Top Five Prominent OAU Graduates That Are Shaking Nigeria’s Politics
The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) boasts of a legacy of producing remarkable individuals who have played pivotal roles in shaping Nigerian politics.
These distinguished individuals exemplify the caliber of leaders nurtured by Obafemi Awolowo University, whose contributions continue to shape the trajectory of Nigerian politics.
Here are the top five OAU graduates who have left an indelible mark on the political landscape of Nigeria:
1. Remi Tinubu
Remi Tinubu bagged a national certificate of education in botany and zoology from Adeyemi College of Education (a subsidiary of Obafemi Awolowo University). She later went on to earn a bachelor’s degree at Obafemi Awolowo University, where she received an Education degree in Biology. She has been instrumental in shaping Nigerian politics, leveraging her positions and advocacy efforts.
She is currently serving as the First Lady of Nigeria. Remi has previously held the same role in Lagos State from 1999 to 2007 when her husband was the governor of the state.
Throughout her tenure, she wielded influence and actively participated in developmental initiatives, leaving a lasting impact on Nigerian politics.
2. Layiwola Mohammed (Lai Muhammad)
Mohammed has a long history of serving Nigeria and has been a prominent figure in the country’s political landscape. He earned a bachelor’s degree in French from Obafemi Awolowo University, in 1975. He is popularly known as Lai Mohammed.
He is a Nigerian politician, lawyer, and business magnate in various positions of power. He is currently the managing partner of Ballard Partners, an international lobbying firm. He was appointed as Information and Culture Minister twice during Muhammad Buhari’s Tenure. He was also the All Progressive Congress’s (APC) former National Publicity Secretary.
Lai Muhammad had once served as Tinubu’s Chief of Staff. He contested for the seat of governor of Kwara state in April 2003 under the Alliance for Democracy Party.
3. Oluwarotimi Akeredolu
Akeredolu studied law at the OAU. He was appointed as the chairman of the Southwest Governor’s Forum in February 2017.
He is a Nigerian politician who has made a significant impact on the political landscape, particularly in Ondo State. Since assuming office as Governor in 2017, he has focused on various initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, education, and agriculture in the state. Akeredolu’s administration has prioritized road construction, agricultural development, and youth empowerment programs, which have positively impacted the lives of many residents.
Additionally, his efforts to promote investment and industrialization in Ondo State have attracted attention and support from both local and international stakeholders.
Akeredolu’s leadership style and policies have positioned him as a key figure in Nigerian politics, shaping the trajectory of development in Ondo State and influencing discourse at the national level. His political legacy still proliferates even after his death.
4. Kayode Fayemi
Fayemi’s tenure as the Governor of Ekiti State from 2010 to 2014 and 2018 to 2022, showcased his commitment to governance reform and socio-economic development. He implemented various policies and programs aimed at improving education, healthcare, infrastructure, and agriculture in the state.
Another notable impact he made was his role in championing democracy and human rights in Nigeria. Fayemi played a key role in the struggle against military dictatorship during the pro-democracy movements of the 1990s. His activism and advocacy efforts contributed to the eventual restoration of democratic governance in Nigeria.
5. Olusegun Mimiko
Olusegun Mimiko’s political journey commenced during his time at medical school at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he actively participated in the Students’ Representatives Council and held the role of public relations officer for the International Students’ Association from 1977 to 1978.
He made history as the first member of the Labour Party to secure gubernatorial office in Nigeria before 2023. While he was running as the Labour Party candidate, he won re-election on October 20, 2012, making him the first governor in Ondo State to achieve this feat since 1999.
His governorship tenure concluded on February 24, 2017. Notably, Olusegun Mimiko became the first civilian governor to serve for more than four years since the establishment of Ondo state in 1976. Mimiko’s grassroots in politics has left a lasting legacy within Ondo State and Nigeria as a whole.
