enforced |
| Government Control | Shared with traditional leaders | Centralized and direct from France |
Tips to Pass WAEC GCE History (2025/2026)
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Study past theory and objective questions from the last 10 years
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Focus more on repeated events, figures, and empires
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Use charts and timelines to remember sequences and political periods
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Write essays clearly with dates, examples, and headings
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Practice answering with real WAEC time limits
WAEC GCE History FAQs
Q: Is WAEC GCE History difficult?
No. If you study past questions and understand political timelines, you can score high.
Q: How many essays do I write?
Usually, you are required to answer four essay questions out of six or more.
Q: Do I need to memorize dates?
Yes, dates and historical events are important to back up your answers.
Q: Is African History part of the exam?
Yes. Topics on ancient African kingdoms and modern Pan-Africanism are often tested.
Final Words
Scoring high in WAEC GCE History is very possible if you focus on repeated questions, master essay writing, and understand historical events and their impact. Don’t just memorize — understand how events connect.
"History doesn't repeat itself in life, but it often does in WAEC."
