Recently, I awoke to a brief but urgent text: “Uche, call me as soon as you get this.” The sender was none other than Professor Tunde Adeniran, the former Minister of Education. In earlier years, we frequently met to exchange views on Nigeria’s political landscape, particularly focusing on the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Our last encounter, however, was two years ago under somber circumstances-at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Jabi, Abuja, during the Service of Songs for the late Professor Fred Onyeoziri, who was both my mentor and a close associate of Professor Adeniran.
Before you question why a distinguished scholar like Professor Adeniran would reach out to a humble journalist like me, it’s important to mention that I was once his student at the University of Ibadan.
Reconnecting with my former professor brought back fond memories of those vibrant days-before the upheavals that President Buhari’s administration brought to Nigeria. Anyone who has lived here since 2015 knows the profound impact, and even if unfamiliar, their finances will attest to it. When I returned his call, his signature blend of wit and warmth came through immediately: “Uche, how have you been? Have you left Nigeria for good?” Classic Tunde Adeniran!
One of the most striking revelations from our chat was his upcoming 80th birthday, set for Monday, September 29, 2025. Reaching such a milestone is extraordinary, especially considering the declining life expectancy in this region, particularly among men. What’s even more impressive is that Professor Adeniran is approaching this landmark in excellent health-mentally sharp and physically robust, much like a vintage wine that only improves with age.
There is ample cause to celebrate this remarkable Nigerian and global intellectual. As a proud son of Ekiti State-a region he was instrumental in establishing-the celebrations will undoubtedly be grand, with heartfelt tributes to a scholar whose wisdom has nourished generations for over sixty years.
As an educator, Professor Adeniran has inspired countless students, many of whom have risen to prominence as professors or leaders in various sectors. Renowned for his expertise in International Relations and Strategic Studies, his mastery in teaching Theories of International Relations was unparalleled. I never recall him missing a single lecture, whether at the undergraduate or postgraduate level. This was in stark contrast to some lecturers of the era who often skipped classes, only to cram lessons before exams. Adeniran’s professionalism, discipline, and consistency set him apart. Before retiring from the University of Ibadan, he held significant roles, including Head of the Political Science Department.
His scholarly output has been prolific and impactful. Beyond guiding numerous PhD candidates, his intellectual legacy includes a wealth of publications: journal articles, conference presentations, policy papers, monographs, and influential books such as Introduction to International Relations (1983), International Violence (co-authored with Yonah Alexander, 1983), Politics of Wole Soyinka (1994), Fate and Faith (2015), Africa’s Security Challenges in the 21st Century (2020), and Policy Making and International Security (2023). To commemorate his 80th birthday, he has authored two new books, and a festschrift titled Intellection and Global Governance-a collection of essays by Nigerian and international scholars-has been published in his honor.
Professor Adeniran’s influence extends well beyond academia. After earning his PhD from Columbia University, he served at the United Nations before returning to Nigeria to contribute to national development. As Secretary of the Mass Mobilization for Self-Reliance, Social Justice, and Economic Recovery (MAMSER)-a pivotal initiative launched by General Ibrahim Babangida-he traveled extensively across Nigeria, rallying citizens toward a renewed political ethos. While his colleague, Professor Jerry Gana, was the public face of MAMSER, it was Adeniran’s strategic leadership that powered the organization’s success.
His public service record is extensive: he was a member of the Committee on Nigerian National Defence Policy for the year 2000, served on the Advisory Committee on Foreign Affairs (1983-1985), participated in the Political Bureau (1986-1987), and contributed to the Ondo State Economic Advisory Council (1980-1983).
In the political arena, Adeniran brought a rare blend of integrity and intellect. Joining partisan politics in 1998 as a founding member of the PDP, he helped establish the party’s presence in the South-West, a region then hesitant to embrace the PDP. In 1999, he ran for governor of Ekiti State under the PDP banner but was defeated by Chief Niyi Adebayo of the Alliance for Democracy (AD). Despite this setback, he earned lasting respect for his principled, people-centered approach. His political journey advanced to the federal level when President Olusegun Obasanjo appointed him Minister of Education (1999-2001). Later, from 2004 to 2007, he served with distinction as Nigeria’s Ambassador to Germany. Though a skilled diplomat, his heart remained with Ekiti, where he longed to reconnect with his roots.
Before the 2015 general elections, President Goodluck Jonathan entrusted him with the role of Deputy Director-General of the Jonathan/Sambo Presidential Campaign Organisation. Despite internal sabotage and factional challenges within the PDP, Adeniran’s reliability and discretion stood firm. Known for his reserved nature, he has never publicly divulged the intricacies of that turbulent period, responding only with a knowing smile when pressed.
Earlier ambitions to lead the PDP-as National Secretary and later National Chairman-were thwarted by the party’s entrenched culture of impunity. Many observers believe that sidelining Adeniran contributed to the PDP’s decline, especially after the 2017 party convention, where delegates were reportedly influenced by monetary inducements to favor his opponent. Disillusioned, Adeniran resigned from the PDP’s Board of Trustees, joined the Social Democratic Party (SDP), and eventually stepped back from active politics.
As he celebrates his 80th year, Professor Adeniran stands as a beacon of faith and intellect. A devoted elder of the Methodist Church of Nigeria, his life has been guided by meritocracy and divine providence. From his early days at the United Nations, through a distinguished academic career, to his impactful roles in politics and diplomacy, he has consistently championed the principle that societies thrive best when governed by merit.
Happy 80th birthday, Professor Adeniran. May your wellspring of wisdom continue to inspire generations to come.
– Uche Ugboajah, political scientist and Editor-in-Chief of Ikengaonline. Contact: [email protected]
