Nigeria
By
Jeroen Berensen
David Marler
and
Marcia Vermeij
Nigeria at a glance
Nigeria has the largest population in Africa.
154 mil. People (8th in the world)
One out of every four Africans is Nigerian
Two major religions... Islam and
Christianity
Official Language is English
There are also three other
officially recognized regional
languages
Nigeria's Political System
Nigeria is a federal republic, modelled after
the USA
Has a president (Goodluck Jonathan)
who is both the Head of State and the
Head of Government
Nigeria has a complex legal system with
various types of law for the various
types of people. Muslims have Sharia
Law, Christians have Common Law, and
there is also traditional law.
Much like the American Legislature, the Nigerian
National Assembly consists of a Senate and a
House of Representatives.
Their governmental system is based on Checks
and Balances
Nigeria's Geography
Nigeria consists of...
37 states and one Federal Capital Territory
The capital is Abaja
The largest city is Lagos
(10 million people)
There are six cities with
populations of over 1 mil
people
History of Nigeria
9000 BC- First Humans in Nigeria
ca. 2000 BC- the first Nigerian Kingdom-
The Calabar Kingdom
1400-1600 AD- The Igo States
1500-1600 AD- The Songhai Empire begins to
incorporate parts of Modern Day Nigeria
The Songhai EmpireOne of the most famous African Kingdoms
Upon its fall led to the modern tribal makeup that exists in
Nigeria today (Dendi Kingdom)
British Control of Nigeria
Towards the end of the Napoleonic Wars Britain
takes an interest in Nigeria and her resources.
Most importantly, they are looking for a way into
the heart of Africa via the Water.
When they arrive, the slave trade is in full
swing. Tribes are selling each other to whites.
Slavery is illegal durring this period in the UK
1806-1900
In 1900 Nigeria becomes an
official part of the British
Empire
After WWII a Nigerian
Nationaist movement begins
to form. There is a push for
complete independance.
This leads to a slow transition
to autonomous rule.
Nigerian Independance- October 1, 1960
Nigerian Independance led to sectarian
violence between several groups of
people who wanted control of the country
In 1966, several Igbo Generals
led the first military coup
d'état. This was the first of
many.
In 1998, Nigeria saw one of its
first democratic elections. This
time has been one of the most
peaceful.
Nigeria's Problems
Today
-Corruption
-Environment
-Population
-Poverty
-Sectarian Violence
-Terrorism
English in Nigeria
English is the only official
language of Nigeria.
Because Nigeria has many tribal
and linguistic cultures, English is
the lingua franca of the people
and is seen as a non-biased
language.
Naija is the English Pidgin spoken
by most Nigerians
Naija
Naija or brokin is the Pidgin
language spoken by almost all
Nigerians.
Wetin dey happen - What is happening?
Hin say make we dey go - he said we should go
Hin don vex - he is angry
I no no, Me no no - I don't know
Na borro borro mek mi fine - my beauty comes from all
the items I borrow
Naija, English and Nollywood
Nollywood is Nigeria's film industry
They produce 2500 films per year. Most of them being
made in weeks
The films are always brought directly out on DVD.
Nollywood films are almost excusively made in English
or Naija.
Many Nigerian customs and traditional beliefs make
their way into Nollywood Films.
Nollywood Profile Baby Police
Nigerian Literature in English
First generation – Protest
Chinua Achebe, Christopher Okigbo, Kole Omotoso
Second generation – Females
Flora Nwapa, Buchi Emecheta, Adaora Ulasi, Ifeoma Okoye, Zaynab Alkali
Third generation – Struggle of change
Wole Soyinka, Chris Abani, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Novel by Chris Abani
• Graceland• Elvis Oke
– Teenager– Lagos
• Redemption• King of the Beggars• Sunday Oke
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
– Purple Hibiscus– Half of a Yellow Sun– That Thing Around
Your Neck (2009)
Graded Reader
Exercise Series
Nigeria Quiz
1. Around what year did man first
settle in Nigeria?
a. 1000 BC b. 9000 BC c. 4000 BC
Nigeria QuizNigeria Quiz
2. What was the name of the first civilization in
Nigeria?
a. Igbo b. Calabar c. Songhai
Nigeria QuizNigeria Quiz
3. What year did Nigeria become a part of the
British Empire?
Nigeria QuizNigeria Quiz
4. About how many Nollywood films are made
each year?
Nigeria QuizNigeria Quiz
5. What are the four types of legal systems in
Nigeria?
Nigeria QuizNigeria Quiz
6. What is the capital of Nigeria?
Nigeria Quiz
ANSWERS:
1. b- 9000BC
2. b- Calabar
3. 1900
4. 2500
5. Common, Civil, Sharia and Traditional
6. Abaja