It’s Time to Honour Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola—and Others Like Him
By Jerry Adesewo
Every year, as Nigeria’s honours list rolls out, we are reminded of those who have been remembered—and those who have once again been forgotten. The 2025 Federal Government Honour List followed a now-familiar pattern: a strong tilt toward politicians, political appointees, and individuals with access to proximity and power. While some are certainly deserving, one can’t help but ask: what of the quiet builders of our intellectual and civic foundations? Where are the scholars, the thinkers, the patriots in classrooms rather than cabinet rooms?
READ ALSO: Benue Is Bleeding, And All We Got Was a Blame-Shifting Statement
One such name that should not only have appeared but stood tall among the list is Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola.
Here is a man whose career has been steeped in integrity, sacrifice, and service—yet whose name has been consistently overlooked by successive administrations more interested in rewarding loyalty than legacy. As former Editor-in-Chief of the Faculty of Science Club at the University of Ibadan, Ademola distinguished himself early as a thought leader and advocate for academic excellence. His stewardship of the publication was marked by a clarity of vision, intellectual rigour, and an unrelenting commitment to nurturing student scholarship.
But what sets Professor Ademola apart is not only what he achieved—it is what he gave up. His decision to step down from his role due to his open affiliation with NADECO during the dark days of military rule was an act of profound moral courage. In a time when silence meant safety, he chose to speak. In a time when neutrality meant survival, he chose to take a stand. That is the very definition of patriotism.
Professor Ademola’s life and career have continued in that same trajectory—consistently aligning with values of justice, equity, and intellectual development. Mentored and coordinated at one point by none other than Nobel Laureate Professor Wole Soyinka, Ademola belongs to a tradition of scholar-activists whose contributions cannot be measured in political appointments or bank balances, but in the shaping of thought, conscience, and democratic ideals.
In recognising individuals like Professor Ademola, Nigeria has an opportunity to shift the narrative of national awards from mere patronage to purpose. His omission is not just a personal oversight; it is symbolic of the broader disregard for educators, researchers, civic leaders, and those who shape the moral architecture of our society.
There are hundreds—perhaps thousands—like him across the country. Men and women who have served with dignity and distinction, who have made sacrifices for democracy, nurtured minds, challenged systems, and moved the country forward without fanfare. They deserve more than our applause—they deserve formal, national recognition.
If we are to truly celebrate excellence, then our honours list must go beyond the usual suspects. It must reflect the best of us, not just the most visible. It must reward service, not just status. And it must remind the next generation that there is honour in choosing principle over power.
Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola, Nigeria’s first professor of cyber security and proprietor of the much awaited University of Professional Studies in Igbajo-Ijesha, in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, is not just worthy of a national award—he represents the many who are. Let us honour them while they yet live.
It’s Time to Honour Professor Ojo Emmanuel Ademola—and Others Like HimAdemola—and Others Like Him