AKA Yakubu Dan-Yumma Gowon

Born: 19-Oct-1934
Birthplace: Pankshin, Nigeria

Gender: Male
Religion: Christian
Race or Ethnicity: Black
Occupation: Head of State

Nationality: Nigeria
Executive summary: Dictator of Nigeria, 1966-75

Military service: Nigerian Army (1954-)

Military ruler of Nigeria for nearly a decade. His proclamation of the de-Federalization of Nigeria in 1967 resulted in the secession of Biafra, and the subsequent civil war which left over a million dead. He was overthrown in 1975 by the Nigerian Army, and spent several years in UK exile. A presidential pardon permitted him to return to Nigeria where he serves as a professor and Senator.

    University: Royal Military Academy Sandhurst
    University: PhD Political Science, University of Warwick (1983)
    Professor: University of Jos

    President of Nigeria 1966 to 29-Jul-1975 (military leader)
    Pardoned 1981 by Shehu Shagari

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