Mazi O Ojiaku

The Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and The Land Grant University Tradition in Nigeria Mazi O Ojiaku

This study on the transplantation of institutions explores why and how the Eastern Regional Government of Nigeria in 1955, decided to found a novel type of institution of higher learning that would provide its youth with better education by developing their talent, improving their skills, and enlarging their vision.

That decision resulted ultimately in the establishment in 1960 of the University of Nigeria at Nsukka as the first independent institution of higher learning modeled after the American Land Grant University system, the distinctive features of which not only revolutionalised university education in Nigeria, but greatly impacted the society in general.

The Rt. Hon. Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1906-1996) was one individual whose efforts singularly contributed to the founding of the university: he articulated the need for it; persuaded the Eastern Regional Government to provide the initial funding for its establishment; won for it necessary international assistance; stoutly defended the innovations introduced by the institution, and by effectively protecting them, insured their institutionalization.

Thus, the University of Nigeria at Nsukka can be considered, perhaps, as Dr. Azikiwe's greatest achievement for which, as the Premier of Eastern Nigeria, he will be remembered by generations of his country men and women.