A detailed profile of Professor Adeleke A. Oyende, distinguished economist, scholar and proud member of the RSS Silver Jubilee Set. Explore his academic journey, public service contributions and lifelong commitment to community and excellence.
PERSONALITY OF THE WEEK
PROFESSOR ADELEKE ADEDAPO OYENDE
Professor Adeleke A. Oyende carries the kind of story that makes you pause for a moment because it stretches across places, eras and the quiet determination of a man who kept choosing excellence every step of the way. His journey begins on Lagos Island where he was born on Thursday, 24 July 1958 at Odufege Street near the old Corona Cinema in the lively Itafaji market area. He would eventually grow into a proud husband and father of four children who have each carved paths of their own in different professional fields. His roots tie back to Ogun State with a father from Idomole quarters and a mother from Iwaye quarters in Ikenne.
His early education followed a steady and disciplined progression that hinted at the remarkable academic story that was to come. He started at St Johns School in Aroloya on Lagos Island from 1964 to 1970 before moving on to Remo Secondary School Sagamu from 1971 to 1975. He belongs to the 1971 to 1975 Class Set which carries the special name Silver Jubilee Set because the group entered the school during its twenty fifth anniversary of existence. It is a detail he still recalls with pride.
After completing his secondary education he moved on to Methodist Boys High School on Broad Street Lagos for his Higher School Certificate between 1979 and 1981. His brilliance opened the next big door when he earned a Federal Government Scholarship to study in the European part of the former Soviet Union. His academic adventure took him first to Kharkov in Ukraine and later to Minsk the capital of Belarus. Between 1981 and 1987 he completed both his BSc and MSc degrees in Economics at the Byelorussian State Institute of National Economy in Minsk with a special focus on National Economic Planning.
When his scholarship ended he returned to Nigeria in 1987 for the National Youth Service Corps. After his orientation at Yaba College of Technology he served in Lagos State particularly in the defunct Allied Bank. Life brief as it was in those early years had more plans for him. In 1990 he competed for another Federal Government Scholarship and won again this time for a doctoral degree in Economics. He returned to Belarus and on Friday 17 February 1995 he completed his doctorate specializing in Fuel and Energy Resources with concentration in Petroleum Economics.
What followed was a long and interesting path marked by work in business banking industry operations teaching scholarship and public service. Over time he had worked in several sectors during the periods between his studies. In the mid nineteen nineties he became a manufacturers representative for Belarusian and European products such as wristwatches jewelry and home appliances. In 1998 he briefly partnered with the Belarus government on chartered flight operations alongside Professor Hassan Baba an agricultural engineer and respected researcher.
Even with his varied ventures he eventually returned to the path that best aligned with his academic gifts. He embraced lecturing and research with a full heart. In 2003 and 2004 he taught as an Adjunct Lecturer in the Postgraduate Economics Programme at Lagos State University. Later he took up career lecturing roles in other institutions including Crawford University in Igbesa Ogun State where he served at different times as Head of Department of Economics for a combined six years as well as Acting Dean of the Postgraduate School. His contributions to research are extensive with many published academic papers to his name. His work has earned multiple awards and recognition both within academia and in service to humanity.
One of the notable highlights of his public service career came between 2016 and 2019 when he served as Senior Special Assistant on Agriculture to Governor Ibikunle Amosun. In the Ministry of Agriculture he became a key member and later Vice Chairman of the Ogun State Committee overseeing land acquisition for agricultural purposes. His dedication to policy and development work during this period remains commendable.
His intellectual footprint extends to authorship. He has written two respected textbooks used widely in academic circles. Managerial Economics published by Philglad Publishing Company. And Management of Multinational Corporations also published by Philglad.
Long before all these accomplishments he was a vibrant student in Remo Secondary School. His extracurricular involvement says it all. He was a leading member of the Literary and Debating Society. A member of the Think Tank Club. A proud player for the 1974 to 1975 School Male Hockey Team. And an enthusiastic volleyball and table tennis player. He was one of those students who blended intellect with sportsmanship and social curiosity.
His closest friends during his school years form a list that carries both warmth and nostalgia. Rotimi Ogunyanwo in the United Kingdom. Tobi Oduyale. Ope Sokoya. Kehinde Oyetubo. Kehinde Somoye in the United States. Wale Oduwole. Abiodun Sokoya who sadly passed early. Abiodun Olowoselu also lost early. And Taiwo Ademosu who passed in 2025. The bond among the surviving members remains strong. They are active members of the 1971 to 1975 set and continue to excel in their respective fields. Every now and then they share memories of their days in school and celebrate one another whenever the occasion calls.
His favourite food is a classic combination that speaks to his roots and personality. Ofada rice with dark pepper based stew accompanied by moin moin fried plantain and assorted meat. He also gravitates toward the colours burgundy and orange and often enjoys both when paired together.
A few quotes guide his worldview. The one who tries falls and gets up is stronger than the one who never tries attributed to Confucius. The greatness of a nation can be judged by the way its animals are treated drawn from the words of Mahatma Gandhi. And Action may not always bring happiness but there is no happiness without action from William James. These quotes reflect the steady discipline and humane vision that define him.
Looking back on his alma mater Professor Oyende still remembers his favourite teacher Mr Akinsola who taught History in 1973 and helped strengthen his vocabulary. His best subject was Economics which eventually became his lifelong profession. Among his favourite memories is the tense football match during the Western State Principal Cup in 1972 between Remo Secondary School and Mayflower School. The game ended in a draw but the rivalry and the energy of the students on both sides left a lasting impression.
Today Professor Adeleke A. Oyende is a respected figure in academic social and community circles. He serves as Treasurer of the Soyuzniki Alumni Association Nigerian chapter. He is a member of the Belarusniki Alumni Association worldwide. Assistant General Secretary of Inner Circle Club Ikenne. Giwa Samosangudu of IbukunOluwa Association in Ikenne. A notable member of the Araromi Association in which the late Alaperu King Basibo once belonged. He also holds leadership roles in the Christian Brothers Association and the Christian Movement Association of Our Saviours Anglican Church in both Isolo Lagos and Ikenne Ogun State.
Professor Oyende represents what it means to build a life through resilience purposeful learning and service to community. His story stands as an inspiring reminder that every stage of growth presents its own opportunities and that the pursuit of knowledge can light the path to a life of impact.