Diamond Bank founder, Pascal Dozie passes away

The founder of the defunct Diamond Bank Plc and former Chairman of MTN Nigeria, Pascal Gabriel Dozie, has passed away at the age of 85.

A statement released by the family on Tuesday confirmed that the renowned business tycoon died on Monday, April 7, 2025, just a day before his 86th birthday.

Born on April 9, 1939, Pascal Dozie was raised in a Catholic home. His father, Charles Dozie, was a dedicated catechist.

He began his early education at Our Lady’s School, Emekuku, before proceeding to Holy Ghost Juniorate Seminary and Holy Ghost College, Owerri, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate.

Determined to further his education, Dozie traveled to the United Kingdom, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the London School of Economics.

He also obtained a Master’s degree in Administrative Science from City University in London, after studying Operational Research and Industrial Engineering.

Pascal Dozie was a pioneer in Nigeria’s banking sector. He founded Diamond Bank in 1990, which later merged with Access Bank in a historic consolidation.

In the telecom sector, he served as Chairman of MTN Nigeria, helping to steer the company through its formative years and contributing to its nationwide growth.

Throughout his illustrious career, Dozie was widely respected for his integrity, vision, and contribution to Nigeria’s economic development.

His legacy as a trailblazer in both the banking and telecommunications industries remains unmatched.

He is survived by his wife, Chinyere, and five children.