Studying History is essential for your exam preparation, as it provides valuable insights into the past and helps you understand the present.
About WAEC Syllabus for History 2024/2025
In this blog post, we will explore the History syllabus for the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and recommended textbooks.
By following this syllabus, you will have a clear roadmap of the topics to study, enabling you to excel in your history exams. So, let’s delve into the details!
Overview of the Syllabus
The WAEC History syllabus aims to assess candidates’ knowledge of their national histories from earliest times to 2000, emphasizing the relationship between peoples and states, historical interpretation and analysis skills, connecting the past to the present, factors contributing to national unity and global understanding, and understanding social and political institutions.
It also covers the main historical developments in West Africa from earliest times to 2000, and the ability to relate events in their country and West Africa to the outside world.
Exam Structure
The examination consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2, both of which are compulsory.
Paper 1:
Multiple-choice objective test of fifty items to be completed within one hour, carrying 40 marks.
Paper 2:
Essay type test lasting two hours, comprising sets of questions on the national histories of The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone.
Each set contains three sections (A, B, and C) focusing on different periods of history.
Candidates are required to answer at least one question from each section, with a total of four questions to be answered. This paper carries 60 marks.
Let’s Explore the Syllabus
PAPER 1:
WEST AFRICA AND THE WIDER WORLD FROM EARLIEST TIMES TO 2000
This section covers various topics that are crucial to understanding the historical context of West Africa and its interactions with the wider world. Here are the key topics:
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Historiography and Historical Skills:
- Definition and importance of History.
- Sources of History.
- Historical skills and approaches.
- Prospect of ICT in historical studies.
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Trans-Saharan Trade:
- Origin, organization, and effects on the development of West African states.
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Islam in West Africa:
- Introduction, spread, and effects of Islam.
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European Contact with West Africa:
- Reasons for their arrival.
- Immediate effects on West Africa.
- West African reaction to European contact.
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Trans-Atlantic Slave Trade:
- Origin, organization, effects, and suppression.
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Christian Missionary Activities in West Africa:
- Suppression of the slave trade.
- Impact of Christian missionary activities.
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The Scramble for and Partition of West Africa:
- Industrial Revolution.
- Colonization and subjugation of West Africa.
- West African reaction to colonization.
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Colonial Rule in West Africa:
- Patterns of colonial rule.
- Consolidation of European culture in Africa.
- Impact of colonial economy on underdevelopment.
- Colonial Africa and its involvement in the World Wars.
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Problems of Independent West African States:
- Nature of politics.
- Neo-colonialism and economic underdevelopment.
- Unequal development and instability within states.
- Role of the military in West African politics.
- Boundary disputes and threats to West African unity.
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West Africa and International Organizations:
- United Nations Organization (UNO)/United Nations (UN).
- Organization of African Unity (OAU)/African Union (AU).
- Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).
- Membership, aims, objectives, achievements, and failures.
PAPER 2:
NATIONAL HISTORIES OF THE GAMBIA, GHANA, LIBERIA, NIGERIA, AND SIERRA LEONE UP TO 2000
This section focuses on the specific national histories of the mentioned countries, divided into different periods. Here’s an overview:
THE GAMBIA
Section A:
The Gambia from Earliest Times to 2000
- Historical skills, land, and people of The Gambia.
- Indigenous crafts and industries.
- Early European contact and the impact of trade and Christianity.
- Introduction, spread, and effects of Islam.
- The Gambia and the trans-Atlantic slave trade.
Section B:
The Gambia in the 19th Century
- Suppression of the slave trade and its effects.
- The founding of Bathurst (Banjul) and Christian missionary activities.
- Soninke-Marabout wars and colonial government reactions.
Section C:
The Gambia from 1900 to 2000
- British colonial administration and indirect rule.
- Economic and social developments in the colonial period.
- Development of local government.
- Struggle for and regain independence.
- The Gambia and international organizations.
Similar sectional breakdowns are provided for Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone in their respective national history coverage.
Exam Structure:
The exam consists of two papers: Paper 1 and Paper 2. Paper 1 has multiple-choice questions, while Paper 2 requires essay-type answers. Both papers carry different marks and cover various topics.
Exploring the Syllabus
Paper 1:
West Africa and the Wider World from Earliest Times to 2000 This section covers important topics like historiography, trans-Saharan trade, Islam in West Africa, European contact, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, Christian missionary activities, colonial rule, and more.
Paper 2:
National Histories of The Gambia, Ghana, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone up to 2000 Each country’s history is divided into different sections, allowing you to explore key periods and developments. From earliest times to independence and beyond, you’ll delve into the historical context of each country.
What topics are covered in the WAEC History Syllabus for 2024/2025?
The WAEC History syllabus for 2024/2025 covers a broad range of topics, including African history, pre-colonial African societies, the trans-Atlantic slave trade, colonialism and its impact, nationalism, the rise of modern African states, and post-independence challenges. It also includes sections on world history, such as major global conflicts, the Industrial Revolution, and international organizations like the UN.
How can I access the WAEC History Syllabus for 2024/2025?
You can access the WAEC History Syllabus for 2024/2025 through the official WAEC website or through authorized educational portals that offer the syllabus in downloadable formats. It may also be available in hardcopy form at local educational bookstores or provided by your school.
What is the structure of the WAEC History exam for 2024/2025?
The WAEC History exam for 2024/2025 typically consists of two papers. Paper 1 contains objective multiple-choice questions, while Paper 2 includes essay-type questions. These questions assess students’ understanding of historical facts, events, and their ability to critically analyze and evaluate historical issues within the syllabus content.
Conclusion
Studying History is essential for exam preparation.
By understanding the WAEC History syllabus, you can focus your efforts on the relevant topics and excel in your exams.
Ensure to allocate time for each section and use the recommended textbooks for additional support. Good luck with your studies!
