Nnamdi Azikiwe, often called “Zik of Africa,” was a central figure in Nigeria’s transition from colonial rule to independence. His life bridged journalism, politics, education, and pan-African ideology. Through his writings, political activism, and leadership, Azikiwe sought to unite Nigeria’s diverse peoples while fostering intellectual and cultural pride.
Early Life and Education
Azikiwe was born on 16 November 1904 in Zungeru, Northern Nigeria, to Igbo parents from Onitsha. His father, Obed-Edom Chukwuemeka Azikiwe, worked as a civil servant, and his mother, Rachel Chinwe Azikiwe, came from a respected family. Growing up in the Muslim-dominated North, Azikiwe experienced Nigeria’s cultural diversity firsthand, influencing his lifelong advocacy for national unity.
He began his schooling in Onitsha and later attended institutions in Calabar and Lagos. In 1925, he travelled to the United States, where he attended Lincoln University, Pennsylvania, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science. He also obtained a Master’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania and pursued postgraduate studies in anthropology and international relations. During this period, Azikiwe absorbed ideas of Pan-Africanism, civil rights, and self-governance, influenced by thinkers like W.E.B. Du Bois and Marcus Garvey.
Journalism and the Rise of Nationalism
Upon returning to Africa in the 1930s, Azikiwe worked as a journalist in Ghana, editing the African Morning Post. He later founded Nigeria’s West African Pilot in 1937, a newspaper that became a leading voice for anti-colonialism, self-determination, and education. The publication and its affiliated media outlets in Ibadan, Kano, Port Harcourt, and Onitsha helped nurture political consciousness across Nigeria.
Azikiwe initially joined the Nigerian Youth Movement but left due to ethnic disagreements. In 1944, alongside Herbert Macaulay, he co-founded the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC). After Macaulay’s death, Azikiwe became the party’s principal leader, advocating for independence, education, and unity across ethnic and religious lines.
Political Career and Leadership
Azikiwe served as Premier of the Eastern Region from 1954 to 1959. He later became Nigeria’s first indigenous Governor-General (1960–1963) and subsequently the first President (1963–1966) when Nigeria became a republic.
His leadership emphasised federalism, dialogue, and the avoidance of ethnocentric politics. Azikiwe advocated for a united Nigeria where ethnic and religious diversity could coexist under shared national principles. He championed education and intellectual engagement as tools for empowerment, founding schools, publishing works, and mentoring young leaders.
During the political crises that preceded the Nigerian Civil War (1967–1970), Azikiwe maintained a neutral stance initially but supported peace initiatives. He did not join the Biafran government, instead encouraging reconciliation and rebuilding of national institutions.
Legacy and Enduring Influence
Azikiwe passed away on 11 May 1996 at age 91. His vision of a multicultural, multilingual, and multi-faith Nigeria remains influential. Institutions bearing his name—such as Nnamdi Azikiwe University (Awka) and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (Abuja)—reflect his enduring impact. His writings, including Renascent Africa and Political Blueprint of Nigeria, continue to inform debates on governance, nationalism, and African identity.
Azikiwe is remembered not solely for the offices he held but for the ideals he championed: national unity, education, dignity, and pride in African heritage. His life exemplifies the integration of intellectualism and statesmanship, offering lessons in leadership, moderation, and vision.
Author’s Note
Writing about Nnamdi Azikiwe is an exploration of how ideas, integrity, and intellect shape a nation. Zik’s life demonstrates that leadership is not defined by titles alone but by the principles that endure beyond office. His commitment to unity, education, and African pride offers a model for contemporary Nigeria, emphasizing dialogue over division, and nation-building over partisanship.
References
Coleman, James S. Nigeria: Background to Nationalism. University of California Press, 1958.
Sklar, Richard. Nigerian Political Parties: Power in an Emergent African Nation. Princeton University Press, 1963.
Nwabueze, B.O. Nigerian Government and Politics Under Military Rule 1966–1979. London: Heinemann, 1982.
