ABSTRACT

The social change which followed the British conquest did not come about, as in many other societies in Africa, as a result of direct influences from media of Western culture contact such as the church and schools. In a general sense the Islamic community in Northern Nigeria, of which the Fulbeare a part, has shown a strong resistance to the assimilation of Western ideals and institutions. The conquest by the British forces impressed the Fulbe and the Haabe alike with the 'strength' of the 'Europeans'. While the Fulbe took advantage of their freedom of movement not only to find the best grazing, but also to avoid the payment of cattle-tax. Fulbeliving in dispersed homesteads throughout the countryside looked to the markets not only as a means of trade but also as important social centres.