Aliu Babatunde Fafunwa (23 September 1923-11 October 2010) was Nigerian’s first Professor of Education and former Minister of Education, known for pioneering the 6-3-3-4 system and advocating mother-tongue instruction.
BABS FAFUNWA PROFILE
| Name | Babs Fafunwa |
| Real Name | Aliu Babatunde fafunwa |
| Date Of Birth | 23 September 1923 |
| Date Of Death | 11 October 2010 |
| State Of Origin | Lagos State |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Educationist and Author |
| Religion | Islam |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Net Worth | N/A |
| Copied From | Contents101.com |
BABS FAFUNWA BIOGRAPHY
Born on September 23, 1923, in Isale-Eko, Lagos Island, Nigeria. He grew up during the colonial era. His early years were shaped by the multicultural environment of Lagos and a strong exposure to both Western and Islamic traditions.
EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Babs Fafunwa began his primary education at Ahmadiyya Talimul Islam School, Ebute Elefun, between 1931 and 1936. He later attended CMS Grammar School in Lagos from 1937 to 1943, where he earned his Senior Cambridge Certificate. He traveled to the United States for higher education and obtained a B.Sc. in Social Science and English (magna cum laude) from Bethune-Cookman College, Florida, in 1950.
He proceeded to New York University, where he earned an M.A. in Administration and Higher Education (cum laude) in 1955, and a Ph.D. in Education Administration in 1958. He became the first Nigerian to obtain a doctoral degree in education.
CAREER
Fafunwa started his career as a Senior Tutor and later Principal at Ahmadiyya Teacher Training College, Agege. After a brief stint in the private sector with Esso West Africa, he transitioned into academia.
He joined the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1961 and rose through the ranks to become Head of the Department of Education, Dean of the Faculty, and Professor of Education in 1966—the first Nigerian to hold that title. He also served as Acting Vice Chancellor at both the University of Nigeria and Obafemi Awolowo University, and was Pro-Chancellor of the University of Calabar.
In 1990, Fafunwa was appointed Federal Minister of Education under General Ibrahim Babangida. During his tenure, he pioneered major reforms including the 6-3-3-4 education system, mother-tongue instruction in early education, and the establishment of national institutions such as NECO, NABTEB, and the Nigeria French Language Village.
He authored several influential books, including History of Education in Nigeria and New Perspectives in African Education.
CONTROVERSIES
Although Fafunwa was widely respected, some of his education reforms, particularly the 6-3-3-4 system, faced criticism over poor implementation and inadequate infrastructure. Some educators argued that the policy was ambitious but not supported with sufficient resources or teacher training, leading to mixed outcomes across regions in Nigeria.
PERSONAL LIFE
Babatunde Fafunwa married Doris Elaine Jones, a Christian American woman, in 1953. Despite their different religious backgrounds—Fafunwa being Muslim—they enjoyed a long and stable marriage and had four children (two sons and two daughters). He was known for his humility, integrity, and commitment to family and national service.
BABS FAFUNWA NET WORTH
There are no publicly verified estimates of Babs Fafunwa’s net worth.
DEATH
Professor Babs Fafunwa passed away on October 11, 2010, at the age of 87, in Abuja, Nigeria. He was scheduled to give a lecture at the National Open University before his sudden death. He was laid to rest in Lagos.