Nigeria has a rich and fascinating history, filled with stories of triumph, struggle, and growth.
To understand and appreciate the present, it’s important to delve into the past.
With numerous books on Nigerian history available, readers have the opportunity to explore the country’s heritage and gain a deeper appreciation for its cultural and political evolution.
From colonial times to modern day, these books offer a comprehensive look at the events, people, and movements that have shaped Nigeria into the vibrant nation it is today.
Read on to discover our top picks for the best books on Nigerian history that will educate and inspire you.
10 Books on History
1. Things Fall Apart
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe is a novel that portrays pre-colonial life in Africa and the arrival of European missionaries in the late 19th century.
The novel follows the story of Okonkwo, a proud and successful warrior in the Umuofia clan of Nigeria.
Through Okonkwo’s experiences, the novel explores the cultural traditions and beliefs of the Umuofia people, as well as the disruption and eventual collapse of their society with the arrival of the Europeans.
Expect to find a powerful depiction of a world on the brink of change, as well as an insightful examination of the effects of colonialism and cultural appropriation on indigenous societies.
The novel offers a nuanced portrayal of the complex relationships between the colonizers and the colonized, and explores themes such as identity, cultural heritage, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.
Through its memorable characters and vivid descriptions of African life and culture, “Things Fall Apart” provides a thought-provoking and deeply moving account of a pivotal moment in African history.
2. A Dance of the Forests
A Dance of the Forests by Wole Soyinka is a play that explores the themes of tradition, death, and the afterlife in Yoruba culture.
The play is a critique of the way African traditional rituals are being transformed into tourist spectacles. The characters, including the spirits of the forest and ancestors, engage in a dance to celebrate the death of a young warrior and his transition to the afterlife.
The play also raises questions about the exploitation of African cultures and the impact of colonialism on traditional practices.
Expect to encounter a rich blend of African mythology and cultural tradition, woven into a thought-provoking story that challenges the audience to reflect on the value of tradition and the meaning of death.
The play’s blend of humor, pathos, and poetic language, combined with its sharp political commentary, makes it a unique and memorable theatrical experience.
3. The Rise and Fall of Apartheid
South Africa: The Rise and Fall of Apartheid by Tom Lodge is a historical account of the apartheid era in South Africa.
The book provides a comprehensive overview of the events and circumstances that led to the establishment of the apartheid system and the subsequent struggles for civil rights and equality.
The author covers key events such as the Sharpeville massacre, the Soweto riots, and the negotiations that eventually led to the end of apartheid and the first democratic elections in South Africa.
Expect to find an in-depth and nuanced examination of apartheid, its origins, and its legacy.
The book also offers insights into the complex and often conflicting motivations of those who supported and opposed apartheid, including the role of international actors such as the United Nations and the African National Congress.
The author provides a balanced and well-researched analysis of one of the most significant events of the 20th century, and readers will gain a deeper understanding of the historical, political, and social context of modern South Africa.
4. The African Origin of Civilization
The African Origin of Civilization: Myth or Reality by Cheikh Anta Diop is a seminal work that challenges traditional views of African history and argues for the centrality of Africa to the development of world civilization.
The author presents evidence from archaeology, linguistics, anthropology, and other disciplines to demonstrate the African roots of many key aspects of Western civilization, including science, religion, and philosophy.
Expect to encounter a passionate and deeply researched argument for the African origin of civilization and its lasting impact on the world.
The author provides a compelling critique of Eurocentric views of history and offers a new, Afrocentric perspective on the development of human civilization.
The book is a landmark in the field of African history and an important contribution to the broader debates about the origins and spread of civilization.
It will be of interest to scholars and students of African history, archaeology, anthropology, and cultural studies.
5. The Voice of the Leopard
The Voice of the Leopard: African Secret Societies and Cuba by Jan Vansina is a study of the impact of African secret societies on the development of Cuban culture and society.
The author examines the ways in which these societies, many of which were brought to Cuba by enslaved Africans, influenced the music, religion, and political practices of Cuban communities, both before and after the abolition of slavery.
Expect to find a detailed and insightful analysis of the complex interplay between African and Cuban cultures, and the enduring impact of African traditions on Cuban society.
The author provides a unique perspective on the role of secret societies in shaping cultural and political practices, and offers new insights into the ways in which African traditions and beliefs were maintained and adapted in the face of enslavement and oppression.
The book is a valuable resource for scholars and students of African, Caribbean, and Latin American history and culture, and for anyone interested in the study of religion, music, and cultural practices in the African diaspora.
6. The History of the Yorubas
The History of the Yorubas by Samuel Johnson is a seminal work that provides a comprehensive history of the Yoruba people of Nigeria.
The author, a Yoruba chief and Christian missionary, drew on oral tradition and his own observations to write an in-depth account of Yoruba history, culture, and traditions.
The book covers the origins and migration of the Yoruba people, their political and social structures, religious beliefs and practices, and the role of the Yoruba in the trans-Saharan trade.
Expect to find a rich and comprehensive account of Yoruba history and culture, written from an insider’s perspective.
The author provides a unique and invaluable window into Yoruba society, and offers insights into the complex relationships between different Yoruba groups and their neighbors.
The book is a landmark in the field of African history, and a testament to the importance of preserving and documenting the rich cultural heritage of African societies.
It will be of interest to scholars and students of African history, anthropology, and cultural studies, as well as anyone interested in the history and culture of Nigeria and West Africa.
7. A New History of a Turbulent Century
Nigeria: A New History of a Turbulent Century is a comprehensive history of Nigeria from the late 19th century to the present day.
The author provides an in-depth analysis of the political, economic, and cultural developments that have shaped Nigeria into the country it is today, and offers new insights into the challenges and triumphs of one of Africa’s largest and most complex nations.
The book covers key historical events such as the British colonial period, the struggle for independence, the Biafran War, military rule, and the transition to democracy.
Expect to find a well-researched and balanced account of Nigeria’s turbulent history, with a focus on the events and people that have shaped the country.
The author provides a nuanced and comprehensive analysis of the challenges and triumphs of Nigeria’s past, and offers insights into the complex interplay between politics, economics, and culture in shaping the country’s history.
The book is an essential resource for scholars and students of African history and politics, and for anyone interested in understanding the complex dynamics of one of Africa’s most important nations.
8. Nationalism and the Development of Africa
Nationalism and the Development of Africa by Alamin M. Mazrui is a seminal work that examines the role of nationalism in the development of Africa.
The author provides a comprehensive analysis of the complex interplay between nationalism and development, and argues that nationalism has played a crucial role in shaping African politics, economy, and society.
The book covers the historical roots of African nationalism, the impact of colonialism and imperialism, the rise of African independence movements, and the ongoing struggle for political and economic development.
Expect to find a rich and insightful analysis of the relationship between nationalism and development in Africa, with a focus on the political, economic, and cultural factors that have shaped the continent’s history.
The author provides a nuanced and comprehensive analysis of the complex interplay between nationalism and development, and offers new insights into the role of nationalism in shaping African society and politics.
The book is a valuable resource for scholars and students of African history and politics, as well as for anyone interested in the ongoing struggle for political and economic development in Africa.
9. The Hausa Factor in West African History
The Hausa Factor in West African History by Paul E. Lovejoy is a seminal work that examines the role of the Hausa people in West African history.
The author provides a comprehensive analysis of the political, economic, and cultural contributions of the Hausa to the region, and argues that the Hausa have played a crucial role in shaping the course of West African history.
The book covers the origins and migration of the Hausa people, their political and social structures, religious beliefs and practices, and the role of the Hausa in the trans-Saharan trade.
Expect to find a well-researched and insightful account of the role of the Hausa in West African history, with a focus on the political, economic, and cultural factors that have shaped the Hausa’s contributions to the region.
The author provides a nuanced and comprehensive analysis of the Hausa’s impact on West African history, and offers new insights into the complex relationships between the Hausa and other West African groups.
The book is a valuable resource for scholars and students of African history and culture, as well as for anyone interested in understanding the role of the Hausa in shaping West African society and politics.
10. The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere
The Structural Transformation of the Public Sphere: An Inquiry into a Category of Bourgeois Society by Jürgen Habermas is a seminal work in critical theory that examines the evolution of the public sphere in modern society.
The author argues that the public sphere, which is the sphere of society where individuals engage in rational-critical debate, has undergone a transformation as a result of the rise of mass media and the decline of traditional forms of public communication.
The book covers the historical development of the public sphere, the role of the media in shaping public opinion, the impact of commercialization on public discourse, and the future of the public sphere in an age of digital communication.
Expect to find a rigorous and insightful analysis of the evolution of the public sphere in modern society, with a focus on the political, economic, and cultural factors that have shaped its development.
The author provides a nuanced and comprehensive analysis of the structural transformation of the public sphere, and offers new insights into the role of mass media and commercialization in shaping public discourse.
The book is a valuable resource for scholars and students of critical theory, media studies, and the sociology of communication, and for anyone interested in understanding the evolution of public discourse in modern society.