the itsekiri, though a minority group within nigeria, are considered to be a highly educated and affluent ethnic group with a very high rate of literacy and a rich cultural heritage. the itsekiris have one of the oldest histories of western education in west africa, and are noted for producing one of its earliest university graduates – the olu of warri kingdom, olu atuwatse i, dom domingo a 17th-century graduate of coimbra university in portugal. today, many itsekiris can be found working in the professions particularly medicine, law and the academic professions and in business, trade and industry and were among the pioneers that led the development of the professions in nigeria during the early-to-mid 20th century .