Opinion
Professor J.G Adewale : Odyssey Of A Renowned Scholar And Administrator Par Excellence | By Rahaman Onike
The decision to write on Professor Jacob Gbemiga Adewale didn’t come as an happenstance, but it is in the spirit of saying farewell to a departing Rector of the Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora, whose tenure is ending this week. This great scholar has introduced a lot of strategic innovations into the administration of the institution and as he bow out as the Chief Executive of the institution on the 9th July 2019 after eight years of meritorious service to the Oyo State Government and the College in particular, he deserves the outpouring encomiums and tributes being paid to him by staff and students as various stakeholders organized send -off programmes in his honour.
It is an undeniable fact that his eight years records of achievements is unprecedented in the annals of the institution.
On assumption of office on the 18th December 2011, as the Acting Provost, he didn’t waste time before he settled down for serious business. What really assisted him was how quickly he set out to unveil and pursue his transformational agenda covering the three institutional core mandate areas of teaching, research and community development services.
Without any doubts, he succeeded in transforming his vision into action and the secret of his success was that he adopted the right strategy, set appropriate timelines, identified the needed manpower for deliverables and deployed the right personnel required towards the realization of his short term, medium term and long term goals.
An assessment of his performance both as the Acting Provost, substantive Provost and as Rector speaks volumes of his personality and skills with which God Almighty has endowed him. Throughout his tenure, he was never derailed from pursuing the college vision, mission, strategic objectives, his administration’s action plan and he remained focused in his efforts toward the realization of the goals and demands of the institution’s Academic Brief in both letter and spirit.
Within his first two years in office, he changed the College narratives. An institution founded and hitherto running just five National Diploma Programmes, increased the number to about twenty two through his pragmatic approach to academic programs. He was always meticulous when it comes to planning towards successful conduct of resource inspection, accreditation visitation exercise and sought increase in carrying capacity of some of the existing programmes through the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), the accrediting agency.
For his visionary leadership skills and due to his high problem solving capacity, after serving as the Acting Provost of the College for three years, the visitor to the institution gave him substantive appointment as the Provost of the institution with effect from 10th July 2014, the tenure which is to end this week. It was during his tenure as the Acting Provost that the College was rated by NBTE as 3rd best in the country.
As he bows out this week as the Rector, he has made indelible marks and recorded landmark achievements. Through the efforts of Prof. Adewale, the College migrated from Monotechnic to Polytechnic with over thirty National Diploma and Higher National Diploma Programmes comparing to the situation when he was appointed that the College ran only five ND Programmes.
With the recent change in the institution’s nomenclature and with its new status as full pledged polytechnic, the College through his efforts has been enlisted by TETfund as one of the beneficiary institutions. In his own words, the credit for the success made so far should be attributed to God Almighty rather than any man. Truly, luck is on his side having served as Provost and later as Rector in the same institution.
Another giant stride of his administration was that the College enjoyed collaboration with over fifteen organizations within and outside the shores of the country apart from buildings donated by two fellows of the institution during his tenure.
Indeed, the departing Rector also made another history being the first Chief Executive of the College to have organized convocation for (2008-2015) graduating sets and 10th Foundation Day Ceremony on the same day. Also, he will forever be remembered for increasing the staff strength, encouraging staff training and development and ensuring necessary improvement on staff and students welfare. Apart from his efforts toward maintaining a kind of balance in student-staff ratio,he also encouraged research and development initiatives.
While putting in place control measures towards effective utilization of the available financial resources of the institution, he was unequivocal in his commitment towards boosting the internally generated revenue accrue able to the institution with the establishment of the OYSCATECH Global Consult and OYSCATECH Ventures respectfully.
It was with great enthusiasm and ingenuity that the outgoing Rector through value re-orientation, policy directives and good implementation strategies made every staff to share his vision and imbibe what I refer to as ideal organizational culture. He has also enthroned an enduring culture of quality assurance and best practices using committee system, through the operation of faculty system and with the enactment of relevant legal instruments such as Conditions of Service for Senior and Junior Staff, Criteria for Promotion, Staff Training and Development Policy as parts of legacies of his administration. With these policy documents, the staff are better guided on teaching, research,curriculum and staff welfare and development matters toward enhancing the College operational performance after his exit.
As we all aware that it is not possible for any Chief Executive or Head of institution not to experience conflict or witness crisis throughout its tenure; in my own view, Prof. Adewale being a good crisis manager did well in managing students’ crises and staff unions’ palavas whenever there were contentious issues for resolution in the course of his administration.
With my personal assessment of his leadership style and crisis management technique, the harmonious relationship between him and the labour unions in the College was made possible by his deep knowledge and thorough mastery of acts of diplomacy, effective use of bargaining power, tactical negotiation skills and soundness of his social relations.
Three months to the expiration of his tenure as the College Rector and coincidentally on the occasion of his 57th birthday, the renown scholar delivered the 28th inaugural lecture as a Professor of Rural Sociology at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso. Listening to his inaugural lecture on the topic -“Agricultural Development Programmes in Nigeria; Problems, Feasible Impacts and Opportunities. A Rural Sociological Perspective”- I can see a connection between his research work of over two decades and his international exposure as consultant and external examiner to several institutions within and outside the country.
Given the way he has effectively delivered his inaugural lecture, he has not only proved his mettle as a scholar, he has also expanded the frontier of knowledge. For some of us who have at one time or the other benefitted immensely from his repository of knowledge ,wealth of administrative experience and acumen, he deserves something greater than the eulogies.
Again, I feel probably because he is an extension expert, he ensured mutually beneficial, effective and well coordinated town-gown relationship with the College host communities of Ibarapaland throughout his entire eight years tenure.
Truly, members of the College, public will miss this philosopher king as his tenure gloriously ends with narratives dotted by innovations, achievements, commendations and eulogies.
As Prof. Adewale will be returning to classroom at Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, after the expiration of his tenure this week as the College Rector, I wish him success in all his future endeavours.
By Rahaman Onike
Admissions Officer,Oyo State College of Agriculture and Technology, Igboora.
Growing support has continued to trail a youthful politician and technology advocate, Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, popularly known as Repete, as many youths in Ibadan North Federal Constituency expressed confidence in his leadership style and vision for development.
Across several communities within the constituency, residents, particularly students, artisans and young professionals, described Repete as one of the emerging political figures with strong grassroots appeal and a passion for youth empowerment.
Supporters said his growing popularity stems from his consistent advocacy for innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development aimed at addressing unemployment and creating opportunities for young people.
As an engineer and technology enthusiast, Repete is also said to possess a deep understanding of the evolving digital economy and the need to position youths for global competitiveness.
Many of his supporters noted that his approach to leadership focuses on practical solutions, mentorship and capacity-building initiatives capable of helping young people become self-reliant and economically productive.
Some community stakeholders who spoke on his rising profile said his humility, accessibility and relationship with the grassroots have continued to endear him to many residents within the constituency.
They added that Repete’s engagement with youths and community groups reflects his commitment to inclusive governance and people-oriented representation.
Observers within the constituency also maintained that the increasing support for the politician reflects a growing desire among residents for a new generation of leaders driven by innovation, competence and accountability.
According to them, many young people see Repete as a symbol of hope and progressive leadership capable of contributing meaningfully to the development of Ibadan North Federal Constituency.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State stands on the edge of a consequential decision—one that may define not only its fortunes in Ibadan North Federal Constituency but also its broader political relevance in the state.
As the countdown to the party primaries intensifies, the question before APC leaders is no longer routine. It is strategic. It is urgent. And it is decisive: will the party align with the clear preference of the people or risk repeating costly political miscalculations?
At the centre of this debate is Hon. Khalil Mustapha Adegboyega, widely known as Repete—a name that has, over time, evolved from a political identity into a grassroots phenomenon.
A Candidate Rooted in the People
In contemporary Nigerian politics, where voter awareness is rising and expectations are shifting, candidates are increasingly judged not by promises but by presence. On this scale, Adegboyega stands tall.
His political journey is marked by consistent engagement with constituents—far beyond the optics of election seasons. From youth empowerment initiatives that provide practical skills and startup support, to sustained interventions in healthcare access for the elderly and indigent, his footprint across Ibadan North reflects a model of leadership anchored on service.
Unlike the transactional approach that often defines political relationships, Adegboyega’s connection with the people appears organic—built on trust, accessibility, and continuity. These are not mere campaign attributes; they are political assets.
The Danger of Political Disconnect
History offers the APC a clear lesson: parties that ignore grassroots sentiment often pay a heavy electoral price. The imposition of candidates perceived as distant or untested has, in several instances, resulted in voter apathy, internal dissent, and eventual defeat at the polls.
Ibadan North presents no exception.
With opposition parties closely monitoring the APC’s internal dynamics, any misstep in candidate selection could provide a ready opening. A divided house, coupled with a candidate lacking widespread acceptance, is a formula the opposition is well-positioned to exploit.
The implication is straightforward: this is not merely about party loyalty; it is about electoral viability.
Echoes from the Grassroots
Across the length and breadth of Ibadan North—markets, motor parks, religious centres, and community gatherings—a consistent pattern emerges in political conversations. The name “Repete” resonates with familiarity and acceptance.
Such organic support is not easily manufactured. It is cultivated over time through visible impact and sustained presence. For a party seeking electoral certainty in a competitive environment, this level of grassroots validation is not just desirable—it is critical.
A Test of Leadership and Judgment
For the APC leadership in Oyo State, the moment calls for clarity of purpose. Decisions driven by narrow interests, personal alignments, or short-term calculations may carry long-term consequences.
The task, therefore, is to balance internal considerations with external realities. Elections are ultimately decided by voters, not by party caucuses. A candidate who commands public confidence offers the strongest pathway to victory.
The Stakes Are Clear
Ibadan North is too strategic a constituency for experimentation. The cost of error is not limited to a single seat; it extends to party cohesion, credibility, and future positioning within the state’s political landscape.
In this context, the argument for Adegboyega is less about sentiment and more about strategy. His visibility, acceptability, and record of engagement place him in a strong position to consolidate support and mobilise voters effectively.
Conclusion: A Choice with Consequences
As the APC moves closer to its primaries, the decision before it is both simple and significant: align with a candidate who reflects the mood of the electorate or risk conceding advantage to a watchful opposition.
In politics, moments such as this often separate foresight from hindsight.
For APC in Ibadan North, this may well be one of those defining moments.
Aderibigbe Akanbi, a political analyst, writes from Ibadan.
As the road to 2027 gradually unfolds across Oyo State, political conversations are shifting from routine permutations to deeper questions about competence, generational leadership, and measurable impact. In Ibarapa East, that conversation has found a new voice in Yusuf Abiodun Ramon — a Lanlate-born technocrat whose entry into the race for the State House of Assembly is redefining what representation could mean for the constituency.
In a political environment often dominated by familiar faces and conventional calculations, Ramon presents a profile shaped by technical discipline, structured thinking, and solution-driven engagement. His professional background, anchored in analytical precision and systems management, forms the foundation of his public service aspiration.
For him, representation must move beyond ceremonial presence to practical responsiveness — laws that reflect local realities, oversight that protects public resources, and advocacy that translates into visible development.
Ramon argues that the future of Ibarapa East lies in leadership that listens deliberately, plans strategically, and delivers measurably. He speaks of strengthening rural infrastructure, expanding youth-driven economic opportunities, and institutionalising transparency as core pillars of his agenda. In his view, governance must not merely be symbolic; it must be structured, accountable, and people-centred.
Rooted in Ile Odede, Isale Alubata Compound, Ward Seven of Ibarapa East Local Government, and maternally linked to Ile Sobaloju, Isale Ajidun Compound, Eruwa, Ramon’s story is not one of distant ambition but of lived experience. He is, in every sense, a son of the soil — shaped by the same roads, schools, and economic realities that define daily life in Ibarapa East.
“I was born here. I grew up here. I understand our struggles, our strengths, and our untapped potential,” he says. “Representation must go beyond occupying a seat; it must translate into preparation, competence, and genuine commitment to development.”
His academic journey mirrors that philosophy of steady growth. He began at Islamic Primary School, Lanlate (1995–2001), proceeded to Baptist Grammar School, Orita Eruwa (2001–2007), and later earned a National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering Technology from Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, between 2009 and 2011. Refusing to plateau, he advanced his intellectual horizon and is now completing a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration at the University of Lagos. “Education,” he reflects, “is continuous capacity building. Leadership today requires both technical knowledge and administrative insight.”
That blend of engineering precision and managerial training has defined a professional career spanning more than a decade. Shortly after his diploma, Yusuf joined Mikano International Limited as a generator installer, gaining hands-on experience in industrial power systems — a sector central to Nigeria’s infrastructural backbone. He later transitioned into telecommunications at Safari Telecoms Nigeria Limited, where he received specialized training in Industrial, Scientific, and Medical radio bands, strengthening his expertise in network operations.
In 2013, he became a Field Support Engineer at Netrux Global Concepts Ltd., then a leading ISM service provider in Nigeria. Over four formative years, he immersed himself in telecom infrastructure deployment and maintenance, mastering field coordination, logistics management, and real-time technical problem-solving.
Since July 2017, he has served as a Field Support Engineer with Specific Tools and Techniques Ltd., a power solutions firm providing services to major operators including MTN Nigeria and Airtel Nigeria. In that capacity, he operates at the frontline of ensuring energy reliability and network uptime — responsibilities that demand discipline, accountability, and systems thinking.
For political observers in Ibarapa East, this trajectory matters. It reflects more than résumé credentials; it speaks to a mindset anchored in efficiency, coordination, and measurable outcomes — qualities increasingly demanded in legislative representation.
Beyond the private sector, Ramon’s political exposure is neither sudden nor superficial. A loyal member of the progressive political family in Lagos, he once served as a personal assistant to a former lawmaker, gaining practical insight into legislative procedure and constituency engagement. Within his community, he has quietly extended financial support to small-scale entrepreneurs and students — modest but consistent interventions rooted in personal responsibility.
“My interest is my people,” he states firmly. “Ibarapa East deserves strategic, responsive, and capable leadership at the State Assembly. We must move from rhetoric to results.”
Across the constituency — from Lanlate to Eruwa — development priorities remain clear: youth employment, vocational empowerment, rural road rehabilitation, stable power supply, agricultural value-chain expansion, improved educational standards, and stronger lawmaking that directly reflects community needs.
Political analysts argue that Ramon’s technocratic background positions him uniquely at the intersection of policy formulation and practical implementation. At a time when national discourse increasingly favours competence over grandstanding, his profile resonates with a broader generational shift toward performance-driven governance. His engineering discipline reinforces problem-solving; his business training strengthens administrative understanding; his grassroots roots anchor his empathy.
For Ibarapa East, the 2027 election cycle may represent more than a routine democratic exercise. It may mark a recalibration of expectations — a demand for representation that understands both the soil beneath its feet and the systems that drive modern development. As political alignments gradually crystallize in Oyo State, Yusuf Abiodun Ramon’s declaration signals the arrival of a candidate seeking to translate private-sector structure into public-sector impact.
One thing is clear: the conversation about the future of Ibarapa East has begun — and it is now framed around competence, credibility, and capacity.
Oluwasegun Idowu sent in this piece from Eruwa, Ibarapa East LG, Oyo State
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