The Registrar of Tai Solarin Federal University of Education(TASFUED), Ajiroba Dapo Oke, has urged scholars and members of the academic community to take a more active role in Nigeria’s political governance ecosystem, warning that they wave their right to complain when things go wrong on the watch of less – informed individuals in governance and leadership position.
Oke urged scholars to view their involvement not merely as political participation, but as an intellectual investment in the nation’s future.
He spoke in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Friday while delivery a key address at the inauguration of Ogun State Tertiary Intellects for Tinubu and Yayi (OSTITY) at NUT Hall Kuto, a ceremony marked by strong advocacy for continuity in governance.
The 27 – member executive with membership cutting across tertiary institutions in the state, has Professor Anthony Oyenuga as state coordinator and Dr. Binta Shoge, Secretary – General.
Speaking on ‘Why Intellects for Tinubu/Yayi 2027,’ Oke emphasized the critical role of intellectuals in shaping national development, questioning the long-standing disengagement of academia from frontline politics.
He argued that the nation’s brightest minds must not remain on the sidelines while leadership decisions are made, stressing that governance benefits from the depth of insight academia provides.
He noted that Nigeria stands at a crucial stage in its democratic journey and highlighted ongoing reforms under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, particularly in education, infrastructure, and economic development, stressing that sustaining these initiatives requires consistent leadership and long-term commitment.
He linked academic support for political leadership to broader national stability, explaining that continuity in governance would ensure steady funding for research, preservation of university autonomy, and expansion of innovation-driven institutions across the country.
He noted that “education is not a short-term project but a generational commitment,” urging the academic community to lend its voice to policies that foster sustainable growth and development.
He described the emergence of Senator Solomon Olamilekan Adeola, popularly known as Yayi, as a significant moment for equity and inclusion in Ogun State, pointing out that Ogun West has long awaited the opportunity to produce the state’s governor, reckoning Adeola’s candidacy as a chance to address historical imbalances.
Oke praised Adeola’s track record in the legislature, citing his grassroots engagement and empowerment initiatives, and appealed to stakeholders to support what he described as a vision for balanced governance and statewide development.
Speaking earlier, the state coordinator of the group, Prof. Anthony Oyenuga, expressed the confidence that Senator Solomon Adeola will take the state to a greater height.
Oyenuga also expressed the optimism that given Adeola’s political trajectory, he will not only lead the Ogun state aright, also stand assuming higher leadership position at the national level in future
