Macaulay, Herbert (1864-1946), was a Nigerian political activist who became known as the “father of Nigerian nationalism.” Macaulay campaigned against British colonial rule of Nigeria. He also opposed racial discrimination and called for increased freedom of the press. Macaulay’s efforts helped pave the way for Nigeria’s independence in 1960, after his death.
Herbert Samuel Heelas Macaulay was born in Lagos, Nigeria, on Nov. 14, 1864. His father, Thomas Macaulay, was a school principal. Herbert’s mother, Abigail Macaulay, was the daughter of the first Black Anglican bishop.
After finishing school, Herbert Macaulay worked for the colonial government in Nigeria. In 1898, he traveled to the United Kingdom to train as a land surveyor and civil engineer. After returning to Nigeria, Macaulay resumed working for the colonial government. However, he soon became dissatisfied with the conditions of his service because he was paid much less than his white British co-workers. Macaulay resigned and began a private surveying firm.
In 1910, Macaulay began criticizing the British colonial government in the Lagos press. His views on racial segregation (separation), free press, and British colonial policies earned him many followers. In 1923, he founded the Nigerian National Democratic Party. The party quickly won most of the seats in Nigeria’s legislative council. In 1944, Macaulay and future Nigerian president Nnamdi Azikiwe helped form the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons. The council was a powerful coalition of political, labor, and other groups.
Macaulay died on May 7, 1946, while on a national campaign tour. His likeness appears on the one-naira coin, Nigeria’s basic unit of currency.
