As Osun State gradually inches toward another decisive political season, the debate over who is truly worthy to govern has moved beyond party slogans and populist appeal to a more fundamental question: educational preparedness. In a country where governance increasingly demands intellectual depth, administrative competence, and policy literacy, voters are beginning to scrutinize the academic journeys and professional grooming of governorship aspirants. This investigative report examines three prominent figures often associated with Osun’s governorship conversations Ademola Adeleke, Bola Oyebamiji, and Najeem Folasayo Salaam using their educational backgrounds and career experiences as a yardstick for leadership suitability.
Education, while not the sole determinant of leadership success, remains a critical foundation for effective governance. Modern state administration requires familiarity with public finance, lawmaking, economic planning, and social policy. Governors must interpret complex policy documents, negotiate with technocrats, and make evidence-based decisions that affect millions. Against this backdrop, assessing aspirants’ academic pursuits is not elitist; rather, it is a democratic necessity in a system that often suffers from policy inconsistency and weak institutional capacity.
Governor Ademola Nurudeen Adeleke, the incumbent and a key political figure in Osun State, presents one of the most controversial educational narratives among the aspirants. His early education spanned Methodist Primary School, Surulere, Nawarudeen Primary School in Ikire, and secondary education at Seventh Day Adventist Secondary School, Ede, and Ede Muslim Grammar School. He later relocated to the United States, where he enrolled at Jacksonville State University to study criminal justice with a minor in political science. However, questions surrounding the completion and authenticity of his academic records would later trail his political career.
The controversy over Adeleke’s certificates became a defining moment in Osun politics. Allegations of forged secondary school testimonials and inconsistencies in examination records dominated legal and media discourse, raising serious concerns about academic integrity. Although the courts eventually dismissed the forgery charges on the grounds of insufficient proof, the episode exposed gaps in documentation and transparency. In response to these controversies, Adeleke returned to formal education and obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Atlanta Metropolitan State College in 2021, an effort many interpreted as an attempt to regularize his academic standing.
From a governance perspective, Adeleke’s educational path reflects a non-linear trajectory marked by interruptions and public disputes. While his eventual degree acquisition demonstrates resilience and personal commitment to education, critics argue that the timing decades after entering politics raises questions about preparedness prior to assuming high office. Supporters, however, counter that leadership is shaped by lived experience and that Adeleke’s exposure to business administration and public service compensates for earlier academic shortcomings.
Professionally, Adeleke’s career includes executive roles at Guinness Nigeria Plc, Pacific Holdings Limited, and private firms in the United States. These positions suggest familiarity with corporate administration and organizational leadership. Yet, corporate experience does not automatically translate into public sector efficiency, especially in a state grappling with educational decline, youth unemployment, and fiscal constraints. His educational background, while now formally complete, remains one of the most debated among Osun’s political elite.
In contrast, Bola Oyebamiji of the All Progressives Congress presents a more conventional and academically consistent profile. Born in Ikire, Osun State, Oyebamiji’s educational journey began locally and progressed steadily through Ayedaade Grammar School before advancing to tertiary education at The Polytechnic, Ibadan. There, he earned both Ordinary National Diploma and Higher National Diploma in Banking and Finance, grounding him early in financial management and economic principles.
Oyebamiji further strengthened his academic credentials with professional and postgraduate qualifications. He is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers, a distinction that underscores technical competence and ethical training in finance. He also obtained a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Lagos State University and an MBA from the University of Ado-Ekiti. This blend of finance, administration, and management education aligns closely with the practical demands of state governance.
His professional career reinforces this academic foundation. Oyebamiji rose through Nigeria’s banking sector, holding senior management roles at Wema Bank, Trans International Bank, Spring Bank, and Enterprise Bank. In public service, he served as Managing Director of Osun State Investment Company and Commissioner for Finance under two administrations. From an educational standpoint, Oyebamiji’s profile suggests deliberate preparation for public office, with relevant training that directly intersects with budgetary control, revenue generation, and fiscal discipline.
Perhaps the most academically accomplished of the aspirants is Najeem Folasayo Salaam of the African Democratic Congress. Salaam’s educational background is deeply rooted in political science and governance studies. He earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science (Second Class Upper) from Obafemi Awolowo University, followed by a Master’s degree and a PhD in the same discipline, specializing in federalism, ethnic relations, and democratic studies. This academic progression reflects sustained scholarly engagement with Nigeria’s political structure.
Beyond formal degrees, Salaam has participated in leadership and capacity-building programs across the United Kingdom, United States, United Arab Emirates, and Brazil. He is also a published academic, co-authoring the textbook Rudiments of Government and Politics. Such scholarly contributions indicate not only theoretical knowledge but also the ability to communicate governance concepts—an essential skill for democratic leadership and civic education.
Salaam’s legislative experience further complements his academic training. As a former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, he presided over the passage of multiple bills, resolutions, and public hearings. His tenure is often cited for procedural stability and legislative productivity. Critics have questioned the Assembly’s perceived closeness to the executive during his leadership, yet from an educational and experiential standpoint, Salaam appears well-versed in the mechanics of lawmaking and public policy.
When these three profiles are placed side by side, a clear contrast emerges. Adeleke represents a leadership model driven largely by political legacy, personal charisma, and experiential learning, with education playing a corrective rather than foundational role. Oyebamiji embodies technocratic preparation, combining finance-oriented education with administrative experience. Salaam, on the other hand, reflects intellectual and legislative depth, with sustained academic specialization in governance and democracy.
The critical question for Osun voters is whether academic attainment should outweigh political popularity or incumbency advantage. While education alone does not guarantee good governance, the complexity of modern state administration suggests that leaders with relevant academic and professional preparation may be better positioned to design coherent policies, manage public resources, and engage effectively with experts and institutions.