Shehu Shagari

Early Life and Background

Shehu Usman Aliyu Shagari was born on February 25, 1925, in Shagari, a small village located in the present-day Shagari Local Government Area of Sokoto State, Nigeria. He hailed from a Fulani Muslim family, which was deeply rooted in the traditions and Islamic scholarship of the Sokoto Caliphate. His father, Aliyu Shagari, was a farmer and a religious leader, while his mother, Mariam, was known for her piety. Growing up in a rural setting, Shagari's early life was characterized by a strong emphasis on community values, religious education, and agricultural practices. He began his traditional Islamic education at a very young age, learning to recite the Quran and study various Islamic texts under the tutelage of local imams and scholars in his hometown. This early exposure to religious instruction laid a strong foundation for his moral and ethical framework throughout his life.

Education

Shehu Shagari's formal education commenced at Yabo Elementary School from 1931 to 1935, where he received his primary education. Following this, he proceeded to the Sokoto Middle School, attending from 1936 to 1941. His academic aptitude earned him admission to the prestigious Kaduna College, which later became Barewa College, Zaria, from 1941 to 1944. Barewa College was a prominent institution in Northern Nigeria, known for educating many of the region's future leaders. At Barewa, he trained as a science teacher. After completing his studies at Barewa College, Shagari pursued further teacher training at the Teachers Training College, Zaria, from 1944 to 1945. This equipped him with the necessary pedagogical skills to embark on a career in education, which he did for several years before fully transitioning into politics.

Career

Shagari began his professional career as a science teacher at the Sokoto Middle School, where he taught from 1945 to 1950. He then moved to Argungu Middle School, serving as a visiting teacher from 1951 to 1952, and subsequently became the headmaster of Bodinga Primary School in 1953. His entry into active politics began in 1954 when he was elected to the federal House of Representatives for the Sokoto West constituency, representing the Northern People's Congress (NPC). This marked the start of a distinguished political career that spanned several decades. From 1958 to 1959, he served as the Parliamentary Secretary to the then Prime Minister of Nigeria, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa. Following Nigeria's independence in 1960, he held a series of significant ministerial portfolios under the First Republic government: Federal Minister for Economic Development (1960-1962), Federal Minister for Internal Affairs (1962-1965), and Federal Minister for Works and Survey (1965-1966). His political career was interrupted by the military coup of January 1966, which brought an end to the First Republic. During the subsequent military regime, Shagari continued to serve in various capacities, demonstrating his commitment to public service. He was appointed Commissioner for Economic Development, Rehabilitation and Reconstruction in Sokoto State from 1968 to 1969. Later, under General Yakubu Gowon's military government, he served as the Federal Commissioner for Finance from 1971 to 1975, a crucial role that involved managing Nigeria's burgeoning oil wealth. After the overthrow of Gowon in 1975, Shagari withdrew from direct government service and became the Chairman of the Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN) Board from 1976 to 1979. As Nigeria prepared for a return to democratic rule, Shagari emerged as a leading figure in the National Party of Nigeria (NPN). He was instrumental in the party's formation and was eventually chosen as its presidential candidate for the 1979 general election. Shagari campaigned on a platform of national unity, economic development, and social justice. He won the keenly contested election, becoming Nigeria's first Executive President on October 1, 1979, ushering in the Second Republic. His administration focused on a 'Green Revolution' to boost agricultural production, extensive housing projects, and industrial development. He was re-elected for a second term in 1983, but his government was overthrown by a military coup led by Major General Muhammadu Buhari on December 31, 1983, citing widespread corruption and economic mismanagement. Following the coup, Shagari was detained for several months before being released without charges. He subsequently retired from active politics, dedicating his later years to community service and serving as an elder statesman, offering counsel on national issues.

Major Achievements

Shehu Shagari's presidency was marked by several notable achievements despite its abrupt end. He is primarily remembered as the first democratically elected Executive President of Nigeria, a significant milestone in the nation's political history after thirteen years of military rule. His administration launched the 'Green Revolution' program, aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in food production and boosting agricultural output across the country. This initiative involved providing incentives to farmers, distributing improved seeds and fertilizers, and establishing agricultural research institutions. Another key achievement was the extensive housing program, which saw the construction of numerous low-cost housing units across the country, famously known as 'Shagari Low-Cost Houses,' aimed at addressing the housing deficit, particularly for lower-income earners. His government also invested heavily in education, leading to the establishment of several new federal universities and polytechnics, significantly expanding access to higher education. In the industrial sector, his administration continued the development of steel rolling mills and other industrial infrastructure projects, crucial for Nigeria's long-term industrialization goals. Furthermore, Shagari championed regional cooperation and played a significant role in the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), promoting economic integration and stability in the sub-region. His calm demeanor and commitment to democratic principles, even in the face of political adversity, earned him respect.

Personal Life

Shehu Shagari was a devout Muslim and a family man. He practiced polygamy, a common cultural and religious practice in his region and among his people. He was married to multiple wives, including Aisha Shagari, Amina Shagari, Hadiza Shagari, and Ige Shagari. Together, they had a large family with many children, embodying the traditional extended family structure prevalent in Northern Nigeria. Shagari maintained a private family life, largely shielding his children from the intense public scrutiny that often accompanies political leadership. Throughout his life, he was known for his humility, simplicity, and religious devotion. Even after his presidency and subsequent detention, he maintained a dignified and reserved posture, focusing on his faith and family. He was an avid reader and often engaged in farming activities at his home in Shagari village, reflecting his early life roots. His personal integrity, despite the controversies surrounding his government, was often acknowledged by both allies and critics.

Legacy

Shehu Shagari's legacy is complex and multifaceted. As the first Executive President of Nigeria, he laid the foundational structures for a presidential democracy after a long period of military rule, navigating the challenges of a nascent democratic system with a diverse and often fractious political landscape. His commitment to agricultural development through the Green Revolution and his efforts to provide affordable housing remain significant policy efforts. The expansion of educational institutions during his tenure also left a lasting impact on human capital development in Nigeria. However, his administration is also remembered for the economic challenges it faced, particularly the decline in oil prices, which led to austerity measures and a growing national debt. Allegations of widespread corruption within his government and the controversial 1983 re-election, which was widely disputed, cast a shadow over his presidency and ultimately contributed to its overthrow by the military. Despite these criticisms, Shagari's post-presidency life as an elder statesman, offering quiet counsel and advocating for national unity, helped to restore much of his public image. He became a symbol of national reconciliation and a respected voice for peace and stability. His death on December 28, 2018, at the age of 93, marked the end of an era, and he is remembered as a pivotal figure in Nigeria's democratic journey, a man who, despite the turbulence of his time, strove to lead his nation with a sense of duty and faith.