Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe

Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe's contribution to the University of Nigeria was the creation and advancement of a university project intended to give Nigeria an autonomous institution of higher learning at a critical point in the country's transition from colonial rule to independence. As Premier of the Eastern Region, he was a principal force behind the university initiative, while the legislation establishing a university in the region was passed in 1955. The subsequent founding process brought together Nigerian, British and American representatives on the provisional council, reflecting the institution's intended international academic orientation.
Azikiwe's role went beyond lending his name to the institution. He chaired the provisional council, publicly argued for the university's establishment and helped shape an institution designed to be autonomous from the outset.