Michael Olutusen Onafowokan(1912- 1991)
Architect, Engineer & Town Planner.
He was the first Nigerian to qualify as an architect. Born in Ikorodu, he attended Methodist Boys High School, Lagos.
Architect, Engineer & Town Planner.
He was the first Nigerian to qualify as an architect. Born in Ikorodu, he attended Methodist Boys High School, Lagos.
He started his career as a Junior Technical Officer with the Public Works Department(P.W.D)in 1933. He gained a Diploma in Civil Engineering and later went on to Glasgow University to study architecture, graduating in 1952.
The following year, he gained a Post graduate Diploma in Town Planning. On his return to Nigeria, he became the first indigenous architect to be employed at the Federal Ministry of Works.
In 1962, he was appointed Chief Architect of the now defunct Western Region. In 1968, he retired from Public Service to set up his own Architecture and Town Planning Practice.
His Notable projects over the years include: High Court Buildings at Ilesha, Ife and Akure, Residences at University of Ife, Buildings at Comprehensive High School, Aiyetoro, Ikeja General Hospital, Ikorodu General Hospital and numerous Churches and Town Hall Buildings.
Chief Onafowokan was the first President of the Nigerian Institute of Architects and also the first President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners. He was a member of the Commonwealth Board of Architectural Education.
He was awarded the National honor of the Order of the Niger (OON) in 1982 in recognition of his meritorious services and selfless contributions to the country.
Chief Onafowokan was fondly known to many as ‘Baba’ and held the traditional title of Tunwase of Ikorodu.
