The Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, Nigeria, emerges as a story of visionary leadership and unwavering dedication to transforming governance and leadership education. Established by Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona, the Awujale of Ijebuland, this school has quickly become a symbol of excellence in the field of governance studies.
The school's origins date back to the creation of the Professorial Chair in Governance in 2018, a significant milestone in Oba Adetona's dream to enhance Nigeria's tertiary education sector. The collaborative spirit of the university's administration, particularly under the guidance of Professor Saburi Adesanya and Professor Ganiyu Olatunde, played a critical role in realizing this dream.
"I envisage the burgeoning School as a centre of topical discourse of innovative ideas and research that will transform higher education and policy-focused governance interventions beyond their current mediocrity. In the same breath, I will hope' that as it grows, it will bring around far-flung network of scholars from the rest of Africa and the world who will contribute their quota on governance, policy and theory."
Consequently, I expect it to stimulate the current and next generation of scholars, technocrats and intellectuals to develop homegrown solutions to the seemingly intractable problems of our world. I hope the School will be at the forefront of intellectual agenda setting and provide theoretical and empirical grist for the kind of innovations that will move our world out of the wilderness in which it has been stranded for too long.
The Awujale of Ijebuland / Founder
Inspired by his tenure as a minister in the Western Regional Government of the 1960s, Oba Adetona envisioned a school that would address the challenges of modern governance. His vision was to create an institution dedicated to nurturing a new breed of governance that marked his stellar experiences in public service.
The idea for the school was initially proposed by Professor Tunji Olaopa in 2018 and materialized shortly with Oba Adetona, the goal was to create a centre of excellence that would not only enhance governance studies but also elevate educational standards to match global best practices. The school represents a significant leap forward in governance.
Launched in May 2021 with Professor Adagbo Onoja at the helm, the school rapidly established itself as a hub for innovative governance research and policy development. It was envisioned to be a solution to the long-standing governance challenges, setting the stage for transformative change.
Oba Adetona's sustained generosity has been a cornerstone of the school's development. His substantial financial contributions have enabled the construction of modern facilities and the provision of top-tier resources, underpinning his commitment to societal betterment and educational advancement.
The Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance is envisioned as a crucible for path-breaking research and academic excellence. It aims to be a gathering place for scholars, practitioners, and thought leaders committed to addressing contemporary global issues and theories. The school is positioned to be a driving force in developing localized solutions to global governance challenges.
The school stands as a beacon of knowledge and innovation in governance and leadership, attracting a diverse community of scholars and students worldwide. Its mission is to foster critical thinking, research excellence, and practical solutions to governance challenges that nations contributing significantly to global discourse in the field. Through its comprehensive and varied, this Academy has established a strong level of policy relevance.
The Oba (Dr.) Sikiru Kayode Adetona School of Governance is a testament to the power of visionary leadership and its ability to effect meaningful change in educational and governance sectors. As it continues to evolve and expand, the school remains committed to enhancing innovation and service to every aspect of our teaching and community engagement.
