JUST IN: Paschal Dozie, Diamond Bank Founder Dies At 85

Paschal Dozie, renowned Nigerian banker and the founder of Diamond Bank, has passed away.

Dozie, who also served as the former chairman of MTN Nigeria, died at the age of 85 following an undisclosed illness, as confirmed by a source close to his family.

Diamond Bank, which he founded, was eventually acquired by Access Bank after facing difficulties under the leadership of his son, Uzoma Dozie.

With a reported net worth exceeding $1 billion, Dozie ranked among Nigeria’s top billionaires in 2024.

Background and Education

Born in 1939 in Egbu village, Owerri, Nigeria, Paschal Dozie was raised in the household of Charles Dozie, a Catholic catechist. He attended Our Lady’s School, Emekuku, earning his First School Leaving Certificate.

He later enrolled in Holy Ghost Juniorate Seminary and Holy Ghost College, Owerri, where he obtained his West African Senior School Certificate. Afterward, he moved to London to study economics at the London School of Economics, graduating with a BSc. He also earned a master’s degree in administrative science from City University, London, where he studied operational research and industrial engineering.

Family

Until his passing, Paschal Dozie was married to Chinyere Dozie. Together, they had five children, including Uzoma Dozie, who served as the Managing Director of the now-defunct Diamond Bank Plc.