Nigeria’s Military Heads Of State And Civilian Presidents

1. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa was born in 1912 in Northern Nigeria. Ist Prime Minister in Nigeria. Balewa was educated as a teacher. He entered politics in 1949. He was killed in the January 16, 1966 military coup.
2. Chief (Dr.) Nnamdi Azikiwe: Governor General (Ceremonial President) October 1, 1960 to October 1, 1963. He is from Anambra State, born in 1904 at Zungeru, Niger State. He studied Political Science. Died on May 11, 1996.
3. General Johnson Thomas Umunnakwe Aguiyi Ironsi: Born March 3, 1924 in Ibeku Umuahia, Abia State. Ruled January 15th, 1966 to July 29, 1966. He was assassinated on July 29, 1966.
4. General Yakubu “Jack” Dan-Yumma Gowon Ph.D Born 19th October 1934. Yakubu is an Nyasi (Angas) from Lur, a small village in the present Kanke Local Government Area of Plateau State. Ruled July 22, 1967-July 29, 1925. He earned Doctorate degree in Political Science from Warwick University, United Kingdom.
5. General Murtala Ramat Mohammed: Born on November 8, 1938. Ruled July 29, 1975 – February 13, 1976. He was assassinated on February 13, 1976.
6. General Olusegun Mathew Okikola Aremu Obasanjo: Born March 5, 1937 in Abeokuta, Ogun State of Nigeria. Ruled from February 14, 1976 to October 1, 1979.
7. President Shehu Usman Ahiju Shagari: from Sokoto State, Ruled October 1, 1979 to December 31, 1983.
8. General Muhammadu Buhari: Born on November 17, 1942 in Daura, Katsina State. Ruled December 31, 1983-August 21, 1985.
9. General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Ruled August 27, 1985 to August 27, 1993.
10. Chief Ernest Shonekan: Served as interim President from August 27, 1993 – November 17th 1993.
11. General Sani Abacha: Born September 20, 1943, in Kano, Kano State. A Kanuri from Borno State. Born and brought up in Kano State. Ruled November 17, 1993 to June 8, 1998. Died June 8, 1998.
12. General Abdusalam Abubakar: Ruled June 9, 1998 to May 29, 1999.
13. President Olusegun Mathew Aremu Obasanjo: Ruled as civilian president from May 29, 1999 to May 28 2007.
14. President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua. Born August 16, 1951. He served as Governor of Katsina State in Northern Nigeria from May 29, 1999 to May 28 2007. Ruled as President from May 29, 2007 to May 5, 2010. He died on May 5, 2010.
15. President Goodluck Ebele Azikiwe Jonathan Born November 20, 1957. He has served as Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, Governor Bayelsa State, Vice President. Acting President to Federal Republic of Nigeria, President from May 6, 2010 to May 28, 2015.
16. President Muhammadu Buhari: He was sworn in as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on May 29, 2015.