Alvan Azinna Ikoku was a prominent Nigerian educationist, politician, activist, and statesman whose legacy is immortalized on the Nigerian ten naira note. Despite his significant contributions, many may not realise that he lived from 1900 to 1971. Ikoku is celebrated as one of Nigeria’s foremost nationalists and statesmen.
Early Life:
Born on August 1, 1900, in Amanagwu Arochukwu, now part of Abia State, Ikoku came from a wealthy merchant family. His father, Mazi Ikoku Adim, was a close associate of Chief Coco Otu Bassey, a notable trader and politician. Ikoku’s mother was an Efik woman from Calabar. He was the sole child from this union.
Education:
Ikoku attended Arochukwu Government Primary School from 1911 to 1914 and Hope Waddell College, Calabar, from 1915 to 1920, where he was influenced by James Emmanuel Aggrey. After starting his teaching career with the Presbyterian Church of Nigeria and Church of Scotland in 1920, he joined St. Paul’s Teachers’ Training College, Awka, as a senior teacher in 1922. In 1928, while teaching, he earned a degree in Philosophy from the University of London through its external program, making him one of Nigeria’s earliest intellectuals to study part-time. He was renowned for his eloquent English and advanced education even before notable figures like Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe and Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
Pioneering Education Advocate:
In 1932, Ikoku resigned from teaching to establish Aggrey Memorial College in Arochukwu, named in honor of his mentor, James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey. This college is recognized as the oldest private secondary school in Africa. Ikoku introduced practical subjects such as carpentry, which allowed students to create their own furniture and learning materials.
Political Career:
Ikoku’s political journey began in 1946 with his nomination to the Eastern Nigeria House of Assembly, focusing on the Ministry of Education. He joined the Legislative Council in Lagos in 1947, representing the Eastern Region until 1951. In 1952, he became the leader of the United National Party, later known as the United National Independence Party. Ikoku was a fierce critic of the NCNC and advocated for a national government. His confrontations with Nnamdi Azikiwe, including legal disputes, were well-documented. Ikoku supported the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and was instrumental in advancing educational reforms. His recommendations for uniform education were adopted post-independence in 1960, and his push for free primary education nationwide was implemented in 1976.
Private Life:
Ikoku’s wife, Grace Ikoku, was an accomplished organist in the Protestant Choir at Aggrey Memorial College. Their children include Samuel Goomsu Ikoku, a noted economist and political activist; Chimere Eyo-Ita Ikoku, a distinguished chemist and university vice-chancellor; and other children who made significant contributions in various fields. Samuel Goomsu Ikoku had a notable political and academic career, while Chimere’s tragic murder in 2002 highlighted the dangers faced by scholars.
Death:
Alvan Ikoku passed away on November 18, 1971, at Aba General Hospital, aged 71.
Recognitions and Accolades:
Ikoku’s contributions to Nigerian education are widely recognized. He served on various educational bodies, including the West African Educational Council and the University of Ibadan’s council. In 1965, he received an honorary doctorate degree in law from the University of Ibadan. Several institutions and locations honor his legacy, including the Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education in Owerri, Alvan Ikoku Crescent at the University of Lagos, and Alvan Ikoku Way in Abuja. His face adorns the ten naira note, and he was a recipient of the Order of the British Empire (OBE).
Sources: NGU Library Collection, Wikipedia, Iyaniwura
