# Nnamdi Azikiwe

> first President of Nigeria (1904-1996)

**Wikidata**: [Q181782](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q181782)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nnamdi_Azikiwe)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/nnamdi-azikiwe

## Summary
Nnamdi Azikiwe (1904–1996) was a Nigerian writer, politician, and the first President of Nigeria. A foundational figure in the country's independence movement, he helped establish the Federal Republic of Nigeria and later founded the University of Nigeria in 1955. He is widely recognized by his nickname "Zik" and is considered one of the most prominent statesmen in West African history.

## Biography
- **Born:** November 16, 1904
- **Died:** May 11, 1996 
- **Nationality:** Nigerian
- **Education:** Howard University, Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, Lincoln University
- **Known for:** Serving as the first President of Nigeria; founding the University of Nigeria
- **Employer(s)/Affiliations:** University of Nigeria
- **Field(s):** Politics, Writing
- **Other Names:** Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe, Zik, Ben Azikiwe, Nnamdi Benjamin Azikiwe
- **Awards/Recognition:** Order of the Nigeria, Order of the Federal Republic

## Contributions
- **Founding the University of Nigeria:** In 1955, Nnamdi Azikiwe founded the University of Nigeria, a federal university located in Nsukka, Enugu State. The institution officially opened in 1960 with the motto "To restore the dignity of man." It offers instruction in both English and Igbo, hosts a student population of approximately 23,815, and maintains memberships in the Association of African Universities (AAU) and the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA). 
- **Political Leadership:** As the first President of Nigeria, Azikiwe guided the nation following its transition to a federal republic on October 1, 1963. He played a critical role in the governance of the sovereign state, influencing the structure of its presidential system, the National Assembly, and its broader presence in international diplomacy.

## FAQs
**What educational institutions did Nnamdi Azikiwe attend?**
Nnamdi Azikiwe studied at four universities in the United States: Howard University, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Lincoln University.

**What is Nnamdi Azikiwe's connection to the University of Nigeria?**
He was the founder of the University of Nigeria, establishing the institution in 1955 with its main campus in Nsukka, Enugu State. The university officially opened in 1960 and remains a major center for higher education.

**What places or institutions are named after Nnamdi Azikiwe?**
Several prominent places bear his name, including Nnamdi Azikiwe University (established in 1991 in Awka, Anambra State), Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport (serving the capital city of Abuja), and Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium. 

**What national honors did Nnamdi Azikiwe receive?**
During his life, he received two major Nigerian orders of merit: the Order of the Nigeria and the Order of the Federal Republic.

## Why They Matter
Nnamdi Azikiwe's leadership was instrumental in shaping the modern political and educational landscape of Nigeria. As the first president of Africa's most populous nation—which boasts a population exceeding 211 million people—he guided the country through its early years as a sovereign republic and a major player in international organizations like the United Nations and OPEC. Beyond his presidency, his decision to found the University of Nigeria created a lasting academic legacy. The institution continues to foster research, innovation, and academic excellence, shaping generations of professionals in fields like biomedicine, engineering, and development studies. Critical national infrastructure, from international airports to federal universities, continues to bear his name, reflecting his permanent imprint on the nation's identity.

## Notable For
* Serving as the first President of Nigeria (1963–1963).
* Founding the University of Nigeria in Nsukka, Enugu State, in 1955.
* Being a central figure in Nigerian politics and writing.
* Receiving the Order of the Nigeria and the Order of the Federal Republic.
* Being the namesake of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK), Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, and Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium.
* Popularly known by the nickname "Zik".

## Body

### Early Life and Education
Benjamin Nnamdi Azikiwe was born on November 16, 1904. He pursued higher education in the United States, affiliating with Howard University, Columbia University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Lincoln University. 

### Political Career and Presidency
Azikiwe was a central figure in Nigerian politics as the country transitioned from a colonial territory to an independent sovereign state. He served as the first President of Nigeria, taking office when the nation officially became a federal republic on October 1, 1963. The republic operates under a presidential system with a bicameral National Assembly, with the highest judicial authority vested in the Supreme Court of Nigeria. During his tenure, the country's capital was Lagos (later moved to Abuja in 1991). 

### Educational Contributions
Driven by a motto "To restore the dignity of man," Azikiwe founded the University of Nigeria in 1955. The university is located in Nsukka, Enugu State, with its headquarters in Enugu. Operating with official colors of green and white and the nickname "Lion and lionesses," the institution provides instruction in English and Igbo. It encompasses faculties such as Biomedical Sciences, Sociology and Anthropology, and houses the University of Nigeria Institute for Development Studies.

The university maintains a robust digital presence, including an official website (unn.edu.ng), and social media profiles on Twitter and Instagram. It is associated with notable scholars like Mads Tofte and entrepreneurs like Dickson Cliff Okechukwu. 

### Legacy and Namesakes
Azikiwe passed away on May 11, 1996, but his legacy is cemented through various institutions named in his honor:
* **Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK):** Established in 1991, this public university is located in Awka, Anambra State. Accredited by the Nigerian Universities Commission, it operates under the motto "Discipline, Self Reliance and Excellence." The university comprises multiple faculties, including Agriculture, Arts, Education, Engineering, Health Sciences and Medicine, Law, Management Sciences, and Social Sciences. It uses blue and orange as its official colors. 
* **Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport:** The primary international airport serving Abuja, Nigeria.
* **Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium:** A major sports venue in Nigeria.

### Global Identifiers
Azikiwe is cataloged in numerous international databases and libraries. His notable identifiers include VIAF ID 27891207, Library of Congress Control Number n50029827, ISNI 0000000082108154, Encyclopædia Britannica ID biography/Nnamdi-Azikiwe, and Freebase ID /m/01phhr.

## References

1. [Source](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q181782)
2. [Encyclopædia Britannica Online](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Nnamdi-Azikiwe)
3. Dictionary of African Biography
4. SNAC
5. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
6. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
7. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
8. Proleksis Encyclopedia
9. Croatian Encyclopedia
10. Munzinger Personen
11. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
12. International Standard Name Identifier
13. Virtual International Authority File
14. Goodreads
15. Quora