Murtala/Obasanjo Regime: JAMB History Questions, Answers & Notes

What Murtala/Obasanjo Regime covers in the JAMB History syllabus

General Murtala Mohammed came to power in the July 1975 coup that removed Gowon and was popular for his decisive, reform-minded leadership, but he was assassinated during an attempted coup in 1976, after which his deputy Olusegun Obasanjo became head of state. The regime launched reforms against indiscipline and corruption, increased the number of states to nineteen (1976), carried out a local government reform, decided to build a new central federal capital at Abuja, and drafted a new constitution. It set and kept a firm timetable for return to civilian rule, playing an active role in African affairs. In 1979 the regime peacefully handed over power to an elected civilian government, beginning the Second Republic — Obasanjo is especially noted for this peaceful handover. The main point: the Murtala/Obasanjo regime reformed government, planned Abuja, created states and handed over to civilians in 1979.

For Murtala/Obasanjo Regime, JAMB expects you to be able to:

• Recall Murtala (1975), his assassination (1976) and Obasanjo's succession
• Recall reforms: anti-indiscipline drive, 19 states (1976), local government reform, new capital at Abuja, new constitution
• State the peaceful handover to civilians in 1979 (start of the Second Republic)

Key facts & revision notes: Murtala/Obasanjo Regime

These are the recurring points our Murtala/Obasanjo Regime questions test — revise them until each feels automatic, then practise the questions above to lock them in.

• General Murtala Mohammed came to power in the July 1975 coup that removed Gowon.
• Murtala Mohammed was assassinated during an attempted coup in 1976.
• After Murtala's death, his deputy Olusegun Obasanjo became head of state.
• The regime launched reforms to fight indiscipline and corruption in the civil service.
• The regime set a firm timetable for return to civilian rule (by 1979).
• The regime decided to build a new, central federal capital at Abuja.
• In 1976 the number of states was increased to nineteen.
• A local government reform (1976) was carried out to strengthen grassroots administration.
• A new constitution was drafted (a Constituent Assembly) to prepare for civilian rule.
• The regime handed over power to a civilian government in 1979.
• The 1979 handover began the Second Republic.
• Obasanjo is notable for peacefully handing over power to an elected civilian government in 1979.
• Murtala was popular for his decisive, reform-minded style of leadership.
• The regime played an active role in African and foreign affairs (e.g.
• support for liberation, the OAU).
• Abuja was chosen as a more central and ethnically neutral location for the capital.
• Obasanjo succeeded Murtala.
• The new federal capital was to be built at Abuja.
• The regime handed over to civilians in 1979.
• Nineteen states existed after the 1976 creation.
• The main point is that the Murtala/Obasanjo regime reformed government, planned Abuja, created states and handed over to civilians in 1979.

Worked examples

Three Murtala/Obasanjo Regime questions with the answer and a short explanation, so you can see how the topic is set before you practise the full set.

How Murtala/Obasanjo Regime is tested in JAMB History

Our Murtala/Obasanjo Regime bank holds 20 questions (1 easy, 15 medium, 4 hard). JAMB History typically returns to Murtala/Obasanjo Regime year after year, so steady practice on this topic is high-value revision. Questions are multiple-choice with four options, and at UTME pace you get roughly 40 seconds each — which is why timed practice matters.

How to answer Murtala/Obasanjo Regime questions

Work the stem first and predict the answer before you look at the options; then eliminate the ones that contradict the key facts above. Watch for “which is not…”, “all of the above” and “except” style stems, which are where rushed candidates lose easy marks on Murtala/Obasanjo Regime. If a calculation or a precise definition is involved, work it from first principles rather than guessing from a half-remembered rule. When two options look right, re-read the stem for the qualifier that separates them — JAMB rarely repeats an option by accident. If you are still unsure, eliminate the two weakest choices to lift your odds, flag the question, and move on; never burn a full minute on one History item when the exam gives you about forty seconds each. Then come back to flagged questions with whatever time remains. The single most reliable way to get faster at Murtala/Obasanjo Regime is repeated timed practice, so use the button above until the recurring patterns feel automatic.

Common mistakes to avoid in Murtala/Obasanjo Regime

The errors that cost marks on Murtala/Obasanjo Regime are usually careless rather than conceptual: misreading a negative stem, confusing two similar terms, or rushing a definition you actually know. Candidates also over-rely on “expo” and last-minute cramming instead of understanding the topic — which fails the moment JAMB rephrases a familiar idea. Treat every option as a claim to be checked against the facts above, keep your working tidy for any calculation, and don’t change a considered answer on a hunch. Above all, revise Murtala/Obasanjo Regime actively by answering questions, not just by re-reading notes — recall under time is what the exam rewards.

Frequently asked questions

Is Murtala/Obasanjo Regime part of the JAMB History syllabus?

Yes. Murtala/Obasanjo Regime is a recognised topic in the JAMB History syllabus, covering recall Murtala (1975), his assassination (1976) and Obasanjo's succession. You should be able to recall its key facts and apply them to multiple-choice questions.

How many Murtala/Obasanjo Regime questions can I practise on Belmadeng?

There are 20 original, JAMB-standard Murtala/Obasanjo Regime questions in our free bank, each with the correct answer and a worked explanation. You can practise them untimed or as a timed test.

What are the most important points to know about Murtala/Obasanjo Regime?

General Murtala Mohammed came to power in the July 1975 coup that removed Gowon and was popular for his decisive, reform-minded leadership, but he was assassinated during an attempted coup in 1976, after which his deputy Olusegun Obasanjo became head of state. The regime launched reforms against ind…

How do I answer Murtala/Obasanjo Regime questions quickly in JAMB?

Read the stem carefully, eliminate clearly wrong options, and match the remaining choices to the key facts for Murtala/Obasanjo Regime. Practising timed Murtala/Obasanjo Regime questions builds the speed you need for UTME's pace of about 40 seconds per question.

Are these JAMB History Murtala/Obasanjo Regime questions past questions or original?

They are original questions written to JAMB (UTME) standard and mapped to the official syllabus — not reproduced past papers. This keeps them legal to use freely while closely mirroring how the real exam tests the topic.

Where can I practise Murtala/Obasanjo Regime questions free without signing up?

Right here — tap “Start Murtala/Obasanjo Regime practice” on this page to begin instantly. Belmadeng's CBT practice is completely free and needs no sign-up, download or subscription.

About these questions: original, JAMB-standard items written from the official UTME History syllabus (last reviewed 2026-09-18). Belmadeng is an independent study platform and is not affiliated with JAMB. Spotted an error? Use the report link.