History is a crucial subject that helps students understand the past, shape the present, and build a better future. Whether you're sitting for WAEC or GCE in 2025, having a clear understanding of the History syllabus and the exam format is essential. This guide outlines the official WAEC & GCE History syllabus for 2025, provides the structure of the exam, and offers top exam tips to help you succeed.
Objectives of the WAEC/GCE History Exam
The History syllabus is designed to assess your ability to:
- Understand key historical events, figures, and dates
- Analyze causes and consequences of major historical developments
- Interpret historical sources and narratives critically
- Appreciate African heritage, traditions, and contributions to world history
- Compare different periods and patterns in Nigerian and African history
WAEC & GCE History Exam Format (2025)
Paper 1 – Objective (50 Marks)
- 50 multiple-choice questions
- Covers all areas of Nigerian and African history
- Duration: 1 hour
Paper 2 – Essay (100 Marks)
- Divided into two parts:
- Section A (Nigeria) – answer two out of four questions
- Section B (Africa & the wider world) – answer two out of four questions
- Duration: 2 hours
WAEC & GCE 2025 History Syllabus Topics
Section A: History of Nigeria
- Land and Peoples of Nigeria
- Geographical features and ethnic groups
- Migration and settlement patterns
- Origin and Development of States and Kingdoms in Nigeria
- Hausa States, Kanem-Borno, Oyo Empire, Benin, Igbo societies, etc.
- External Influence and Contacts
- Trans-Saharan trade, Islamic and Christian influences
- European contacts (Portuguese, British)
- Colonial Rule in Nigeria
- Methods of colonial administration (indirect and direct rule)
- Colonial policies, resistance movements, and economic exploitation
- Nationalism and Independence
- Nationalist movements and key figures
- Constitutional developments (Clifford, Richards, Macpherson, Lyttleton)
- Independence in 1960
- Post-Independence Nigeria
- First Republic, military regimes
- Civil War (causes, course, consequences)
- Second Republic, return to democracy (1999)
Section B: Africa and the Wider World
- Early African Civilizations
- Ghana, Mali, Songhai, Axum, Nok, Ife, Benin
- Contributions to science, technology, and art
- Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade
- Causes and impact on Africa and the Americas
- Colonialism in Africa
- Berlin Conference and European scramble
- Colonial systems and African resistance
- Nationalism and Independence in Africa
- African leaders (Kwame Nkrumah, Nnamdi Azikiwe, Mandela, etc.)
- Case studies: Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, South Africa
- Pan-Africanism and Regional Cooperation
- Formation of OAU, AU, ECOWAS
- Role of African states in global politics
- Contemporary Issues in African History
- Post-independence challenges: civil wars, military rule, development
- Democratization, NEPAD, globalization
Recommended Textbooks
- Comprehensive History of Nigeria by A.E. Afigbo
- Nigeria: A History of the People by Elizabeth Isichei
- African History for Schools and Colleges by Ade Ajayi
- WAEC/GCE Past Questions and Answers
WAEC & GCE History Exam Tips (2025)
1. Know Your Dates and Events
Chronology is everything in History. Practice placing key events in the correct timeline.
2. Master the Essay Format
Begin your essay with a clear introduction, break it into paragraphs for each point, and end with a conclusion. Use dates and historical evidence to support your answers.
3. Practice Past Questions Regularly
WAEC and GCE repeat themes often. Familiarize yourself with past questions to understand exam trends.
4. Understand Concepts, Not Just Memorize
Rather than cramming facts, focus on understanding cause-effect relationships and broader historical developments.
5. Study Key Historical Figures
Know the contributions of important leaders in Nigerian and African history like Awolowo, Azikiwe, Tafawa Balewa, Nkrumah, Mandela, etc.
6. Stay Updated with Contemporary History
Recent African developments and democracy-related issues might appear in exams. Be prepared.
7. Use Diagrams or Timelines
In essay responses, timelines can help organize your points and impress examiners.
FAQs: WAEC & GCE History (2025)
Q1: Is History a compulsory subject in WAEC or GCE?
A: No. It is an elective subject mostly taken by art and humanities students.
Q2: Can I answer more questions from only one section in Paper 2?
A: No. You must answer questions from both sections (Nigeria and Africa/world history).
Q3: Are diagrams or timelines allowed in essay answers?
A: Yes, they are helpful and may earn you extra marks when well presented.
Q4: Is it possible for questions from past WAEC/GCE papers to be repeated?
A: Yes. WAEC often rephrases previous questions, making past papers a valuable tool.
Conclusion
The WAEC & GCE History syllabus for 2025 provides everything you need to prepare smartly and effectively. Understanding historical developments, remembering key dates, practicing past questions, and applying strategic writing skills will give you a major advantage in the exam.
Stay consistent, stay curious, and keep revising. With these tips, you’re well on your way to scoring an A in History!
