Origins and formation of States in the

Contents & notes: what this topic covers

Under Origins and formation of States in the, the JAMB History syllabus expects you to study:

• 3. Origins and formation of States in the Nigeria Area a. Central Sudan –Kanuri and Hausa, states.
• b. Niger-Benue Valley – Nupe, Jukun, Igala, Idoma, Tiv and Ebira c. Eastern Forest Belt – Igbo and Ibibio d. Western Forest Belt – Yoruba and Edo e. Coastal and Niger–Delta - Efik, Ijo, Itsekiri and Urhobo i. Factors influencing their origin and migration ii. Social and political organizations iii. Inter-State relations, religion war and peace.

Study notes & guidance

Study Origins and formation of States in the using a recommended History textbook that follows the JAMB syllabus. Work through the contents listed above one by one, make brief notes in your own words, and then practise as many questions on this topic as you can — in History, understanding and steady practice matter far more than memorising. Use the objectives below as a checklist: if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Objectives — candidates should be able to

After studying Origins and formation of States in the, you should be able to:

1. Relate the different groups of people occupying the various zones to their traditions of origin;
2. Determine the inter-state relations;
3. Account for their social and political organizations;
4. Highlight the differences between centralized and non- centralized (acephalous) states.

These objectives are from the official JAMB syllabus. Use them as a checklist — if you can do each one confidently, you have mastered this topic.

Source: official JAMB UTME History syllabus (IBASS, jamb.gov.ng). Reproduced for study use. Last checked: 17 Sept 2026. Always confirm the current syllabus on the official portal.