Nationalism in Nigeria was greatly facilitated by education and urbanization as these factors helped create political awareness, unity and resistance to colonial rule.

• Education (especially Western education introduced by Christian missionaries) produced an educated elite, who became vocal critics of colonial rule. Figures like Nnamdi Azikiwe, Obafemi Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello used their education to organize nationalist movements, publish newspapers, and advocate for independence.
• Urbanization brought together people from different ethnic backgrounds into cities like Lagos, Ibadan, and Kano, fostering national consciousness and encouraging collective action against colonial rule.