Kenneth Dike (1917-1983) was an African historian noted for setting up the Nigerian National Archives and for serving as roving ambassador for Biafra during Eastern Nigeria's bid for secession.

Kenneth Onwuka Dike was born December 17, 1917, in Awka, (East Central) Nigeria. He attended Dennis Memorial grammar school in nearby Onitsha and went on later to first Achimota College in Ghana and then to Fourah Bay College in Sierra Leone. He received his Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Durham, England. His M.A. degree was from the University of Aberdeen in Scotland, and he earned his Ph.D. in history from the University of London.

As both historian and leader of the University of Ibadan's post-graduate school in Nigeria, Dike is said to have "Nigerianized Nigerian history" (Michael Crowder). Through his work, he gave the world an understanding of the way trade was carried out along the...