History isn’t just about remembering—it’s about making sure they’re never forgotten again.
History has not always been kind to women—especially Nigerian women who shattered ceilings. While we celebrate the icons we know, there are a lot more who deserve their flowers. So, because it’s Women’s History Month, we are dusting off the pages of history, and shedding the spotlight on the Nigerian women who should have been household names.
Here are 12 Nigerian women who made history but didn’t always get the recognition they deserved:
Alimotu Pelewura: The market women’s general
Determined to challenge colonial economic policies, Alimotu mobilised Lagos market women, refusing to let British rule exploit them. She fearlessly led strikes and negotiations that made a lasting impact on trade policies. A true businesswoman and activist, Alimotu founded the Lagos Market Women’s Association in the mid-1920s and served as the president until she died in 1951.
Flora Nwapa: The woman who redefined African literature
While we were all (rightly) singing the praises of Chinua Achebe and Wole Soyinka, Nwapa was out here as the first African woman to publish an English-language novel internationally. She wrote “Efuru”, giving us one of the first female-centred narratives in African literature and proving that women’s stories deserve to be front and centre. A whole icon!
Kudirat Abiola: The unbreakable warrior
Kudirat became the voice of Nigeria’s pro-democracy movement in the 1990s, standing up against dictatorship and calling for justice. She coordinated protests and international advocacy efforts to demand the release of her husband, MKO Abiola, and Nigeria’s return to democracy. Even in the face of assassination threats (and, ultimately, her murder), she never backed down. Her bravery still echoes today.
Oyinkan Abayomi: The education pioneer
A fearless advocate for girls’ education, Oyinkan founded the Nigerian Women’s Party in 1944, one of the country’s first political platforms dedicated to women’s rights. She was also a strong voice in the West African Students’ Union and played a key role in advancing girls’ education, recognising it as a vital tool for national progress. Her passion for education led her to serve as the first Nigerian principal of Queen’s College, Lagos. A visionary leader, Abayomi’s legacy lives on in the strides women continue to make in Nigerian politics and education today.
Janet Nwadiogo Mokelu: The voice of women’s rights
Meet one of the first women elected into Eastern Nigeria’s House of Assembly. She used her platform to fight for women’s rights, advocating for equal education and employment opportunities. Janet was instrumental in policy changes that improved women’s access to opportunities. Throughout her career, she ensured women’s voices were heard—loud and clear.
Grace Alele-Williams: Nigeria’s first female university vice-chancellor
Grace was the first Nigerian woman to earn a PhD in Mathematics and later became the first female Vice-Chancellor of a Nigerian university (University of Benin). A mathematics professor and educationist, she shattered academic glass ceilings and paved the way for women in STEM fields. Grace broke barriers in academia and dedicated her life to advancing education.
Elizabeth Adekogbe: The journalist who refused to settle
She was a fearless advocate for Nigerian women, using her platform in the Nigerian Tribune and Daily Times throughout the 1950s to challenge injustice and demand equality. Elizabeth fought tirelessly for women’s empowerment—organising educational programs for market women and pushing for fair employment laws. She refused to settle for half-measures, insisting on full implementation of women’s rights reforms.
Zaynab Alkali: The literary champion
With “The Stillborn” (1984), this author shattered silence, capturing the struggles and strength of women defying societal expectations. For over two decades, she shaped minds in the classroom before bringing her expertise to public service. But her true legacy lies in the stories she told—of love, duty, and quiet defiance—ensuring that the women history tried to erase would never be forgotten.
Franca Afegbua: Nigeria’s first female senator
In 1983, Franca Afegbua shattered barriers as Nigeria’s first female senator, defeating an incumbent in a historic win. Despite doubts, she built a powerful grassroots campaign, leveraging her influence and strong female support. Though a military coup cut her tenure short, she thrived in business and remained a champion for women’s empowerment in her community. She paved the way for women in government, showing that leadership knows no gender.
Catherine Obianuju Acholonu: The literary and cultural icon
An author, historian, researcher and feminist, Professor Catherine dedicated her life to unearthing Africa’s lost history. Through her research on Igbo traditions and indigenous knowledge, she challenged colonial distortions and highlighted Africa’s intellectual legacy. As a government advisor and cultural advocate, Catherine championed women’s rights and the power of literature in reclaiming identity.
Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi: Nigeria’s first female doctor
In 1954, Elizabeth became Nigeria’s first female medical doctor. She dedicated her career to maternal health and advocated for better healthcare policies for women and children. Elizabeth broke barriers in a male-dominated field and paved the way for future generations of female doctors.
Victoria Aderosoye Omodara: The teenage monarch who defied tradition
At just 17, she became the Olosa of Omosonle in 1966, stepping in as a temporary ruler after her father’s passing. Tradition expected her to hold power only until a male successor was chosen, but Victoria led with confidence, overseeing legal matters and governance with wisdom beyond her years. Far from a placeholder, she earned the deep respect of her people, proving that leadership is about ability—not gender.
So, why don’t we know these names as well as we know their male counterparts? Patriarchy? Check. Historical bias? Double check. The way society conveniently forgets the women who made things happen? Triple check.
The good news is that we’re in the business of rewriting history, and you are part of the revolution. Whenever we say their names, share their stories, and refuse to let their legacies fade, we put them back where they belong: in the spotlight. So, the next time someone talks about game-changers, history-makers, and all-around legends, make sure these women’s names roll off your tongue like your favourite song lyrics.
