Ibrahim Babangida facts for kids

Quick facts for kids General Ibrahim Babangida GCFR
8th President of Nigeria
In office 27 August 1985 – 26 August 1993
Vice President	Ebitu Ukiwe (1985–1986) Augustus Aikhomu (1986–1993)
Preceded by	Muhammadu Buhari as Military Head of State of Nigeria
Succeeded by	Ernest Shonekan as Interim Head of State of Nigeria
Chief of Army Staff
In office 1 January 1984 – 26 August 1985
Preceded by	Mohammed Inuwa Wushishi
Succeeded by	Sani Abacha
Personal details
Born	(1941-08-17) 17 August 1941 (age 83) Minna, Northern Region, British Nigeria (now in Niger State, Nigeria)
Political party	Peoples Democratic Party
Spouse	Maryam Babangida ​ ​ (m. 1969; died 2009)​
Children	4, including Mohammed
Alma mater	Royal Armoured Centre
Occupation	Politician military officer
Military service
Allegiance	Nigeria
Branch/service	Nigerian Army
Years of service	1962–1993
Rank	General
Battles/wars	Nigerian Civil War

Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (born 17 August 1941) is a Nigerian statesman and former military leader. He served as the military President of Nigeria from 1985 to 1993. He came to power after a military takeover against the previous leader, Muhammadu Buhari.

Babangida rose through the ranks of the Nigerian Army. He fought in the Nigerian Civil War. He was also involved in several military takeovers in Nigeria. Eventually, he became a General and the Commander-in-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces. His time in power, known as the Babangida Era, was a period of significant change and some challenges for Nigeria.

During his rule, the Babangida government worked to improve Nigeria's standing in Africa. They achieved diplomatic successes like the Abuja Treaty. Nigerian troops also took part in peacekeeping efforts in Liberia and Sierra Leone. His government also focused on improving the economy and national projects.

Early Life and Military Start

Ibrahim Babangida was born on 17 August 1941 in Minna, Nigeria. He attended primary school from 1950 to 1956. From 1957 to 1962, he studied at Government College Bida. Many of his classmates later became important figures.

He joined the Nigerian Army on 10 December 1962. He trained at the Nigerian Military Training College in Kaduna. In 1963, he became a second lieutenant after training at the Indian Military Academy.

From 1964 to 1966, he was the Commanding Officer of the 1 Reconnaissance Squadron. He also attended a course in the United Kingdom. In 1966, he witnessed a military takeover in Nigeria. He then took part in a counter-takeover that brought General Yakubu Gowon to power.

Military Career and the Civil War

Nigerian Civil War Service

After the Nigerian Civil War began, Babangida was sent to the 1st Division. In 1968, he became the commander of the 44 Infantry Battalion. This battalion was involved in intense fighting. In 1969, he was shot in the chest during a mission. He recovered in Lagos but chose to keep the bullet shrapnel.

While recovering, he married Maryam Babangida on 6 September 1969. He returned to the war front in December 1969. In January 1970, the war ended with the surrender of the Biafran Army.

After the War and Rise to Power

After the war, Babangida was promoted twice in 1970. He became an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy. He continued his military training in the United States. In 1973, he became commander of the 4 Reconnaissance Regiment. By 1975, he was the commander of the Nigerian Army Armoured Corps.

Colonel Babangida played a key role in the military takeover of 1975. He later became a member of the Supreme Military Council. In 1976, he helped stop another military takeover attempt. He took back control of the Radio Nigeria station during this event. He continued to attend important military and strategy courses.

From 1981 to 1983, Babangida was the Director of Army Staff Duties and Plans. He was a main figure behind the military takeover of 1983. This takeover ended the Second Nigerian Republic. After this, he was promoted and became the Chief of Army Staff. He also joined the Supreme Military Council.

Becoming President in 1985

Planning the Takeover

After the 1983 takeover, General Babangida began planning to remove the military head of state, General Muhammadu Buhari. The takeover of 1985 was carefully planned. Babangida worked with allies like Sani Abacha and Aliyu Mohammed Gusau. He placed his supporters in key military positions.

The Takeover and New Government

On 27 August 1985, the plan was put into action. Four Majors were tasked with arresting the head of state. By morning, the conspirators had taken control of the government. Babangida was announced as the new commander-in-chief. He explained that Buhari's government was "too rigid."

Babangida then became the President and Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces. He put Muhammadu Buhari under house arrest. He also created the Armed Forces Ruling Council (AFRC) as the highest law-making body. He also reorganized the national security groups, creating the State Security Service (SSS), National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA).

Presidency and National Development

Soon after taking power, General Babangida set up the Nigerian Political Bureau in 1986. This group was created to discuss Nigeria's political future. It aimed to understand past problems and suggest solutions. This was a very broad discussion involving many Nigerians.

Nigeria faced economic challenges between 1983 and 1985. In 1986, Babangida launched the Structural Adjustment Program (SAP). This program aimed to improve Nigeria's economy with support from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank. In 1987, he started the Mass Mobilization for Self Reliance, Social Justice and Economic Recovery (MAMSER). This program encouraged self-reliance and economic recovery.

The policies included:

• Allowing more freedom in the farming sector.
• Selling off government-owned businesses to private owners.
• Lowering the value of the Nigerian currency to help exports.
• Making it easier for foreign companies to invest in Nigeria.
• Encouraging Nigerians to avoid waste and promote self-reliance.
• Promoting honesty and fairness in public life.

These policies helped the Nigerian economy grow, especially the export sector. However, public sector wages decreased, and public services were reduced. This led to some public protests and dissatisfaction.

Babangida also worked on national infrastructure. He completed the Third Mainland Bridge, which was the largest bridge in Africa at the time. His government also finished the Kaduna-Kano highway. He completed the Shiroro Hydroelectric Power Station and built the Toja Bridge in Kebbi. He also created water treatment plants in Jibia and Kano.

He founded the Federal Road Safety Corps to manage national roads better. In 1987, he created two new states: Akwa Ibom State and Katsina State. In 1991, he created nine more states, bringing the total to thirty. His government also moved the capital from Lagos to Abuja in 1991.

Babangida also improved Nigeria's foreign relations. He opposed apartheid in South Africa. He hosted the Abuja Treaty, which led to the African Union. He also strengthened ties with the United States and the United Kingdom. In 1986, Nigeria joined the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation, an international group for Muslim countries. This decision was popular in Northern Nigeria but caused some debate among non-Muslims.

Challenges of the Third Republic

In 1989, Babangida began plans for Nigeria to return to civilian rule, known as the Third Nigerian Republic. He allowed political parties to form and created a two-party system. These were the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and the National Republican Convention (NRC). He encouraged all Nigerians to join one of these parties.

In 1992, legislative elections were held, and the SDP won most seats. However, Babangida later cancelled the first round of presidential primary elections. In 1993, he changed the ruling military council. He also appointed Ernest Shonekan to lead a Transitional Council. This council was meant to be the final step before handing over power to an elected leader.

On 12 June 1993, the presidential election was held. Although the results were not officially announced, it appeared that Moshood Abiola of the SDP had won. However, General Babangida later cancelled the election results. He said there were problems with the election, but many believed he did not want to give up power.

This decision led to widespread protests and political unrest. In August 1993, General Babangida resigned. He set up an Interim National Government led by Ernest Shonekan. This government was later taken over by General Sani Abacha.

Life After Presidency

Babangida (right) with Femi Fani-Kayode (left) in Lagos (2010)

After leaving office, Babangida remained an influential figure. In 1998, he played a role in Nigeria's return to democracy. He was one of the founders of the Peoples Democratic Party.

In 2006, Babangida announced he would run for president in the 2007 Nigerian presidential election. However, he later withdrew his candidacy. In 2010, he again declared his intention to run for president in the 2011 election. He later withdrew after a bombing incident in Abuja.

Since 2015, Babangida has kept a lower profile. He is seen as an important elder statesman in Nigeria. He has called for younger leaders to take over from the older generation.

Personal Life

A movie about his life, titled Badamasi: Portrait of a General, was released in 2020. It covered his early life, his time in the Nigerian Civil War, and his presidency.

Family Life

Babangida was married to Maryam Babangida from 1969 until her death in 2009. They had four children: Aisha, Muhammad, Aminu, and Halima. Maryam Babangida passed away in 2009 due to illness.

Honours and Achievements

Military Ranks

During his time in the military, Babangida achieved several ranks:

Year	Insignia	Rank
1963		Second Lieutenant
1966		Lieutenant
1968		Captain
1970		Major
1970		Lieutenant Colonel
1973		Colonel
1979		Brigadier General
1983		Major General
1987		General

National Awards

International Awards

See also

In Spanish: Ibrahim Babangida para niños