Yakubu Gowon: Profile of former Head of State

Yakubu Dan-Yumma “Jack” Gowon, GCFR, born on 19 October 1934, is a distinguished Nigerian army general and military leader known for his significant role during a tumultuous period in Nigerian history. His leadership during the Nigerian Civil War and subsequent efforts at reconciliation have left an enduring mark on the nation.

Early Life and Education

Yakubu Gowon, hailing from the minority Ngas family in Northern Nigeria, was born in Lur, a small village in present-day Plateau State. He was the fifth of eleven children of Nde Yohanna and Matwok Kurnyang. Gowon’s early education and athletic talents were nurtured in Zaria, where he excelled in various sports and academics. He attended the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst in the UK, furthering his military education.

Military Career and Rise to Power

Gowon commenced his military journey by joining the Nigerian Army in 1954. He steadily climbed the ranks and played pivotal roles in UN Peacekeeping missions in the Congo. His career saw rapid advancement, and in January 1966, following a military coup, he became Nigeria’s youngest military Chief of Staff at the age of 31.

The events surrounding the coup propelled him into a leadership role, eventually leading to his ascendancy as the Head of State on August 1, 1966. Gowon played a critical role in maintaining Nigeria’s unity during the Nigerian Civil War, famously declaring a “no victor, no vanquished” policy at the war’s end.

Nigerian Civil War and Leadership

The Nigerian Civil War began in response to the secession of the Eastern Region, which became the Republic of Biafra. Gowon’s administration focused on weakening the support base of the secessionist movement, ultimately leading to a thirty-month-long war. The war ended in January 1970 with Gowon’s declaration of reconciliation, reconstruction, and rehabilitation.

Post-Leadership and Exile

Following his overthrow in a coup in 1975, Gowon sought exile in the United Kingdom. During his time in the UK, he pursued higher education, earning a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Warwick. He remained actively involved in various organizations and became a professor of political science at the University of Jos.

Gowon’s commitment to Nigeria’s development continued through his founding of the Yakubu Gowon Centre, focusing on governance and healthcare issues, including infectious disease control. Despite facing allegations and political challenges, Gowon’s dedication to Nigeria’s well-being and unity remains an essential aspect of his legacy.

Personal Life

Yakubu Gowon is a devout Anglican Christian. Over the years, he has been a committed public servant and an influential figure in Nigeria’s history, leaving a lasting impact through his leadership, reconciliatory efforts, and dedication to the country’s development.