1. Late Maj Gen JTU Aguiyi-Ironsi  was born on  3 March 1924 at Umuana - Ndumu, Umuahia Abia State. He had his secondary education at the Duke Town School Calabar and later attended the British Institute of Engineering Technology, London and South Africa. He enlisted into the Nigerian Army on 2 February 1942 and was admitted at Eaton Hall England as an officer cadet for training from February to April 1949. He also attended the Royal Army Ordnance Corps Depot (Tech) from April to June 1949, before he was later commissioned into the Nigerian Army as an Infantry Officer in the rank of Lieutenant on 12 Jun 1949. He  became the Head of  State of the Federal Military Government and Supreme Commander of the Nigerian Armed Forces following the military take over of 15 January 1966. He lost his life in the 29 July 1966 coup that toppled his government.

COURSES  ATTENDED
2. He attended the following courses while in service:
    a. Officer Cadet School Eaton Hall (England)
    b. Royal Army Ordnance Corps Depot (Tech)
    c. Staff College Course (Camberly)
    d. Imperial Defence College (Belgrave Square)

APPOINTMENTS HELD
3. He held several appointments, some of which are:
    a.  PI Comd    - On Commission
    b.  Comd.       - 2 Bde
    c.   FC             - ONUC Leopoidville, Congo
    d.  GOC          - Nigerian Army
    e   Head of the Federal Military - Supreme Headquarters
         Government (C-in-C) of    Dodan Barracks, Lagos
         Federal Republic of Nigeria             

HONOURS  AND  AWARDS
4 In recognition of his meritorious service, he was decorated with the following Honours and Awards:
   a. Passed Staff College
   b. Imperial Defence College
   c. Grand Commander Order of the Niger
   d. Officer of the Federal Republic

MISCELLANEOUS
5. He was married with 8 children.