Question

Infighting among the Nigerians enabled the British to rule over Nigeria. The policy of divide and rule helped the colonial masters. Choose the statements that highlight the policy of divide and rule, followed by the British in Nigeria.

• A. The British promoted modernisation in the South and not in the North.
• B. The British separated the Yoruba and Igbo regions into Western and Eastern Nigeria.
• C. The British established educational institutions only in the Northern regions.
• D. The British encouraged competition and conflict among the tribes.

Answer 1

Answer: (A), (B), (D)

The British encouraged competition and conflict among the tribes.

The British setup trade and educational institutions in the Southern regions of Nigeria. This improved the economic condition in this region. However, the Northern part of Nigeria was allowed to continue traditional practices. This led to a large gap in the modernisation of the two regions. The British separated the Yoruba and Igbo regions into Western and Eastern Nigeria and encouraged competition and conflict among the three tribes.