Doyin Abiola, the first Nigerian woman to be appointed editor and editor-in-chief of a national newspaper, has died.

Doyin died on Tuesday at the age of 82, following a brief illness.

She was the wife of Moshood Abiola, who won the 1993 presidential election.

In 1969, Doyin got a bachelor’s degree in English and Drama from the University of Ibadan.

After graduating, she began her media career as a correspondent for the Daily Sketch. During her time at the newspaper, she began a weekly column called ‘Tiro’, which she used to highlight matters of public importance.

In 1970, she left Nigeria for the United States to pursue a masters programme in journalism.

After finishing her master’s degree, she returned to Nigeria and began working as a features writer for the Daily Times. She advanced to the position of group features editor.

Doyin proceeded on a study leave. In 1979, she earned a PhD in communication and political science from New York University.

She returned to Nigeria and spent a short time with the Daily Times before joining the National Concord.

She became the first Nigerian woman to serve as editor of a national newspaper when she took over National Concord in 1980.

In 1986, she was named editor-in-chief and managing director of National Concord. She was the first Nigerian woman to hold this position.

Doyin was also the recipient of several honours. In 1986, she was awarded the Eisenhower Fellowship. She was the second woman to earn the DAME Lifetime Achievement Award.