In Memoriam
General Murtala Ramat Muhammed.
Visionary soldier, reformer, and Head of State of Nigeria. The Murtala Muhammed Foundation carries his legacy forward.
General Murtala Ramat Muhammed
1938 – 1976 · Head of State of Nigeria
A pen and a dream
Late General Murtala Ramat Muhammed was a celebrated visionary soldier and patriot, a graduate of the Sandhurst Academy in the UK, who embodied discipline, responsibility, and teamwork throughout his life and career. He served as Head of State of Nigeria from July 1975 until his assassination in February 1976.
In his short time in office, he became a symbol of integrity, decisive action, and bold reform — championing accountability, indigenisation, and a foreign policy rooted in African self-determination.
Established in 2001, the Murtala Muhammed Foundation was founded to honour his legacy and translate his vision of a just, equitable Africa into tangible programs — in education, women empowerment, humanitarian response, and good governance.
"Africa has come of age. It is no longer under the orbit of any extra continental power."
A Life of Service
From Kano to the helm of a nation.
1938 – 1957
Early Years
Born November 8, 1938 in Kano, Nigeria. He completed his primary and secondary education in Kano and Zaria, laying the foundation for a life of discipline and public service.
1958 – 1964
Military Service
Enlisted in the Nigerian Army and trained in Ghana and England. Commissioned as Second Lieutenant in 1961, he went on to serve with the UN Peacekeeping Force and in the Nigerian Civil War.
1965 – 1974
Rising Through the Ranks
Promoted to Brigadier-General in 1971. He attended the Joint Service Staff College in England and held a succession of key military and administrative positions.
1975
Taking the Helm
Became Nigeria's Military Head of State in July 1975, moving swiftly to confront corruption and reform the machinery of government.
1976
A Life Cut Short
Assassinated on February 13, 1976 in Lagos — a tragic end to a tenure defined by decisive, reforming leadership.
Today
A Living Legacy
The Murtala Muhammed Foundation carries his ideals forward, translating a vision of national development and social change into ongoing programs across Nigeria.
In Pictures
Moments from a defining life.
A Continuing Mission
One man's dream, rippling across generations.
Today, under the leadership of Dr. Aisha Muhammed-Oyebode, MMF champions the rights of over 13 million out-of-school children, empowers women in business, provides critical infrastructure to schools, and responds to humanitarian crises across Nigeria — proving that one man's dream can ripple across generations.
Carry his legacy forward with us.
Volunteer your time or support the programs that turn one man's vision into lasting change across Nigeria.