Obafemi Awolowo was born on March 6, 1909, in Ikenne, present day Ogun State, Nigeria. Raised in modest circumstances after the early death of his father, he developed discipline and resilience early in life. Determined to pursue formal education despite financial hardship, he worked various jobs before traveling to the United Kingdom to study law at the University of London. He was called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1946.
His exposure to political thought in Britain shaped his views on federalism, social welfare, and structured governance. These ideas later formed the backbone of his political philosophy and policy direction in Nigeria.
Political Emergence and the Action Group
Awolowo’s political career began through nationalist activism and journalism. In 1951, he co founded the Action Group, which quickly became the dominant political party in the Western Region. The party promoted regional autonomy, federal constitutionalism, and social welfare programs.
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Following constitutional reforms in 1954, Awolowo became the first Premier of the Western Region, serving from 1954 to 1959. His administration was marked by structured planning, clear development goals, and policy driven governance.
The 1955 Free Primary Education Program
In January 1955, Awolowo introduced Free Primary Education across the Western Region. At a time when access to schooling largely depended on mission institutions or private funding, this policy eliminated tuition fees for primary education.
The immediate impact was significant. Enrollment increased rapidly, leading to expanded classroom construction and growth in teacher training institutions. Literacy levels improved, and the policy contributed to the development of a broad skilled workforce in the years that followed.
The program became one of the most ambitious educational reforms in sub Saharan Africa during the 1950s. It positioned the Western Region as a leader in primary education and demonstrated a governance model centered on human capital development.
Economic Development and Modernization
Awolowo’s administration also focused on economic transformation. Agricultural modernization programs, including farm settlements and cooperative movements, were introduced to improve rural productivity. These initiatives aimed at strengthening food production and creating employment opportunities.
In 1959, the Western Region established Western Nigeria Television, WNTV, the first television station in Africa. The station symbolized technological progress and regional innovation.
Infrastructure development, industrial growth initiatives, and public service expansion further defined his tenure. Economic planning under his leadership emphasized sustainability and regional growth
Federalism and National Influence
Awolowo was a strong advocate for federalism. He argued that Nigeria’s ethnic and cultural diversity required a decentralized system in which regions retained autonomy while maintaining national unity.
His ideas were articulated in his 1947 publication, Path to Nigerian Freedom, which outlined the need for a federal constitutional framework.
In 1963, he was convicted of treasonable felony amid intense political rivalry in the Western Region and was imprisoned. He was released in 1966 following a military coup that restructured Nigeria’s political system.
Service During the Nigerian Civil War
During the Nigerian Civil War from 1967 to 1970, Awolowo served as Federal Commissioner for Finance and Vice Chairman of the Federal Executive Council under General Yakubu Gowon. In this capacity, he managed fiscal policy and oversaw wartime economic measures that shaped Nigeria’s financial structure in subsequent years.
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Presidential Campaigns and Later Years
With Nigeria’s return to civilian rule in 1979, Awolowo contested the presidency under the Unity Party of Nigeria. He ran again in 1983. His campaigns emphasized free education, free healthcare, rural development, and transparent governance.
Although he did not secure the presidency, he remained an influential political figure until his death on May 9, 1987. His legacy is preserved in institutions such as Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile Ife, named in his honor.
Legacy
Obafemi Awolowo’s legacy is closely tied to educational reform, structured governance, and advocacy for federalism. The Free Primary Education program reshaped access to schooling in the Western Region and influenced future educational policy in Nigeria. His governance model emphasized planning, discipline, and investment in social services as instruments of development.
Author’s Note
Obafemi Awolowo’s life reflects the power of visionary leadership grounded in policy execution. His introduction of free primary education in 1955 expanded opportunity for thousands of families and demonstrated the long term value of investing in human capital. His advocacy for federalism and structured development continues to influence conversations about governance in Nigeria. His legacy remains anchored in education, institutional development, and public service reform.
References
Awolowo, Obafemi. Path to Nigerian Freedom.
Sklar, Richard L. Nigerian Political Parties.
Dudley, Billy J. Instability and Political Order: Politics and Crisis in Nigeria.
Siollun, Max. Oil, Politics and Violence: Nigeria’s Military Coup Culture.
Falola, Toyin and Heaton, Matthew M. A History of Nigeria.
