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Quizzes > Society & Culture > Culture & Traditions

Nigerian People and Culture Quiz: See How Much You Know!

Ready to dive into Nigerian people culture? Test yourself today!

Editorial: Review CompletedCreated By: Joven SandhuUpdated Aug 27, 2025
Difficulty: Moderate
2-5mins
Learning OutcomesCheat Sheet
Colorful paper art collage of Nigerian cultural symbols masks drums fabrics on sky blue background

This Nigerian people and culture quiz helps you check what you know about celebrations, food, languages, and everyday life. Play to have fun, spot gaps, and learn a fact or two; after you finish, explore more cultural trivia or try the African music quiz .

What is the capital city of Nigeria?
Abuja
Port Harcourt
Kano
Lagos
Abuja was designated as the capital of Nigeria in 1991 to replace Lagos, due to its central location and less congested environment. The city was purpose-built to serve as the federal administrative center. It hosts major government institutions including the presidential villa and the National Assembly.
Which of the following is the most populous ethnic group in Nigeria?
Hausa
Igbo
Yoruba
Edo
The Hausa are the largest single ethnic group in Nigeria by population, predominantly located in the northern region. They have a rich cultural history tied to trade and Islamic scholarship. While the Yoruba and Igbo are also major groups, the Hausa hold the largest share.
What is the official language of Nigeria?
Hausa
English
Yoruba
Igbo
English was adopted as Nigeria's official language at independence to unify its diverse ethnic groups. It is used in government, education, media, and business. Local languages remain important in daily life and cultural expression.
What currency is used in Nigeria?
Shilling
Cedi
Franc
Naira
The Nigerian naira (?) is the official currency of Nigeria, introduced in 1973 to replace the pound. It is issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria. The naira is subdivided into 100 kobo.
On which continent is Nigeria located?
Europe
Africa
Asia
South America
Nigeria is a country located on the continent of Africa, in West Africa along the Gulf of Guinea. It shares land borders with Benin, Niger, Chad, and Cameroon. Its geographic position gives it a strategic role in regional trade.
What is Nigeria's national motto?
Peace and Unity
Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress
Freedom and Justice
One Nation, One Destiny
Nigeria's official motto is "Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress," reflecting the country's aim to maintain national cohesion and development. It appears on the nation's coat of arms and is a recurring phrase in official contexts.
Which popular rice dish is often considered Nigeria's national dish?
Jollof Rice
Ofada Rice
White Rice and Stew
Fried Rice
Jollof Rice is widely celebrated across Nigeria and West Africa, often cited as Nigeria's national dish due to its popularity at events and celebrations. It is made with rice, tomatoes, onions, and spices, and often served with meat or fish.
Which Nigerian state is the largest oil producer in the country?
Akwa Ibom State
Bayelsa State
Rivers State
Delta State
Rivers State is Nigeria's leading oil-producing state, accounting for a significant portion of the country's hydrocarbon output. The state is part of the Niger Delta region, where most of Nigeria's oil fields are located.
What is the name of the renowned fishing festival held annually in Kebbi State?
Eyo Festival
New Yam Festival
Osun-Osogbo Festival
Argungu Fishing Festival
The Argungu Fishing Festival is an annual four-day celebration in Kebbi State, featuring competitive fishing, cultural displays, and traditional dances. It was revived in 2004 and attracts participants and tourists from around the world.
What traditional Yoruba robe is often worn by men on special occasions?
Boubou
Dashiki
Agbada
Kaftan
The Agbada is a flowing wide-sleeved robe worn by Yoruba men on formal and ceremonial occasions. It consists of an outer robe, inner shirt, and trousers, often richly embroidered.
In which year did Nigeria gain independence from British colonial rule?
1970
1963
1960
1957
Nigeria achieved independence from the United Kingdom on October 1, 1960, and became a republic in 1963. October 1 is celebrated annually as Independence Day.
Which popular soup is made from ground melon seeds and is commonly eaten across Nigeria?
Ogbono Soup
Nkwobi
Egusi Soup
Ofe Onugbu
Egusi soup is made from the ground seeds of certain varieties of melon, cooked with vegetables, meats, or fish. It is one of the most popular and widespread soups in Nigeria, enjoyed by many ethnic groups.
What is the nickname of Nigeria's national football team?
Green Falcons
Black Stars
Lions of Kaduna
Super Eagles
Nigeria's national football team is popularly known as the Super Eagles. The team has won the African Cup of Nations multiple times and regularly competes in FIFA World Cups.
Which UNESCO World Heritage site is located in northeastern Nigeria?
Aso Rock
Sukur Cultural Landscape
Yankari National Park
Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove
The Sukur Cultural Landscape in Adamawa State is Nigeria's first UNESCO World Heritage site, inscribed in 1999 for its ancient terraced fields and traditional ironworking. It provides insight into a centuries-old highland culture.
On which date is Democracy Day celebrated in Nigeria since 2018?
June 12
May 29
January 1
October 1
In 2018, Nigeria moved its Democracy Day celebrations from May 29 to June 12 to honor the 1993 election won by Moshood Abiola. June 12 is now recognized annually as a symbol of democratic struggle.
Which ancient civilization in present-day Nigeria is famous for its terracotta sculptures dating from 1000 BC?
Benin
Oyo
Ife
Nok
The Nok culture, which flourished in central Nigeria between 1000 BC and 300 AD, is renowned for its terracotta figures. Their sculptures are among the earliest in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Which Yoruba deity is traditionally associated with iron, war, and craftsmanship?
Ogun
Oshun
Yemoja
Sango
Ogun is the Yoruba deity of iron, war, and metalworking, revered as the patron of blacksmiths and hunters. He is celebrated in rituals that emphasize strength and craftsmanship.
To which language family do most Nigerian languages, including Yoruba and Igbo, belong?
Afro-Asiatic
Khoisan
Nilo-Saharan
Niger - Congo
Most Nigerian languages, such as Yoruba, Igbo, and Akan, are part of the Niger - Congo family, one of the world's largest language groups. This family covers much of West, Central, and Southern Africa.
How many states does Nigeria consist of, excluding the Federal Capital Territory?
30
25
36
40
Nigeria is divided into 36 states plus the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) of Abuja. The states are grouped into six geopolitical zones for administrative purposes.
What is the capital city of the historic Benin Kingdom?
Ado-Ekiti
Ile Ife
Benin City
Oyo
Benin City, located in present-day Edo State, was the capital of the historical Benin Kingdom, famed for its bronze sculptures and urban planning. It remains an important cultural center.
In which Nigerian state is the Tiv ethnic group primarily found?
Kogi State
Benue State
Adamawa State
Enugu State
The Tiv people predominantly inhabit Benue State in Nigeria's Middle Belt region. They are known for their rich agricultural traditions and cultural festivals.
Which university, founded in 1948, is the oldest degree-awarding institution in Nigeria?
Obafemi Awolowo University
University of Ibadan
University of Lagos
Ahmadu Bello University
The University of Ibadan was established in 1948 as a college of the University of London before gaining full autonomy in 1962. It is Nigeria's oldest degree-awarding institution.
What is the name of the Islamic celebration marking the end of Ramadan in Nigeria?
Eid al-Adha
Eid al-Fitr
Maulud
Ashura
Eid al-Fitr is the festival that marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan for Muslims in Nigeria and worldwide. It is celebrated with communal prayers, feasts, and giving of charity.
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Study Outcomes

  1. Identify Major Ethnic Groups -

    Understand the diversity of nigerian people and culture by naming at least three major ethnic groups and their key characteristics.

  2. Describe Traditional Customs -

    Recall common customs such as ceremonies, greetings, and festivals that showcase the richness of nigerian people culture across regions.

  3. Analyze Cultural Practices -

    Examine how Nigerian food, music, and attire reflect societal values and everyday life in nigeria people and culture.

  4. Differentiate Modern and Traditional Lifestyles -

    Compare urban and rural lifestyle practices to appreciate the evolving traditions within nigeria people and culture.

  5. Evaluate Quiz Performance -

    Reflect on your answers to the nigeria people and culture quiz to pinpoint strengths and areas for further learning.

Cheat Sheet

  1. Ethnolinguistic Diversity -

    Nigeria is home to over 250 ethnic groups but the three largest - Hausa, Yoruba, and Igbo - account for more than half the population (National Bureau of Statistics). Use the HYI mnemonic (Hausa, Yoruba, Igbo) to remember these key groups and their languages, which shape regional traditions and communication.

  2. Traditional Festivals and Ceremonies -

    From the Yoruba Olojo Festival in Ife to the Igbo New Yam Festival (Iri Ji), ceremonies mark agricultural cycles and ancestral reverence (National Council for Arts and Culture). Visual cues like colorful masquerade masks help you recall the deep spiritual symbolism behind each festivity.

  3. Family and Social Structure -

    Extended families are central to social life in Nigeria, with elders playing key roles in decision-making and conflict resolution (University of Lagos Sociology Dept). A simple trick: think "EEL" (Elders, Extended, Lineage) to link the core aspects of social hierarchy.

  4. Culinary Traditions -

    Nigerian cuisine features staples like pounded yam and egusi soup alongside regional dishes such as suya and jollof rice, known for its "one-pot" rice cooking method (Smithsonian Food History). Remember "PEJ" (Pounded yam, Egusi, Jollof) to quickly recall signature dishes across the country.

  5. Modern Influences and Pop Culture -

    Afrobeats music and Nollywood films showcase contemporary expressions of nigerian people and culture, influencing global trends (UNESCO Creative Economy report). When taking any nigeria people and culture quiz, link artists like Burna Boy and films like "Lionheart" to grasp how tradition meets modernity.

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