Olu Odeyemi, a retired professor of Microbiology and former Dean of Students at Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, recently shared insights about his career and political experiences in an interview with Alexander Okere. Reflecting on his formative years, Odeyemi described his time at Ilesa Grammar School in Osun State as adventurous and filled with friendships, although he admitted to being somewhat troublesome. He transitioned to Abeokuta Grammar School in 1965 to further his education, as students at that time needed to complete a certificate program to gain admission to university.
Odeyemi pursued his undergraduate studies in Soil Science at the University of Ibadan, where he formed many friendships and initially aimed to acquire knowledge. As he progressed through his studies, he aspired to graduate with first-class honors but ultimately earned a second-class upper grade, achieving the best result in his department. He expressed gratitude for this accomplishment, attributing his inspiration for studying Soil Science to his upbringing as a farmer, although his father was unaware of his academic path until he graduated.
His academic journey included professional training at universities in the US, UK, Canada, and India. Odeyemi found the environments enjoyable and aimed to learn about different cultures. However, he faced challenges, particularly with Indian food, which led to some weight loss. He also encountered racial discrimination, particularly in the US, where he experienced uncomfortable situations on campus and in research settings. While he noted some instances of racism in Canada, he was somewhat accustomed to it due to his experiences in the US.
During his long academic career at Obafemi Awolowo University, where he served as Dean of the Faculty of Science and Dean of Students Affairs, Odeyemi missed the interactions with students the most. He often incorporated discussions about Nigeria’s issues into his teaching to inspire change. He met his wife while teaching at Ebenezer Grammar School in Ijeda, Ilesa, where she was a student. He was drawn to her beauty and intelligence, and after a brief courtship, they married with her parents’ approval. She later pursued a degree in Accounting.
Odeyemi believes strongly in the values of hard work and discipline, which he learned from his parents and teachers. His father was a hardworking trader and farmer, while his mother was also dedicated to her work and religious. He looked up to his older brother, a professor of Chemistry, who served as a mentor throughout his life. In a recent interview, he reflected on his health challenges, specifically a stroke, and acknowledged that his intense work ethic and lack of rest contributed to his condition. Despite this, he maintains his belief in hard work and the necessity of diligence in Nigeria’s current climate.
Although he has an interest in politics, Odeyemi is not currently active. He finds it challenging to navigate the political landscape in Nigeria, where honesty and integrity are often not rewarded. He participated in the 2007 governorship election in Osun State but was not a candidate; instead, he belonged to the Action Alliance party, which ultimately lost the election. He expressed disappointment at not being able to test his popularity due to a lack of financial backing and chose not to join major political parties to avoid the difficulties associated with politics.
In 2013, Odeyemi applied for the vice-chancellor position at Osun State University, a role many professors sought. However, he did not feel disappointed about not securing the position, as he was not informed of the reasons behind the decision. He emphasized his commitment to integrity during his tenure as a public servant, refusing to compromise despite facing pressure and threats, particularly when he stood firm against admitting unqualified students.
Regarding the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Odeyemi acknowledged the difficulties of governing Nigeria, citing issues of honesty and transparency. While some critics argue that Buhari failed to fulfill his promises, Odeyemi disagrees, believing that the challenges are significant. He stressed the need for a leader who is honest, hardworking, and transparent to address the nation’s pressing issues, such as poor power supply. He identified Senator Bola Tinubu as a candidate who possesses some of these qualities, noting his ability to select capable individuals to help govern effectively.
As the general elections approach, Odeyemi expressed hope for increased political awareness among the youth and a potentially higher voter turnout, given the current emphasis on voter registration and participation.
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