Professor Kenneth Onwuka Dike (1917-1983) was Nigeria's first professor of history and pioneer of African historiography. His doctoral thesis "Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta" challenged Eurocentric views of African history by demonstrating sophisticated pre-colonial political and economic systems. Dike became the first African Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (1960) at age 42. He founded the Nigerian National Archives and promoted African oral traditions as valid historical sources. Dike trained a generation of African historians who transformed how African history is taught globally. He received numerous honors including Fellow of the British Academy. His work laid the foundation for African self-representation in historical scholarship.


FATHER OF AFRICAN HISTORIOGRAPHY:
Professor Kenneth Onwuka Dike challenged colonial narratives by foregrounding African agency in Trade and Politics in the Niger Delta (1956). He documented pre-colonial trade networks, diplomacy, and resistance with meticulous archival research.

EDUCATIONAL LEADER:
Dike became the first indigenous Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan (1960), expanding faculties, research institutes, and student support services. He founded the Nigerian National Archives, preserving primary sources across Ibadan, Kaduna, and Enugu.

INTERNATIONAL SCHOLARSHIP:
He served as president of the Historical Society of Nigeria and held visiting professorships at Harvard and University of Nigeria Nsukka. His mentorship produced leading historians like Obaro Ikime and Saburi Biobaku.

LEGACY INSTITUTIONS:
The Kenneth Dike Library at UI and annual Dike lectures honour his scholarship. He advocated for bilingual education, field research, and the inclusion of oral traditions in historiography.

FAST FACTS:
- Born 17 December 1917 in Awka, Anambra State; died 26 October 1983 in Harvard, Massachusetts.
- Education: University of Ibadan, University of London (PhD).
- Awards: Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON), Fellow of the British Academy.
- Motto: “Africa must tell its own story with evidence and pride.”