The face on Nigeria’s ₦10 note belongs to Alvan Ikoku, a renowned educationist and nationalist widely regarded as one of the early advocates of universal basic education in Nigeria.
Historical accounts credit Ikoku with championing what he described in 1962 as an “Education Bill of Rights,” calling for free primary school education across the country for at least six years. His proposal reflected his long-standing belief that access to basic education was a fundamental right and a foundation for national development.
According to historical records, the idea gained national traction years later when the Federal Military Government introduced the Universal Primary Education (UPE) programme in 1976, making primary education free in public schools nationwide. The policy marked a significant milestone in Nigeria’s educational development and echoed Ikoku’s earlier advocacy.
Born in 1900, Ikoku was not only an education reformer but also a political figure who played an active role in Nigeria’s pre- and post-independence years. In recognition of his contributions to national growth and educational advancement, his portrait was featured on the ₦10 banknote.
Today, his legacy endures in Nigeria’s continued commitment to providing free public primary education, a vision he passionately advanced decades ago.
Credit:Ethnic African Stories
