1. The racial discriminatory tendencies of the Europeans to Nigerians.
2. British exploitation of their fatherland.
3. The neglect of traditional institutions.
4. The influence of Christianity and the establishment of schools made the nationalists realize that after all God created everyman equal before Him.
5. The formation of political parties like NYM, NNDB, NCNC, and the political activities of people like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Obafemi Awolowo.
6. The stern criticism of colonialism by some prominent Americans.
7. The independence of some other countries.
8. The establishments of newspapers like the West African Pilot by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
9. The activities of Nigerian educated elites like Herbert Macauley, H.O Davies, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe.
10. The activities of West African Students overseas especially in America and Britain.