Yakubu Gowon

General Yakubu "Jack" Gowon (born 19 October 1934) is a Nigerian politician and general. He was the head of state of Nigeria from 1966 to 1975. He ruled during the deadly Nigerian Civil War. He took power after the 1966 Nigerian counter-coup and was overthrown in the 1975 Nigerian coup d'état.[1]


Yakubu Gowon
Yakubu Gowon (cropped).jpg
Yakubu Gowon
3rd Head of State of Nigeria
In office
1 August 1966 – 29 July 1975
Preceded byJohnson Aguiyi-Ironsi
Succeeded byMurtala Mohammed
Chief of Army Staff
In office
January 1966 – July 1966
Preceded byJohnson Aguiyi-Ironsi
Succeeded byJoseph Akahan
Personal details
Born (1934-10-19) 19 October 1934 (age 89)
Kanke, Northern Region, British Nigeria
(now Kanke, Nigeria)
NationalityNigerian
Spouse(s)Victoria Gowon
Alma materRoyal Military Academy Sandhurst
Staff College, Camberley
Joint Staff College, Latimer
University of Warwick
Military service
Nickname(s)Jack
Allegiance Nigeria
Branch/service Nigeria Army
Years of service1954–1975
RankGeneral
Battles/warsCongo Crisis
Nigerian Civil War

Yakubu Gowon Media

References