1914 Colony and Protectorate of Nigera

On January 1, 1914, the Colony and Protectorate of Nigeria was formed by Lord Frederick Lugard.  Prior to unification, the Northern Nigeria Protectorate and the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria had operated separately under the leadership of Lugard, who served as the governor of each.  The consolidation was completed largely for budgetary reasons. 

Northern Nigeria was predominantly Muslim, while Southern Nigeria was majority Christian.  Following the amalgamation, administrators imposed indirect rule over the new protectorate.  This restricted Christianity and western education in Northern Nigeria, which led to an education gap.  Lord Lugard attempted to remedy the gap with the education Ordinance of 1916.