1. What is military rule? A. Government by students B. Rule by elected leaders C.
Rule by
soldiers D. Rule by teachers
2. When did the first military coup in Nigeria take place? A. 1960 B. 1966 C. 1979 D. 1999
3. Who was Nigeria’s first military Head of State? A. Yakubu Gowon B. Murtala Muhammed
C. Aguiyi Ironsi D. Muhammadu Buhari
4. What rank did Aguiyi Ironsi hold in the army? A. Colonel B. Captain C. Major General D.
Sergeant
5. What year did Aguiyi Ironsi become Head of State? A. 1960 B. 1966 C. 1975 D. 1993
6. Who took over power after Aguiyi Ironsi? A. Shehu Shagari B. Yakubu Gowon C. Sani
Abacha D. Ernest Shonekan
7. Which of the following was an achievement of Aguiyi Ironsi? A. Returned power to civilians
B. Created states C. Unified Nigeria under central government D. Introduced democracy
8. One characteristic of military rule is: A. Free elections B. Obedience to the constitution C.
Rule by decree D. Power sharing
9. Military governments usually come to power through: A. Voting B. Coup d’état C.
Appointment D. Campaigns
10. The second phase of military rule began in: A. 1960 B. 1975 C. 1983 D. 1999
11. Who led Nigeria from 1966 to 1975? A. Aguiyi Ironsi B. Murtala Muhammed C. Yakubu
Gowon D. Olusegun Obasanjo
12. Yakubu Gowon ruled Nigeria for how many years? A. 2 years B. 9 years C. 4 years D. 5
years
13. A major legacy of Yakubu Gowon is: A. Independence B. National Youth Service Corps
(NYSC) C. Return to civilian rule D. Introduction of ATM cards
14. What caused the end of Yakubu Gowon's government? A. Retirement B. Democratic election
C. Military coup D. Sickness
15. Who became Head of State after Yakubu Gowon? A. Sani Abacha B. Aguiyi Ironsi C.
Murtala Muhammed D. Tafawa Balewa
16. In what year did Murtala Muhammed become Head of State? A. 1966 B. 1970 C. 1975 D.
1983
17. What was one of Murtala Muhammed’s key achievements? A. Created NYSC B. Moved the
capital to Abuja C. Introduced federalism D. Built Aso Rock
18. Murtala Muhammed was known for being: A. Weak B. Slow to act C. Bold and fast in
decisions D. A footballer
19. Which city did Murtala plan to make the new capital of Nigeria? A. Lagos B. Abuja C.
Enugu D. Ibadan
20. The first four military Heads of State in Nigeria were: A. Ironsi, Gowon, Murtala, Obasanjo
B. Ironsi, Obasanjo, Abacha, Buhari C. Gowon, Murtala, Babangida, Abacha D. Ironsi,
Balewa, Shagari, Obasanjo
THEORY
1. (A) What is military rule?
(B) Mention four characteristics of military rule in Nigeria.
2. (A) List the first four military Heads of State in Nigeria.
(B) State one achievement each of any two of them.
3. (A) Who was Major General Aguiyi Ironsi?
(B) Mention and explain two of his achievements as Head of State.
4. (A) What was General Yakubu Gowon's role as a military leader?
(B) Mention three legacies of his government.
5. (A) Who was General Murtala Muhammed?
(B) Mention and explain two major things he is remembered for in Nigeria's history.
