Literacy Levels and Religious Dominance in Nigeria by Region / detailed list of Nigerian heads of state since Independence from the British



 

As of December 17, 2024, Nigeria's population is estimated to be approximately 234.9 million people.

This makes Nigeria the most populous country in Africa and the sixth most populous globally. The nation's population has been growing rapidly over the past decades, with a significant increase in the 1980s following a decline in child mortality rates. As of 2023, the United Nations Population Fund estimated Nigeria's population at around 229.2 million.
This growth is attributed to high birth rates and a youthful demographic, with a median age of 18.6 years as of 2020.
The country's population is projected to continue increasing, with estimates suggesting it could reach 256.86 million by 2029.

Literacy Levels and Religious Dominance in Nigeria by Region

Regional Literacy Rates:

  • South South: 84.1%
  • South West: 83.1%
  • South East: 79.2%
  • North Central: 55.3%
  • North East: 47.8%
  • North West: 44.6%

Source: Forum

Religious Dominance by Region:

  • North West and North East: Predominantly Muslim, with Islam being the dominant religion.
  • North Central: Approximately equal numbers of Christians and Muslims.
  • South West: Christianity is the dominant religion, including Lagos, which also has significant Muslim populations.
  • South East: Predominantly Christian, with a significant majority adhering to Christianity.

Political Leadership Since Independence:

Since Nigeria's independence in 1960, the northern regions, predominantly Muslim, have held a significant number of leadership positions. This includes both military and civilian heads of state, reflecting the political influence of the North.

Military Demographics:

The Nigerian Armed Forces comprise over 230,000 active personnel, making it one of the largest in Africa.

Historically, the military leadership has seen significant representation from the northern regions, aligning with the broader political dominance observed since independence.

Nigeria exhibits significant regional disparities in literacy rates, with the southern regions generally outperforming the northern regions. Religious affiliations align closely with these regional distinctions, influencing both cultural and political landscapes. The northern regions' political and military dominance since independence has played a crucial role in shaping Nigeria's governance and policies.




Here’s a detailed list of Nigerian heads of state, including their ages, religions, occupations, corruption estimates, and legacy based on available information:

  1. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1960–1966)

    • Age at Start of Tenure: 48 years
    • Religion: Islam
    • Occupation: Teacher, Politician
    • Corruption Estimate: Specific figures for this period are scarce.
    • Legacy: As Nigeria's first prime minister, Balewa played a crucial role in the nation's independence. However, his government faced political instability and regional tensions, contributing to the military coup that ousted him in 1966.
  2. Nnamdi Azikiwe (1963–1966)

    • Age at Start of Tenure: 59 years
    • Religion: Christianity
    • Occupation: Journalist, Politician
    • Corruption Estimate: Specific figures for this period are scarce.
    • Legacy: As the ceremonial president, Azikiwe is regarded as one of the founding fathers of Nigeria. His tenure was marked by a delicate balancing act between ethnic and regional tensions, ultimately leading to military intervention.
  3. Major General Johnson Aguiyi-Ironsi (1966)

    • Age at Start of Tenure: 42 years
    • Religion: Christianity
    • Occupation: Military Officer
    • Corruption Estimate: Specific figures for this period are scarce.
    • Legacy: Aguiyi-Ironsi's regime was short-lived, lasting only 6 months before he was overthrown in a coup. His government focused on unification but was unpopular among many groups, contributing to his downfall.
  4. General Yakubu Gowon (1966–1975)

    • Age at Start of Tenure: 31 years
    • Religion: Christianity
    • Occupation: Military Officer
    • Corruption Estimate: Specific figures for this period are scarce.
    • Legacy: Gowon is remembered for leading Nigeria through the Civil War (1967–1970), maintaining the country's unity. However, his government was accused of economic mismanagement, and he was overthrown in a coup.
  5. General Murtala Mohammed (1975–1976)

    • Age at Start of Tenure: 37 years
    • Religion: Islam
    • Occupation: Military Officer
    • Corruption Estimate: Specific figures for this period are scarce.
    • Legacy: Murtala Mohammed was seen as a reformist, implementing a number of progressive policies. His assassination in 1976 curtailed his efforts, but he remains a popular figure for his attempts to end corruption and improve governance.
  6. General Olusegun Obasanjo (1976–1979; 1999–2007)

    • Age at Start of First Tenure: 39 years
    • Religion: Christianity
    • Occupation: Military Officer, later Politician
    • Corruption Estimate: During his second tenure (1999–2007), Nigeria witnessed significant corruption, though exact figures are not readily available.
    • Legacy: Obasanjo is praised for transitioning Nigeria from military rule to civilian governance in 1999. His second term, however, was marked by allegations of corruption and political manipulation, despite reforms aimed at stabilizing the economy.
  7. Shehu Shagari (1979–1983)

    • Age at Start of Tenure: 54 years
    • Religion: Islam
    • Occupation: Teacher, Politician
    • Corruption Estimate: His administration faced allegations of corruption, but specific amounts are undocumented.
    • Legacy: Shagari's administration was marked by economic difficulties, corruption, and political instability, leading to his overthrow in a military coup in 1983.
  8. Major General Muhammadu Buhari (1983–1985; 2015–2023)

    • Age at Start of First Tenure: 41 years
    • Religion: Islam
    • Occupation: Military Officer, later Politician
    • Corruption Estimate: His first regime (1983–1985) was marked by anti-corruption rhetoric, but challenges persisted. His second tenure (2015–2023) also faced significant corruption scandals, though his government prioritized fighting graft.
    • Legacy: Buhari's first tenure was marked by his strong stance against corruption, but his military dictatorship was unpopular. As a civilian president, he focused on anti-corruption and security issues, though his legacy is marred by economic challenges and accusations of human rights abuses.
  9. General Ibrahim Babangida (1985–1993)

    • Age at Start of Tenure: 44 years
    • Religion: Islam
    • Occupation: Military Officer
    • Corruption Estimate: His tenure is often cited in discussions of large-scale corruption, though exact figures are debated.
    • Legacy: Babangida is notorious for his annulment of the 1993 presidential election, a decision that caused national unrest. His tenure was marked by significant corruption, economic challenges, and human rights abuses.
  10. Chief Ernest Shonekan (1993)

  • Age at Start of Tenure: 57 years
  • Religion: Christianity
  • Occupation: Business Executive
  • Corruption Estimate: His brief tenure did not have significant corruption allegations.
  • Legacy: Shonekan served as the interim president after Babangida's resignation but was overthrown in a coup. His time in office is often seen as a period of political instability.
  1. General Sani Abacha (1993–1998)
  • Age at Start of Tenure: 50 years
  • Religion: Islam
  • Occupation: Military Officer
  • Corruption Estimate: Estimated to have embezzled between $1 billion and $5 billion.
  • Legacy: Abacha's regime was one of the most corrupt in Nigeria's history, marked by human rights abuses, censorship, and widespread embezzlement. However, his death led to a transition to civilian rule.
  1. General Abdulsalami Abubakar (1998–1999)
  • Age at Start of Tenure: 56 years
  • Religion: Islam
  • Occupation: Military Officer
  • Corruption Estimate: His short tenure had fewer reported corruption cases.
  • Legacy: Abubakar oversaw the transition from military rule to civilian government in 1999, facilitating the return to democratic governance in Nigeria.
  1. Umaru Musa Yar'Adua (2007–2010)
  • Age at Start of Tenure: 56 years
  • Religion: Islam
  • Occupation: Teacher, Politician
  • Corruption Estimate: His administration was perceived as less corrupt, but specific figures are unavailable.
  • Legacy: Yar'Adua is remembered for his efforts toward national reconciliation and addressing Nigeria’s electoral system, though his presidency was cut short by his death in office.
  1. Goodluck Jonathan (2010–2015)
  • Age at Start of Tenure: 52 years
  • Religion: Christianity
  • Occupation: Zoologist, Politician
  • Corruption Estimate: Faced significant corruption scandals, though exact amounts are not documented.
  • Legacy: Jonathan’s administration was marred by corruption scandals, particularly in the oil sector. Despite this, he is remembered for his peaceful concession of power in 2015, setting a precedent for democratic transition in Nigeria.
  1. Bola Tinubu (2023–Present)

  • Age at Start of Tenure: 71 years
  • Religion: Islam
  • Occupation: Politician, Former Governor of Lagos State
  • Corruption Estimate: Tinubu has faced allegations of corruption, especially related to his tenure as the Governor of Lagos State. These include accusations of financial mismanagement and improper use of public funds, though no convictions have been made. His wealth and business connections have been sources of controversy.
  • Legacy (so far): Tinubu's presidency is still in its early years, but he has been a significant figure in Nigerian politics, particularly in the southwestern region.




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