NECO History Syllabus 2026/2027 & Textbooks

By Syllabus2026 February 10, 2026 NECO Syllabus 2026 0 Comments

The NECO History Syllabus 2026/2027 (SSCE) focuses on West Africa and the wider world, covering historiography, pre-colonial trade, European contact, slave trade, colonialism, and post-independence issues. Key areas include Trans-Saharan Trade, Christian missionary activities, colonial rule, and the impact of the World Wars. Examinations will move to a full Computer-Based Test (CBT) format in 2026.

The NECO History syllabus aims to foster deep knowledge of Nigerian and African history, cultivating critical analysis of historical events from ancient civilizations to post-independence. It focuses on nurturing patriotism, national integration, and an understanding of cultural heritage.

Marking Scheme

Paper 1

Paper 1 is a multiple-choice test with 50 questions that covers West Africa and the wider world from the earliest times to 2000. You’ll have 1 hour to answer them all, and this section is worth 40 marks in total. It’s quick, so make sure you’re familiar with the key facts and concepts in history to answer the questions efficiently.

Paper 2

Paper 2 is an essay-based exam, which gives you 2 hours to answer sets of questions on the history of specific countries. It’s a longer test, with a total of 60 marks available. This paper focuses more on the national histories of specific West African countries over the same period.

Paper 2 Structure

Paper 2 contains questions on the histories of specific countries, with three sections for each country. The sections are divided based on different periods:

Section A covers the earliest times to 1800.
Section B focuses on the 19th century.
Section C explores the 20th century, from 1900 to 2000.

There will be three questions in each section. You will need to answer four questions in total, choosing at least one question from each section. This format allows you to demonstrate your knowledge across different periods and themes.

Each answer in Paper 2 will carry a portion of the total 60 marks, so take the time to plan your answers and make sure you address all parts of the question.

NECO History Syllabus 2026/2027

HISTORY
SN	TOPICS	OBJECTIVES
	WEST AFRICA AND THE WIDER WORLD FROM EARLIEST TIMES TO 2000
1	Historiography and Historical Skills	-What is History and why do we study History? Sources of History; Historical skills (ancient and modern approaches); Prospect of ICT in historical studies.
2	Trans – Saharan Trade	-Origin, organization and the effects on the development of West African states.
3	Islam in West Africa	-Introduction, spread and effects.
4	European Contact with West Africa	-Reasons for their coming, immediate effects and West African reaction
5	Trans-Atlantic slave trade	-Origin, organization, effects and suppression.
6	Christian Missionary Activities in West Africa	-The suppression of slave trade. Christian Missionary activities and their impact on West Africa.
7	The Scramble for and Partition of West Africa	-The Industrial Revolution, Scramble for colonies, Colonial subjugation, Occupation and West African reaction.
8	Colonial Rule in West Africa	-Patterns of colonial rule, consolidation of European culture in Africa, colonial economy and the underdevelopment of Africa: colonial Africa and the two World Wars
9	Problems of independent West African States	-Nature of politics: neo-colonialism and economic underdevelopment, unequal development within states and instability, the Military in West African politics,boundary disputes and threat to West African Unity.
10	West Africa and international organizations	(i)United Nations Organization (U.N.O.)/United Nations (U.N); (ii)Organization of African Unity (O.A.U)/African Union (A.U.); (iii)Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS); Etc. Membership, aims and objectives, achievements and failures.
	SECTION A: NIGERIA FROM EARLIEST TIMES TO 1800
1	Historiography and historical skills	-What is History and why we study History; sources of History; Historical skills (ancient and modern approaches); Prospect of ICT in Historical Studies.)
2	Land and peoples of Nigeria:	-Main geographical zones in Nigeria: impact of the environment on human activities e.g. hunting, fishing, farming, etc.
3	Centers of ancient civilization:	-Nok, Ife, Igbo Ukwu, Benin.
4	Centralized and non-centralized states:	(a)Centralized and non-centralized states: (i) Kanem and Borno; (ii) Hausa; (iii) Nupe; (iv) Oyo; (v) Benin; (vi) Igbo; (vii) Efik; (viii) Tiv. (b) Inter-group relations: economic activities, intermarriages, bilingualism, etc. (c) Impact of migrations; wars and politics on inter- group relations.
5	Indigenous crafts and industries;	-Pottery, salt making, iron working, gold mining, soap making, leather works, weaving, carving, bronze casting, tie and dyeing, bead making, boat building – technology; social and economic importance.
6	External Influences	(a)Contact with North Africa: trans-Saharan trade, Islam(Borno and Hausaland) and impact (b)Early European contact with coastal states; trade, Christianity and impact .
7	Nigeria and the trans-Atlantic slave trade	-Origin, organization and effects
	SECTION B: NIGERIA IN THE 19TH CENTURY
8	The Sokoto Caliphate	-Establishment, administration, relations with its neighbours and impact of the Sokoto jihad on Nigeria.
9	Borno under the Shehus:	-The emergence of El-Kanemi, developments under El-Kanemi and Shehu Umar, development under the later Shehus, the fall of Borno
10	Christian Missionary Activities	-activities, impact.
11	Yorubaland in the 19th century	-Era of Ibadan dominance; increased British pressure on Yorubaland;
12	Benin in the 19th century
13	The first phase of the British conquest of Nigeria: 1851-1900
	SECTION C: NIGERIA FROM 1900 TO 2000
14	The second phase of the British conquest in Nigeria 1900- 1960	a.The early phase 1900-1914: the amalgamation of 1914 and its significance b. Later phase 1914-1960 (i) central administration; (ii) indirect rule; (iii) the colonial economy; (iv) social developments.
15	The decolonization process in Nigeria, 1922-1960	-Origin of nationalism, nationalist movements after the Second World War, the road to and the attainment of independence.
16	Nigeria since independence	a. The First Republic, 1960-1966; b.The coups d’etat, military rule, civil war and reconstruction, 1966-1975; c. The military administration – Murtala/Obasanjo regime of 1975-1979; d. The Second Republic, 1979-1983; e. The return of military rule – Buhari/Idiagbon regime, 1983-1984 f. The Ibrahim Babangida regime, 1985-1993 g. Interim national government and Abacha regime, 1993-1998; h. Transition to fourth republic and Olusegun Obasanjo administration; i. Emerging issues up to 2000: poverty, corruption, youth unemployment, religious crisis, terrorism, etc.
17	Nigeria and the	a. United Nations Organization (U.N.O.)/United Nations (U.N); b. Commonwealth of Nations; c. Organization of Unity (O.A.U)/African Union (A.U.); d. Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS); e. Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC).
18	Global issues	-West Africa in Diaspora; Racism, Debt relief and International aids; Peacekeeping and socio-political interest of developed societies; World peace (armament, nuclear science); Millennium Development Goals (MDGS).

NECO History Textbooks 2026/2027

Abba, A (2006): The Politics of Mallam Aminu Kano, Kaduna Vanguard and Publishers.
Ayandele, A. E. et al (1986): The Making of Modern Africa, The Twentieth Century Vol 2., Longman.
Ajayi and Crowther (1971): History of West Africa Vol. I, London, Longman.
Ajayi and Crowther (1974): History of West Africa Vol. II, London, Longman
Akinloye, S. A. (1976): Emergent African States: Topics in Twentieth Century African History, Longman.
Akinyemi, A. B., Agbi, S. O and Otunbanjo, A. O. (eds) (1989): Nigeria since Independence: The First 25 years. (International Relations) Vol x, Heinemann. Ibadan.
Anene J. C. and Brown, G (1966): African in the 19th and 20th centuries, Ibadan: University Press.
Anene J. C. (1966): Southern Nigeria in Transition, 1885 – 1906, Cambridge: University Press.
Anene, J. C and Brown, G (eds) (1972): African in the Nineteenth and Twentieth Centuries: A Handbook for Teachers and Students, Ibadan: University Press and Nelson.
Ashiwaju A. I., Croder, M and Denzer, I. R. (eds) Tariki 25, Grassroots Leadership in Colonial West Africa, Vol. 7, London: Longman.
Atanda, J. A. Ashiwaju, G and Abubakar, Y. (eds) (1989) Nigeria since Independence: The First Years: Religion Vol. i., Ibadan Heinemann.
Barkindo, B. et al (1989): Africa and the Wider World, Vol. 1. Lagos: Longman.
Barkindo, B. et al (1996): African and the Wider World, Vols. 2 and 3, Lagos: Longman.
Boahen, A (1969) The Revolutionary years: Africa since 1800 Longman publishers.
Boahen, A (1969): The Revolutionary years: West Africa since 1800, Longman Publishers
Sokoto Caliphate: History and Legacies, 1804 – 2004, vols. I and II, Kaduna: Arewa House.
Celeman, J. S. (1986) Nigeria: Background to Nationalism, Benin: Broburg and Wistrom.
Clerk, T. A. (1991): Right Honourable Gentleman: The Life and Times of Alhaji Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Zaria: Hudahuda Publishing Company.
Cohen, D. I. and Daniel, J. (eds) (1981): Political Economy of Africa: Selected Readings, London, Longman.
Crowther, M. West Africa: An introduction to its History, Longman,1977.
Crowther, M. Nigeria: An introduction to its History, London:Longman,1979.
Dike, K. O. (1956): Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta, London: Oxford University Press.
Ekeh, P. P and Ashiwaju, G. (eds) (1989): Nigeria since Independence: The First 25 Years: Culture, Vol. VII, Ibadan: Heinemann.
Falola, T. et. al (1989): History of Nigeria Vol. I, Lagos: Longman.
Falola T. et. al (1989): History of Nigeria Vol. 2 and 3, Lagos: Longman.
Gboyega, A., Abubakar, Y and Aliyu Y. (eds) (1989): Nigeria since Independence: The First 25 Years Public Administration, Vol. III, Ibadan: Heinemann.
Hallet, R. (1975): Africa since 1875, Ibadan: Heinemann.
Hopkins, A. G. (1973): An Economic History of West Africa, Longman.
Ikime, O and Osoba, S. O. (eds) Tarikh: Independence Movement in Africa (Part I), Vol. 3, No. 4 London: Longman.
Ikime, O and Osoba, S. O. (eds) Tarikh: Government in Pre-Colonial Africa, Vol. 4, No. 2 London, Longman
Ikime, O and Osoba, S. O. (eds) (undated): Peoples and Kingdoms of West Africa in the Pre-colonial Period, Vol. 5, No. 1 London: Longman.
Ikime, O (1977) The Fall of Nigeria: The British Conquest, London: Heinemann.
Ikime, O (ed) (1974) Leadership in 19th Century Africa: Essays from Tarikh, London: Longman
Ikime, O. (1968) Merchant Price of the Niger Delta, London: Heinemann.
Ikime, O. (ed) (1980) Ground work of Nigerian History, Ibadan: Heinemann.
Iseihei, E. (1983) A History of Nigeria, London: Longman.
Jorre, J. D. (1972) The Nigeria Civil War, London: Hordder and Stoughton.
Kani, A. M. and Gandi, K. (1990) A State and Society in the Sokoto Caliphate, Series I, Usman Danfodio University, Sokoto.
Mahdi, A., Kwanashei, G. A and Yakubu M. (eds) (1994) Nigeria: The state of the Nation and the Way Forward, Kaduna: Arewa House.
Martin, P. M and Omera, P. (1995) (eds) Africa (Third Edition), Bloomington: Indiana University Press.
Mohammed, B. (1982) Africa and Non-alignment: A study in the Foreign Relations of New Nations, Kano: Triumph Publishers.
Mohammed A. S. and Adamu, S.(eds) (2005) Nigeria and the Reform of the United Nations, Zaria: Hanwa.
Nzula, A. T., Potekhin and Zusmanovich (1979) Forced Labour in Colonial Africa, London: Zed Press.
Offiong, D. A. (1980) Imperialism and Dependency: Obstacles to Development, Enugu: Fourth Dimension Publishers.
Ojigbo, O. (1982) Shehu Shagari: The Biography of Nigeria’s First Executive President, Yugoslavia Mlandiska Knjiga.
Oliver, T. and Afmore, A. (1996) Africa since 1880 (Fourth Edition) New York: Cambridge University Press.
Olusanya G. O. (1973) The Second World War and Politics in Nigeria, 1939 – 1953, Ibadan: Evans.
Omar O. (1966) The Zulu Aftermath: A Nineteenth-Century Revolution in Bantu Africa, London: Longman.
Omolewa, M. (1986) Certificate History of Nigeria, Lagos: Longman.
Onoja, I. (1998) Peace-keeping and International Security in a Changing World., Jos: Mono Expressions.
Onwubiko, K. (1983) School Certificate History of West Africa, Onitsha: African – First Publishers.
Tamuno, T. N. and Atanda A. (eds) (1989) Nigeria since Independence: The First 25 Years. Vol. III, Ibadan: Heinemann.
Tamuno, T. N. and Atanda J. A. M. (eds) (1989) Nigeria since Independence: The First 25 Years. (Government and Public Policy), Vol. IV, Ibadan: Heinemann.
Tamuno, T. N. and Ukpabi, S. C. (eds) (1989) Nigeria since Independence: The First 25 Years (The Civil War years). Vol. IV, Ibadan: Heinemann.
Thompson, L. A. (2000) History of South Africa, Yale: Yale University Press.
Usman Y. B. (ed) (1979) Studies in the History of Sokoto Caliphate, New York: Third Press International.
Usman Y. B. (ed) (1981) The Transformation of Katsina, 1400 – 1883, Zaria: Ahmadu Bello University Press.
Usman Y. B. (ed) and Alkali M. N. (1983) Studies in the History of Pre-Colonial Borno, Zaria: NNPC.
Usman Y. B. and Kwanashei, G. A. (eds) Inside Nigeria History 1950-1970: Events: Issues and Sources (Presidential Panel on Nigeria: Since Independence), University of Ibadan.
Usman Y. B. (ed) (1989): Nigeria since Independence: The First 25 Years: The Society Vol.I, Ibadan: Heinemann.
Usman Y. B. (2002) Election Violence in Nigeria: The Terrible Experience, 1952 – 2002, Zaria: Abdullahi Smith Centre for Historical Research.
Webster, J. B. and Ikime, O. (eds) Tarikh: Early African Christianity, Vol. 2. No. 1. London: Longman.
Wilmot, P. F. (1980): Apartheid and African Liberation: The Grief and the Hope, Ife: University of Ife Press.
Yakubu, A. M., Jumare, I and Saeed, A. G. (eds) (2005) Northern Nigeria: A century of Transformation, 1903 – 2003, Kaduna: Arewa House.
Yakubu A. M. (2006) Emirs and Politicians: Reform, Reactions and Recrimination in Northern Nigeria, 1950 – 1966, Kaduna: Baraka Publishers.

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