Prof Taoheed Adedoja turns 70 on Thursday May 27, 2021 which coincides with the Children’s Day celebrations as a happy and memorable day for a celebrated politician, technocrat and a man of vision.
As Prof Taoheed Adedoja gracefully turns 70, Only a few will believe the age of the erudite scholar going by his youthful looks and radiating positive energies of vibrancy with the grace of God. Prof Taoheed Adedeji Adedoja is undoubtedly a reference point of emulation of a visionary and God fearing man who relies heavily on the Almighty. A good man whose family, old friends and community are dear to him.
As an Ibadan indegene born in Kano in May 27, 1951, Adedoja had his primary and post primary education in Kano with a summary of his Academic, Political, Public life and Career presented below:
He attended Ansarudeen Primary School Kano, Kano Teachers College, College of Education Abraka in the old Midwest State now Delta State, Obafemi Awolowo University , Ile Ife, Eastern Illinois University, Charleston, Illinois, USA and Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma, USA.
Adedoja was Education Supervisor in Kano, Lecturer at the Kano State College of Education, Gumel, Kano, Physical Education Lecturer at University of Maiduguri, Borno, Dean of the Faculty of Education at Bayero University Kano where he became a Professor at the age of 43. He also supervised several Masters and PHD Students who have gone on to do great things both in Nigeria and the global community at large.
Prof Adedoja’s tenure as Provost of the Federal College of Education Special, Oyo 1996-2002, Chairman of Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board (UBEC), 2005-2006, Oyo State Commissioner for Education 2009-2010, Minister for Sports and Special Duties 2010-2011, Pro Chancellor and Chairman Governing Council of Federal University Dutse from 2014-2015 are clear distinctive achievements.
Adedoja also served as Member of Governing Councils of National Teachers Institute (NTI), National Examinations Council (NECO) Teacher’s Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN), Federal University of Technology, Minna etc. He
was at different times a Consultant to the World Bank, Unicef, UNESCO, British Council, The Association of African Universities, The Commonwealth Foundation and Department of Foreign International Development (DFID) where there have been several testimonies of Prof. Adedoja’s leadership capacity.
Having served on several Accredication teams of accrediting bodies and Visitation Panels of State and Federal Governments, Adedoja has made his marks in the academics circles to have served as a Visiting Professor to several universities in the United Kingdom, USA, Southern Africa and Nigeria.
Prof Adedoja’s citation in “Who is Who” in World leading Educationists is no surprise to any one that comes across the septuagenarian for always bubbling with “out of the box” ideas.
A philanthropist and a Chief in Ibadan land, he is also a recipient of several international awards and scholarships. Having visited over 37 countries and with his successful Academic, Public Service and Political experience.
President Muhammadu Buhari recently appointed Prof Adedoja as Chairman of The Governing Council of Federal College of Education, Obudu in Cross Rivers State apart from another adhoc appointment by Mr President as Chairman of the Presidential visitation panel to the Federal College of Education, Technical, Gusau in Zamfara State.
On his sojourn in Politics, Prof Adedoja on different occasions beginning with 1998 and year 2007; when he emerged Oyo State Governorship Candidate for DPN and AC respectively, has deep understanding of the political terrain of Oyo State and is acknowledged with his thorough understanding of the different parts of Nigeria for his national outlook and acceptability across the country providing a huge asset and advantage to Nigeria.
It is noteworthy to refer to Prof Adedoja’s comments when he left the PDP for APC in 2018 almost as soon as the PDP won the governorship election that his leaving of the party was“ by divine directive”. Now bookmakers are now better informed of Adedoja’s decisions on his sojourn in politics .
Prof. Taoheed Adedoja has never had any high profile birthday ceremony and his 70th birthday which comes up on Children’s Day Thursday May 27, this year 2021 will not be an exception. He prefers a happy moment of prayers and thanks to the Almighty for a fulfilling life of service to humanity. He also prefers his philanthropic activities on his birthday to be entirely private known only between him and God and the God ordained beneficiaries.
With Prof Adedoja’s acceptability across all geo political zones of Nigeria and his deep understanding of the socio economic and political terrain of the country, he is regarded as a true Pan Nigerian who fervently believes in the unity of the country. This attribute is expected of a man who though is a native of Ibadan represented Kano State In the United Kingdom back in 1968 to showcase the unity of Nigeria at a young age of 17 towards the end of the Nigerian civil war . This was made possible by the late Danmasanin Kano, Alhaji Yusuf Maitama Sule who believed in merit than state of origin.
“Behind a successful man is a good woman”it was a gloomy day for Prof Adedoja and his four children; Hakeem, Khafeela, Amina, Rabiat and Rahila when death took his wife and childhood friend, Hadijat Adebisi Adedoja on May 6 2009 in Coventry hospital, UK after a long battle with kidney disease. The pious woman was brought back to Ibadan and laid to rest. The death of his beloved wife left a deep loss for the Professor and family. He is currently blessed with 5 children and 7 grandchildren in his union with his late wife Hadijat.
On May 20 2016, 7 years after the demise of his late wife, Prof Adedoja got married to the daughter of Alhaji Bamang Tukur. His marriage to Jamila has proved to be a stabilizing factor, marking another chapter in Taoheed Adedoja’s life.
A successful “Omo” Ibadan and well rooted in the tradition of the ancient city of Oluyole, Prof. Adedoja, is a member of both Omoajorosun and Oluyole Social Club.He is the Mogaji( Head ) of the Oloosa Igbonna Family in Popoyemoja and a member of the Ansarudeen Islamic Society.
His chairmanship of the 90th birthday celebration of the Olubadan of Ibadan land, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Saliu Akanmu Adetunji, Aje Ogungunniso 1, which was held in year 2017 has always been a reference point in tge testimonials of his roundedness and commitment to showcasing culture in Nigeria.
It is with great and heartfelt cheers that we wish this erudite Professor, a Happy 70th Birthday and great wishes on all his future endeavors!
