Pascal Dozie, Diamond Bank Founder and MTN Nigeria Pioneer, Dies at 84

Nigerian business titan Pascal Dozie, renowned for founding the now-defunct Diamond Bank and serving as the former Chairman of MTN Nigeria, has died at the age of 84 Beesreign Media reports.

Family sources confirmed that Dozie passed away after a brief illness. His death marks the end of a remarkable era for Nigeria’s banking and telecommunications industries, where his influence remains deeply woven into the nation’s economic fabric.

Born on April 9, 1939, Pascal Gabriel Dozie was raised in a devout Catholic family in southeastern Nigeria. His father, Charles Dozie, was a catechist. He began his early education at Our Lady’s School, Emekuku, before attending Holy Ghost Juniorate Seminary and Holy Ghost College, Owerri, where he earned his West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE).

Driven by a thirst for knowledge, Dozie pursued higher education in the United Kingdom. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Economics from the prestigious London School of Economics and later obtained a Master’s degree in Administrative Science from City University, London, after studying Operational Research and Industrial Engineering.

Dozie returned to Nigeria to make his mark—founding Diamond Bank in 1990, one of the country’s pioneering financial institutions. Under his leadership, the bank grew significantly before it merged with Access Bank in 2019.

Beyond banking, Dozie was instrumental in transforming Nigeria’s telecom landscape. As Chairman of MTN Nigeria, he oversaw the company’s strategic expansion, helping it become one of Africa’s largest and most successful mobile networks.

Pascal Dozie’s influence extended beyond boardrooms—he was widely respected for his visionary leadership, mentorship, and contributions to Nigeria’s economic development.

He is survived by his wife, Chinyere Dozie, and five children. Funeral arrangements are yet to be announced.