* Born in 1890 in Abeokuta, Nigeria
* First Nigerian to earn a doctorate in Physical Education
* Founded the Department of Physical Education at the University of Ibadan in 1948
* Served as the first President of the Nigerian Association for Physical, Health Education, Recreation and Dance (NAPHERD)
* Died in 1974
2. Dr. Akintola Fatoyinbo
* Born in 1912 in Ibadan, Nigeria
* Second Nigerian to earn a doctorate in Physical Education
* Founded the Department of Physical Education at the University of Lagos in 1962
* Served as the second President of NAPHERD
* Died in 1991
3. Dr. Adebayo Arowolo
* Born in 1928 in Ijebu-Ode, Nigeria
* Third Nigerian to earn a doctorate in Physical Education
* Founded the Department of Physical Education at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1965
* Served as the third President of NAPHERD
* Died in 2011
4. Dr. Emmanuel Akpala
* Born in 1933 in Enugu, Nigeria
* Fourth Nigerian to earn a doctorate in Physical Education
* Founded the Department of Physical Education at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in 1970
* Served as the fourth President of NAPHERD
* Died in 2017
5. Dr. Folorunso Akilapa
* Born in 1940 in Lagos, Nigeria
* Fifth Nigerian to earn a doctorate in Physical Education
* Founded the Department of Physical Education at the University of Ilorin in 1975
* Served as the fifth President of NAPHERD
* Currently serving as a Professor of Physical Education at the University of Ilorin
