As King’s College, Lagos, concludes its 117th King’s Week, attention has once again turned to the history and legacy of one of Nigeria’s oldest secondary schools.
Established in 1909, King’s College has produced generations of alumni who have gone on to prominent careers in politics, law, business, diplomacy, academia, medicine, engineering, journalism, music and the arts.
Its alumni roll includes former national leaders, senior judges, diplomats, economists, business executives, traditional rulers, scholars and cultural figures. Several of these names have played significant roles in Nigeria’s political, economic, social and cultural development.
As the 117th King’s Week draws to a close, here are 30 notable King’s College alumni and what they are known for.
1. Sir Adetokunbo Ademola
Sir Adetokunbo Ademola was a distinguished Nigerian jurist who served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1960 to 1972. He was one of the most prominent figures in Nigeria’s early judicial history.
2. Alex Ekwueme
Alex Ekwueme was an architect and politician who served as Nigeria’s first elected Vice-President from 1979 to 1983. He was also involved in national political and constitutional affairs.
3. Lateef Olufemi Okunnu
Nigerian lawyer, administrator and former Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice. He is also a prominent King’s College alumnus and has served as president of the King’s College Old Boys Association.
4. Sanusi Lamido Sanusi
Muhammadu Sanusi II, formerly known as Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, is an economist, banker and traditional ruler. He served as Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria and later became Emir of Kano. He attended King’s College and graduated in 1977. (Wikipedia)
5. Ibrahim Gambari
Professor Ibrahim Gambari is a diplomat and scholar who has held senior positions in Nigeria and internationally. He served as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and held several senior positions with the United Nations.
6. Adebayo Ogunlesi
Adebayo Ogunlesi is a Nigerian lawyer, economist and investment banker. He is known internationally for his work in infrastructure investment and global finance and is Chairman and Managing Partner of Global Infrastructure Partners. (Wikipedia)
7. Atedo Peterside
Atedo Peterside is a Nigerian banker, entrepreneur and economist. He founded Stanbic IBTC and has remained active in business, economic affairs and public policy.
8. Bukola Saraki
Bukola Saraki is a medical doctor and politician who served as Governor of Kwara State and later as President of the Nigerian Senate. He attended King’s College from 1973 to 1978. (Nigeria Governors’ Forum)
9. Lateef Jakande
Lateef Jakande was a journalist and politician who served as Governor of Lagos State from 1979 to 1983. He later served as Federal Minister of Works and Housing.
10. Anthony Enahoro
Chief Anthony Enahoro was a journalist, politician and prominent advocate of Nigerian self-government. He played an important role in Nigeria’s nationalist movement.
11. Simeon Adebo
Chief Simeon Adebo was a lawyer, administrator and diplomat who held several senior positions in Nigeria’s public service and represented the country in international affairs.
12. Claude Ake
Professor Claude Ake was a renowned political scientist and scholar of political economy. His work focused on politics, development and the African political experience.
13. Lateef Adegbite
Lateef Adegbite was a lawyer and prominent Muslim leader who served as Secretary-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs. He was also involved in interfaith and national affairs.
14. Akanu Ibiam
Dr Akanu Ibiam was a medical doctor, politician and former Governor of the Eastern Region of Nigeria. He also contributed to public service, education and medical development.
15. Adetokunbo Lucas
Professor Adetokunbo Lucas was a Nigerian physician and internationally recognised expert in tropical medicine. He made significant contributions to medical research and global health.
16. Samuel Manuwa
Samuel Manuwa was a surgeon and senior administrator who played an important role in the development of Nigeria’s early medical services.
17. Fela Sowande
Fela Sowande was a Nigerian composer and musicologist who became one of the country’s most internationally recognised figures in Western classical music. He is regarded as an important pioneer of modern Nigerian art music. (Wikipedia)
18. Sam Akpabot
Sam Akpabot was a Nigerian composer and musicologist whose work explored African musical traditions and their relationship with Western musical forms.
19. Wale Adenuga
Wale Adenuga is a Nigerian publisher, filmmaker and entertainment entrepreneur associated with Wale Adenuga Productions and several popular Nigerian publishing and television projects.
20. Kole Omotosho
Kole Omotosho was a Nigerian writer, academic and intellectual whose work examined Nigerian society, politics and culture.
21. Hakeem Bello-Osagie
Hakeem Bello-Osagie is a Nigerian lawyer and businessman who has worked across telecommunications, banking and investment. He was also associated with Etisalat Nigeria.
22. Arnold Ekpe
Arnold Ekpe is a Nigerian banker who served as Group Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Ecobank Transnational Incorporated.
23. Oladipo Jadesimi
Oladipo Jadesimi is a Nigerian businessman and entrepreneur known particularly for founding and developing the Lagos Deep Offshore Logistics Base, LADOL.
24. Udoma Udo Udoma
Udoma Udo Udoma is a lawyer, businessman and former senator who later served as Minister of Budget and National Planning.
25. Shamsudeen Usman
Shamsudeen Usman is an economist and former Nigerian minister who served as Minister of National Planning and later Minister of Finance.
26. Audu Ogbeh
Audu Ogbeh is a Nigerian politician who served as National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party and later as Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development.
27. Babagana Monguno
Babagana Monguno is a retired Nigerian military officer who served as National Security Adviser and held several senior positions in Nigeria’s security establishment.
28. Adeyinka Oyekan
Adeyinka Oyekan was the Oba of Lagos from 1965 until 2003. He was one of the longest-serving traditional rulers in Lagos.
29. Cobhams Asuquo
Cobhams Asuquo is a Nigerian music producer, songwriter, composer and musician. He has produced and written music for several leading Nigerian and African artistes.
30. Olumide Akpata
Olumide Akpata is a Nigerian lawyer and former President of the Nigerian Bar Association. He has had a long career in commercial law and professional legal leadership.
The list of notable King’s College alumni extends beyond these 30 names, but the careers of these former students illustrate the breadth of the institution’s influence over more than a century. From the judiciary and public service to banking, diplomacy, medicine, academia, business, music and the arts, King’s College alumni have occupied important positions and contributed to different aspects of Nigerian and international life.
As the 117th King’s Week comes to an end, the celebration therefore represents more than 117 years of institutional history. It also provides an opportunity to reflect on the generations of students who have passed through the school and the legacy they have built in different fields.
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