JAMB Past Questions

JAMB Government 2008
Questions & Answers

40 questions · Correct answers highlighted · 40 with explanations

40 Total Questions
2008 Exam Year
40 With Explanations
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1
Question 1 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The ECOWAS treaty was signed in 1975 in

A. Accra
B. Banjul
C. Freetown
D. Lagos
Explanation

The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) treaty was signed in Lagos, Nigeria, on May 28, 1975, to promote economic integration, cooperation, and development among West African states. Lagos was chosen as the venue due to Nigeria's significant role in regional leadership. Options A, B, and C refer to other West African capitals but are incorrect.

2
Question 2 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The major reason for the creation of more states in Nigeria in 1996 was to

A. increase the power of the federal government
B. reduce ethnic tensions
C. promote economic development
D. ensure equal representation
Explanation

In 1996, under General Sani Abacha's regime, Nigeria created additional states to address ethnic tensions and demands for greater political representation. By decentralizing power and creating states that aligned more closely with ethnic groups, the government aimed to reduce conflicts and promote stability. Options A, C, and D were secondary considerations, not the primary motive.

3
Question 3 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The 1953 motion that Nigeria should become independent in 1956 was moved by

A. Chief Anthony Enahoro
B. Sir Ahmadu Bello
C. Chief Obafemi Awolowo
D. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe
Explanation

Chief Anthony Enahoro moved the historic motion for Nigeria's independence in 1956 during a session of the House of Representatives in 1953. Although the motion was not immediately accepted, it sparked significant debates and set the stage for independence in 1960. Other leaders (B, C, D) were influential but did not initiate this motion.

4
Question 4 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

Southern Nigeria was divided into Eastern and Western Provinces for administrative purposes in

A. 1935
B. 1937
C. 1939
D. 1941
Explanation

In 1939, the British colonial administration divided Southern Nigeria into Eastern and Western Provinces to enhance administrative efficiency and better manage the diverse ethnic groups in the region. This restructuring was part of broader colonial reforms. Options A, B, and D are incorrect as they do not correspond to this event.

5
Question 5 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

Under which constitution did the Supreme Court become the highest court of appeal in Nigeria?

A. Macpherson Constitution
B. Lyttleton Constitution
C. Richards Constitution
D. 1960 Independence Constitution
Explanation

The 1960 Independence Constitution established the Supreme Court of Nigeria as the highest court of appeal, ending the practice of appeals to the British Privy Council. This marked a significant step in Nigeria's judicial sovereignty. The earlier constitutions (A, B, C) did not grant this status.

6
Question 6 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

Which of the following nations does NOT have veto power in the Security Council of the U.N.O?

A. Britain
B. China
C. France
D. Germany
Explanation

The five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council with veto power are Britain, China, France, Russia, and the United States. Germany, while a significant global player, is not a permanent member and thus lacks veto power. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they are permanent members.

7
Question 7 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

Public corporations are established mainly to

A. cater for the welfare of their board members
B. give advice to the government on commerce
C. coordinate the affairs of several ministries
D. provide essential services on a commercial basis
Explanation

Public corporations in Nigeria, such as those managing electricity or transportation, are created to provide essential services to the public while operating on a commercial basis to ensure financial sustainability. Options A, B, and C do not reflect the primary purpose of these entities.

8
Question 8 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The first military coup d'etat in Nigeria occurred on

A. October 1, 1960
B. January 15, 1966
C. July 29, 1966
D. December 31, 1983
Explanation

The first military coup in Nigeria took place on January 15, 1966, led by Major Chukwuma Kaduna Nzeogwu, overthrowing the First Republic government. This event marked the beginning of military rule in Nigeria. Options A, C, and D refer to other significant dates but not the first coup.

9
Question 9 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

Nigeria adopted a republican constitution on

A. October 1, 1960
B. October 1, 1963
C. January 15, 1966
D. May 1, 1967
Explanation

Nigeria became a republic on October 1, 1963, under the 1963 Constitution, replacing the British monarch with a Nigerian president as the Head of State. Option A refers to independence, while C and D are unrelated to this event.

10
Question 10 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

Which of the following were the six political parties registered for the 1983 elections?

A. NCNC, UPN, NPN, PRP, GNPP, NAP
B. NPN, NAP, PRP, UPN, GNPP, AG
C. NPN, UPN, PRP, PPA, NND, AG
D. UPN, AG, NPN, PRP, NAP, PPA
Explanation

The six political parties registered for the 1983 Nigerian elections were the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Action Group (AG), National Party of Nigeria (NPN), People's Redemption Party (PRP), Nigeria Advance Party (NAP), and People's Progressive Alliance (PPA). Other options include incorrect or non-existent parties for that election.

11
Question 11 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

In Nigeria, the office of Prime Minister was first created in

A. 1954
B. 1957
C. 1960
D. 1963
Explanation

The office of Prime Minister was established in 1957 under the Lyttleton Constitution, with Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa appointed as the first Prime Minister. This was part of Nigeria's transition to self-governance. Options A, C, and D do not correspond to this event.

12
Question 12 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The non-permanent members of the Security Council of the United Nations are elected for

A. 5-year terms
B. 4-year terms
C. 3-year terms
D. 2-year terms
Explanation

Non-permanent members of the U.N. Security Council are elected for 2-year terms, with five members elected annually to ensure rotation. This structure allows for broader representation. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not reflect the correct term length.

13
Question 13 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The Economic Commission for Africa is an organ of

A. O.A.U.
B. ECOWAS
C. NATO
D. EEC
Explanation

The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) is a United Nations regional body that collaborates with the Organisation of African Unity (O.A.U., now African Union) to promote economic development in Africa. Options B, C, and D refer to unrelated organizations.

14
Question 14 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The 1979 Nigerian Constitution provides for a head of government known as the

A. President
B. Prime Minister
C. Governor-General
D. Chief Justice
Explanation

The 1979 Constitution introduced a presidential system in Nigeria, designating the President as both the Head of State and Head of Government, replacing the parliamentary system. Options B, C, and D do not apply to this role.

15
Question 15 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The highest judicial organ in Nigeria before 1963 was the

A. Supreme Court
B. Federal High Court
C. Court of Appeal
D. Privy Council
Explanation

Before Nigeria became a republic in 1963, the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council in Britain served as the highest court of appeal for Nigerian cases. The Supreme Court assumed this role after 1963. Options A, B, and C were not the highest courts then.

16
Question 16 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The 1979 Constitution of Nigeria

A. provided for a federal system
B. introduced a unitary system
C. abolished the federal system
D. introduced a confederal system
Explanation

The 1979 Constitution retained Nigeria's federal system, organizing the country into states with shared powers between federal and state governments, while adopting a presidential system. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as they misrepresent the system.

17
Question 17 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The international organization formed after the Second World War to guarantee international peace and security is called

A. European Common Market
B. British Commonwealth
C. League of Nations
D. United Nations Organization
Explanation

The United Nations Organization (U.N.O.) was established in 1945 after World War II to promote international peace and security, replacing the ineffective League of Nations. Options A, B, and C refer to different entities with distinct purposes.

18
Question 18 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The Arthur Richards Constitution introduced into Nigeria

A. federalism
B. republicanism
C. regionalism
D. multi-party system
Explanation

The Richards Constitution of 1946 introduced regionalism by dividing Nigeria into three regions (Northern, Eastern, and Western) to accommodate ethnic diversity and improve governance. Options A, B, and D were not features of this constitution.

19
Question 19 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

In 1966, the military intervened in Nigerian politics because

A. the country was not operating a presidential system
B. the number of legislators was too large
C. there was a high level of corruption
D. crude oil had been discovered
Explanation

The 1966 military coup was triggered by widespread corruption, political instability, ethnic tensions, and electoral irregularities in the First Republic. These issues led to public discontent, prompting military intervention. Options A, B, and D were not the primary reasons.

20
Question 20 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP) of the pre-independence era

A. dominated the political scene in Lagos
B. was formed to replace the Action Group
C. had branches all over the country
D. was a northern-based party
Explanation

The Nigerian National Democratic Party (NNDP), founded by Herbert Macaulay, was primarily active in Lagos and dominated its political landscape during the pre-independence era. Options B, C, and D are incorrect as the NNDP was neither a replacement for the Action Group, nationwide, nor northern-based.

21
Question 21 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The Clifford Constitution of 1922

A. provided for universal adult suffrage
B. made the Governor dependent on the Executive Council
C. provided for an unofficial majority in the Legislative Council
D. introduced the elective principle
Explanation

The Clifford Constitution of 1922 introduced the elective principle, allowing a limited number of Nigerians to vote for members of the Legislative Council, a significant step toward political participation. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they do not reflect the constitution’s provisions.

22
Question 22 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The major conflict that threatened the existence of the O.A.U. from 1982-1983 was the

A. conflict in Chad
B. conflict between Namibia and South Africa
C. conflict between the Polisario Front and Morocco
D. conflict in Angola
Explanation

The conflict between the Polisario Front and Morocco over Western Sahara caused a major crisis in the O.A.U. from 1982-1983, as the admission of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic led to Morocco’s withdrawal, threatening the organization’s unity. Other conflicts (A, B, D) did not pose the same existential threat.

23
Question 23 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

Voting first started in Nigeria in 1923 because the Clifford Constitution of 1922 granted

A. self-government
B. independence
C. dominion status
D. elective principle
Explanation

The Clifford Constitution of 1922 introduced the elective principle, enabling Nigerians to vote for Legislative Council members in 1923, though with a limited franchise based on income and residency. Options A, B, and C are incorrect as they were not granted at that time.

24
Question 24 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

Which organ of the U.N.O. can impose mandatory sanctions on any of its members?

A. General Assembly
B. Security Council
C. Secretariat
D. Economic and Social Council
Explanation

The U.N. Security Council has the authority to impose mandatory sanctions on member states to address threats to international peace and security, as outlined in the U.N. Charter. Other organs (A, C, D) lack this enforcement power.

25
Question 25 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

A historic feature of the Legislative Council that met in 1923 was that for the first time it

A. included official members who were Nigerians
B. included only British officials
C. acted in a full legislative capacity
D. included elected African members
Explanation

The Legislative Council of 1923, under the Clifford Constitution, included elected African members for the first time, allowing limited Nigerian representation through elections in Lagos and Calabar. Options A, B, and C do not accurately describe this historic feature.

26
Question 26 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The Macpherson Constitution of Nigeria created a

A. bicameral legislature for Eastern Nigeria
B. bicameral legislature for the Central government
C. bicameral legislature for Western Nigeria
D. unicameral legislature for all regions
Explanation

The Macpherson Constitution of 1951 established a bicameral legislature for the central government, comprising the House of Representatives and the House of Chiefs, to enhance federal representation. Options A, C, and D are incorrect as they misrepresent the legislative structure.

27
Question 27 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The military was last in power in Nigeria between

A. 1954 and 1960
B. 1960 and 1966
C. 1966 and 1979
D. 1983 and 1999
Explanation

The military was last in power in Nigeria from December 31, 1983 (following the coup against President Shehu Shagari) until May 29, 1999, when democracy was restored under President Olusegun Obasanjo. Options A, B, and C do not reflect the final period of military rule.

28
Question 28 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

Which of the following was NOT established by the 1979 Nigerian Constitution?

A. Police Service Commission
B. National Universities Commission
C. Federal Electoral Commission
D. National Population Commission
Explanation

The National Universities Commission was established in 1962, prior to the 1979 Constitution, to regulate university education. The other commissions (A, C, D) were created or restructured under the 1979 Constitution to support governance.

29
Question 29 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

To which of these groups did Nigeria belong before the formation of the O.A.U.?

A. Brazzaville group
B. Monrovia group
C. Casablanca group
D. West Africa group
Explanation

Nigeria was part of the Monrovia group, a coalition of African states advocating a gradual approach to African unity, before the Organisation of African Unity (O.A.U.) was formed in 1963. Options A, C, and D refer to other groups or are incorrect.

30
Question 30 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The Nigerian political parties of the pre-independence era

A. were formed to replace colonial rule
B. had branches all over the country
C. were supported by traditional rulers
D. were regionally based
Explanation

Pre-independence Nigerian political parties, such as the Northern People’s Congress (NPC), National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), and Action Group (AG), were regionally based, representing Northern, Eastern, and Western interests, respectively. Options A, B, and C do not fully capture their nature.

31
Question 31 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The greatest achievement of the nationalist movement in Africa is the

A. introduction of African states
B. unity of African states
C. love and peace among African states
D. sovereignty of most African states
Explanation

The nationalist movement in Africa, including Nigeria, achieved the sovereignty of most African states by securing independence from colonial powers. This was the primary goal of nationalist leaders. Options A, B, and C are secondary or less accurate outcomes.

32
Question 32 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The term 'Chief-in-Council' in Nigeria means that the Chief

A. is elected by the council
B. is superior to the council
C. cannot oppose the decision of the council
D. is nominated by the government
Explanation

The term 'Chief-in-Council' indicates that the Chief holds a superior position but works in consultation with a council, typically in traditional governance structures. The Chief has authority but considers the council’s advice. Options A, C, and D misrepresent this relationship.

33
Question 33 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

Traditional rulers under the 1976 Local Government Reforms had

A. executive powers
B. chief-in-council status
C. limited powers
D. legislative powers
Explanation

The 1976 Local Government Reforms in Nigeria reduced the powers of traditional rulers, assigning them ceremonial and advisory roles with limited authority, as local governments took over administrative functions. Options A, B, and D overstate their roles post-reform.

34
Question 34 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

Nigeria is NOT a member of

A. Commonwealth
B. OPEC
C. ECOWAS
D. NATO
Explanation

Nigeria is not a member of NATO, a military alliance primarily for North American and European countries. Nigeria is a member of the Commonwealth, OPEC, and ECOWAS, making options A, B, and C incorrect.

35
Question 35 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The World Health Organization is an agency of

A. E.E.C.
B. ECOWAS
C. U.N.O.
D. NATO
Explanation

The World Health Organization (WHO) is a specialized agency of the United Nations Organization (U.N.O.), responsible for global health policy and coordination. Options A, B, and D refer to unrelated organizations.

36
Question 36 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The organ of the United Nations primarily responsible for maintaining international peace and security is the

A. General Assembly
B. Security Council
C. International Court of Justice
D. Economic and Social Council
Explanation

The U.N. Security Council is tasked with maintaining international peace and security, with powers to impose sanctions, authorize military action, and mediate conflicts. Other organs (A, C, D) have different primary functions.

37
Question 37 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

Which of these groups of African leaders is closely associated with the formation of the O.A.U.?

A. Haile Selassie, Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Jean Bokassa
B. Kwame Nkrumah, Julius Nyerere, William Tubman
C. Nnamdi Azikiwe, Jomo Kenyatta, Sekou Toure
D. Kwame Nkrumah, Haile Selassie, Julius Nyerere
Explanation

Kwame Nkrumah (Ghana), Haile Selassie (Ethiopia), and Julius Nyerere (Tanzania) were pivotal in founding the Organisation of African Unity (O.A.U.) in 1963, advocating for African unity and independence. Other options include leaders less central to the O.A.U.’s formation.

38
Question 38 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The major advantage of creating more states in Nigeria is that

A. it reduces the powers of the federal government
B. it allows for faster economic development
C. it brings government nearer to the people
D. it reduces the risk of another civil war
Explanation

Creating more states in Nigeria decentralizes power, enabling governance to address local needs more effectively, thus bringing government closer to the people. Options A, B, and D are secondary or less direct benefits.

39
Question 39 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

Local government in Nigeria is created in order to

A. create more civil service jobs
B. encourage competition among groups
C. bring government nearer to the people
D. prevent the creation of more states
Explanation

Local governments in Nigeria are established to decentralize governance, address grassroots needs, and promote development, effectively bringing government closer to the people. Options A, B, and D do not reflect the primary purpose.

40
Question 40 of 40
JAMB · Government · 2008

The amalgamation of Nigeria in 1914 was done to protect the interest of the

A. colonial masters
B. Southerners
C. Northerners
D. Westerners
Explanation

The 1914 amalgamation of Northern and Southern Nigeria was primarily to serve British colonial interests, simplifying administration and maximizing resource exploitation, particularly in the south to support the north. Options B, C, and D were not the primary beneficiaries.

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