James Wilson Robertson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
James Wilson Robertson
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Sir James Wilson Robertson
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| 2nd Governor-General of Nigeria | |
| In office 15 June 1955 – 16 November 1960 |
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| Monarch | Elizabeth II |
| Preceded by | John Stuart Macpherson |
| Succeeded by | Nnamdi Azikiwe |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 27 October 1899 Broughty Ferry, Dundee, Scotland |
| Died | 23 September 1983 (aged 83) Wallingford, Oxfordshire, England |
| Education | Merchiston Castle School |
| Alma mater | Balliol College, Oxford |
| Occupation | Civil servant |
Sir James Wilson Robertson (born 27 October 1899 – died 23 September 1983) was a British civil servant. He was the last person to serve as the governor-general of Nigeria. He held this important role from 1955 to 1960, just before Nigeria became an independent country.
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Early Life and Education
James Wilson Robertson grew up in Scotland. He went to Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh. Later, he studied at Balliol College, Oxford, a famous university.
He also served in the British Army. He was part of two well-known regiments: the Gordon Highlanders and the Black Watch. In 1961, he received an honorary degree from the University of Leeds.
Career in Public Service
After finishing his studies at Oxford, Robertson began his career in public service. From 1922 to 1953, he worked in the Sudan Political Service. This meant he helped govern different areas in Sudan.
He served in places like Blue Nile and Kordofan provinces. From 1945 to 1953, he was the Civil Secretary. This was a very high position, like a chief administrator. In 1947, he led the Juba Conference. This meeting was important for discussing the future of Sudan.
Work in British Guiana
In 1954, Robertson was sent to British Guiana (now Guyana). The country was facing a political crisis. He was asked to write a report, known as the Robertson Commission Report. This report looked into problems caused by a political party that was seen as too friendly with communist groups. His work helped to understand the situation there.
Governor-General of Nigeria
Because of his experience, Robertson was then sent to Nigeria. He became the Governor-General on 15 June 1955. In this role, he represented the Queen as the head of state.
He served during a very important time for Nigeria. He helped guide the country towards its independence. His term ended on 16 November 1960, shortly after Nigeria became fully independent.
Family Life
Sir James Wilson Robertson had a brother named Ian Robertson, Lord Robertson. His brother's daughter, Sally, married Nick Kuenssberg. Sir James's great-niece, Laura Kuenssberg, is a well-known journalist today. His first wife was Anne Mueller.
Writings and Reflections
Robertson wrote a book about his experiences called Transition in Africa: From Direct Rule to Independence. It was published in 1974. In this book, he shared details about his nearly 40 years working in Africa. He wrote about his administrative work and his personal thoughts.
In his book, he also thought about how quickly many of the systems he and other British officials had built in Africa changed after independence. He noted that some people from other countries wondered why Britain left Africa so soon. He explained that there was pressure to leave, even though some felt the territories might not have been fully ready to govern themselves.
He also contributed to other books and discussions about the end of the British Empire. These writings offer insights into the challenges and changes of that time.
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Sir James Wilson Robertson
