I went through all the JUPEB Government papers from 2015 to 2024, and honestly, some patterns just can't be ignored. If you're prepping for the 2025 exam, this might be the most important thing you read today.
What I Discovered After Reviewing all jupeb Government past questions papers
First thing I noticed: JUPEB has an obsession—Nigerian constitutional history. No kidding. Every single year, without fail, there’s at least one question about some constitution or the other. It’s like their favorite topic.
Then there’s colonialism. It keeps popping up again and again—2019, 2020, 2022, 2024. They can’t seem to get enough of what the British and French did in Africa.
.jpg "Possible jupeb questions -expo")
Section-by-Section Breakdown-legal expo
GOV 001 – Elements of Government
This one is hit or miss. Some years it's silent, some years it pops up with questions on political systems, sovereignty, rule of law, etc.
GOV 002 – Political Ideologies and Governmental Processes
This is the zone for electoral systems and public administration. It's been showing up more frequently in recent years.
GOV 003 – Nigerian Government and Politics
This is the jackpot. Appears every single year. Expect questions on constitutional development, political parties, federalism, and pre-colonial systems.
GOV 004 – African Government and Politics
The colonialism hub. If this section comes up, think: indirect rule, nationalism, French vs British methods, and post-colonial issues.
What You Should Definitely Expect in 2025
Constitutional Development (My 1 Prediction)
Seen in 2015, 2020, 2022, 2023—and I’d bet my lunch money it’ll come again in 2025. Focus on:
- Clifford Constitution (1922) – especially the elective principle
- Richards Constitution (1946) – emphasis on regionalism
- Lyttleton Constitution (1954) – introduction of federalism
- All major constitutional conferences
Colonialism Questions
Super reliable:
- Impact of colonial rule on Africa
- British indirect rule vs French assimilation policy
- Reasons for colonization
- Benefits and downsides of colonialism
🚀 Public Administration (On the Rise)
Started showing up more in 2023 and 2024. They’re warming up to it.
- Max Weber’s bureaucratic theory
- Hawthorne studies and human relations theory
- Systems theory
- Why public administration matters
Electoral Systems
Also gaining traction—seen in 2021, 2022, 2024.
- Types (proportional, FPTP, etc.)
- What makes elections free and fair
- Why electoral systems matter in democracy
Medium-Profit Topics (50/50 Chance coming again or not)
- Military Rule – Causes, characteristics, and effects of coups
- Citizenship – Types, how it’s acquired, and its importance
- Political Parties – Functions, roles, achievements (e.g., NCNC)
- ECOWAS – Aims, organs, and challenges
- Pre-Colonial Systems – Hausa/Fulani vs Igbo administration (they love this one too)
JUPEB’s Question Formula (They’re Consistent!)
They almost always follow this structure:
- (a) 3 marks – Definition or short explanation (“What is…?”)
- (b) 12 marks – Expanded answer (“Explain any FOUR…”)
- Full question – 15 marks (“Discuss any FIVE…”)
Important Tip: When they say “FOUR,” they mean exactly four. No more, no less.
2025 Predictions- expo or possible questions
Almost Guaranteed (90% certainty):
- Constitutional development
- Colonialism (especially comparisons)
- Public administration theories
- Electoral systems/democracy
Very Likely (Around 75%):
- Functions of government
- Parliamentary vs presidential systems
- Military rule in Nigeria
- Rule of law or sovereignty
Possible (50% range):
- Citizenship
- ECOWAS
- Pre-colonial systems
- Political ideologies
What You Need to Master
Constitutional Development:
- Dates, features, and innovations of each constitution
- Key figures (Clifford, Richards, Lyttleton)
- Strengths and weaknesses
- What each constitution changed
Colonialism:
- Indirect vs direct rule
- British vs French approaches
- Effects on politics, economy, and society
- African nationalist response
Public Administration:
- Max Weber’s bureaucracy
- Elton Mayo’s human relations theory
- Systems approach basics
- Real-world public service challenges.
All JUPEB Government Questions by course Gov 001-004 2015-2024
GOV 001: ELEMENTS OF GOVERNMENT
2019
(a) What is Political Socialization? [3 marks]
(b) Outline and explain three agents of political socialization. [12 marks](a) Explain Parliamentary system of government. [3 marks]
(b) Discuss four differences between Parliamentary and Presidential Systems of government. [12 marks]
2020
(a) What is a State? [3 Marks]
(b) Explain any three theories of the State. [12 Marks](a) Explain the concept of Confederalism. [3 Marks]
(b) Discuss any four features of a Confederal State. [12 Marks]
2021
- Definition and Types of Sovereignty.
B. FIVE Types of Sovereignty [10 Marks]
2023
(a) Explain the concept of the Rule of Law. [3 Marks]
(b) Identify and discuss any FOUR factors that can enhance the rule of law in a democratic society. [12 Marks](a) Define the state. [3 Marks]
(b) Discuss any FOUR essential characteristics of the modern state. [12 Marks]
GOV 002: IDEOLOGIES AND PROCESSES OF GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
2019
(a) What is Coup d'etat? [3 marks]
(b) Advance four reasons why Coup d'etat is said to be an aberration. [12 marks]The low productivity and inefficiency of public corporations in Nigeria are as a result of its many challenges. Discuss any five of these challenges. [15 marks]
2020
(a) What is political ideology? [3 Marks]
(b) Explain any four roles of political ideology in a political system. [12 Marks](a) Briefly explain the origin of ECOWAS. [3 Marks]
(b) Discuss any four problems confronting ECOWAS as a sub-regional organization. [12 Marks]
2021
Organs of ECOWAS and problems
b) FIVE Major Problems Confronting ECOWAS [10 Marks]What is an Electoral System
B) FIVE Benefits of a Good Electoral System [10 Marks]
2022
(a) What is an Electoral System? [3 Marks]
(b) Explain any FOUR types of Electoral System. [12 Marks]Discuss any FIVE factors responsible for military intervention in Nigeria politics. [15 Marks]
2023
(a) What is Political Ideology? [3 Marks]
(b) Identify and explain FOUR features of Political Ideology. [12 Marks](a) Define Public Administration. [3 Marks]
(b) Explain any THREE theories of Public Administration. [12 Marks]
2024
(a) What is citizenship? [3 marks]
(b) Explain FOUR ways of acquiring citizenship. [12 marks](a) Define the concept of legitimacy. [3 marks]
(b) Discuss FOUR factors that determine legitimacy. [12 marks]Discuss FIVE factors that militate against free and fair election in Nigeria. [15 marks]
(a) What is public Administration? [3 marks]
(b) Discuss any THREE major theories of Public administration. [12 marks]
GOV 003: NIGERIAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
2015
Identify and explain five basic features of the Arthur Richards Constitution of 1946.
What are the main objectives of Nigeria's foreign policy? Suggest four ways through which the objectives can be realized.
What is a political party? Explain any five functions of a political party.
Outline and explain five basic functions of the executive arms of government.
Identify and explain the reasons for the introduction of indirect rule system in Nigeria by the British colonialists. Why did the indirect rule system fail in the Eastern part of Nigeria?
2019
(a) Define the policy of Indirect Rule. [3 marks]
(b) List and discuss four defects of the policy on British colonies. [12 marks]Discuss elaborately, five of the achievements of the National Council of Nigeria and Cameroons in Nigeria's First Republic. [15 marks]
2020
(a) What is foreign policy? [3 Marks]
(b) Explain four determinants of Nigeria's foreign policy. [12 Marks]Discuss any five decisions reached at the 1957 London Constitutional Conference, pointing out the significance of each. [15 Marks]
2021
Five objectives of NCNC.
Define Citizenship [3 Marks]
B) FOUR Processes of Acquiring Citizenship [12 Marks]Define an International Organisation [5 Marks]
B) FIVE Roles of International Organisations [10 Marks]
2022
Describe any FIVE features of the 1954 Lyttleton Constitution in Nigeria. [15 Marks]
(a) What is Pre-colonial Administration? [3 Marks]
(b) Discuss any THREE features of the Igbo pre-colonial system of administration. [12 Marks]
2023
Examine THREE strengths and TWO weaknesses of the provisions of Lyttleton Constitution of 1954. [15 Marks]
Enumerate at least FIVE major changes introduced by the 1922 Clifford Constitution in Nigeria. [15 Marks]
2024
Discuss FIVE major differences between the Hausa/Fulani and Igbo pre-colonial system of government. [15 marks]
Discuss any FIVE achievements of the military in Nigerian politics. [15 Marks]
GOV 004: AFRICAN GOVERNMENT AND POLITICS
2019
Explain any five effects of colonialism on African societies. [15 marks]
(a) What is Military Rule? [3 marks]
(b) Discuss three characteristics of military regimes. [12 marks]
2020
(a) What is Colonialism? [3 Marks]
(b) List and explain four reasons why the Europeans invaded Africa. [12 Marks](a) Explain any three principles of the 1884–1885 Berlin Conference. [9 Marks]
(b) Discuss two significances of the Conference. [6 Marks]
2022
(a) What is Nationalism? [3 Marks]
(b) Explain any FOUR factors responsible for the emergence and development of Nationalist Movements in West Africa. [12 Marks](a) Define the concept of colonialism. [3 Marks]
(b) Describe any FOUR factors that necessitated the colonisation of Africa.
2024
Explain FIVE major differences between the British and French colonial administration systems in West Africa. [15 Marks]
Discuss any FIVE benefits of colonialism in Africa. [15 Marks]
GENERAL QUESTIONS (Not Section-Specific)
2015
List and explain any five basic functions performed by a modern government.
Explain the differences between constitution and constitutionalism.
Write short notes on any three of the following:
I. Socialism
II. Capitalism
III. Communism
IV. Fascism
V. Anarchism
2022
Discuss any FIVE measures that promote human rights. [15 Marks]
Explain any FIVE of the following sub-fields of government and politics:
(a) Political Theory
(b) Political Economy
(c) International Relations
(d) Comparative Politics
(e) Security studies
(f) Development Studies
(g) Peace and Conflict studies [15 Marks]
Section Summary
GOV 001: 8 questions across 4 years (2019, 2020, 2021, 2023)
- Focus: Basic concepts, political systems, state theory, sovereignty, rule of law
GOV 002: 16 questions across 6 years (2019–2024, consistent appearance)
- Focus: Electoral systems, political ideology, public administration, citizenship, legitimacy, ECOWAS
GOV 003: 18 questions across 6 years (2015, 2019–2024, most consistent)
- Focus: Nigerian constitutional development, pre-colonial systems, political parties, foreign policy
GOV 004: 8 questions across 4 years (2019, 2020, 2022, 2024)
- Focus: Colonialism, nationalism, military rule, colonial administration systems
General Questions: 5 questions (2015, 2022)
- Focus: Basic government functions, political ideologies, human rights, sub-fields of political science.