Front: Murtala Ramat Muhammed (1938-1976), an army general, Head of State 1975-1976

Muhammed enlisted in the Nigerian Army after high school. He was trained at Sandhurst Royal Academy, the Catterick School of Signals, and the Joint Services' Staff College, all in England.

General Mohammed served in the Nigerian contingent to the United Nations' Peace Keeping Force to Congo. During the Nigerian civil war, he commanded the Second Infantry Division. After the civil war, General Mohammed returned as head of the Signals Corp. Later he served as a Commissioner in the military government. On 29th July 1975, he was named Head of State and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces following a military coup. He was assassinated on the 13th of February 1976 in an abortive coup.

Back: Portrait of Ladi Kwali, a famous potter

Front: Abubakar Tafawa Balewa (1912-1966), Prime Minister of Nigeria 1960-1966

Balewa was trained as a teacher. He received his college education in England. Balewa entered the government in 1952 as Minister of Works, and later served as Minister of Transport. He was elected Chief Minister in 1957. Balewa became Prime Minister, when Nigeria gained independence in 1960, and was reelected in 1964. He was overthrown and killed in a military coup in 1966.

Back: Dancers

Front: Alvan Ikoku (1900-1971), educator and politician

Ikoku, born into a wealthy merchant family, was trained as a teacher. In 1931, he established his own college called the Aggrey Memorial College, named after an eminent Ghanaian educator, Dr. Aggrey.

Ikoku was active in the Nigerian Union of Teachers, and became its National President in 1955. He also participated in politics, serving both in the Eastern Nigeria House of Assembly as well as the Legislative Council in Lagos. While in government, he applied his influence to foster the advancement of education. He died in 1971.

Back: Two women with bowls on heads

Front: Four bust reflecting varied citizentry

Back: Fishermen