In a move blending academia with political ambition, the All Progressives Congress (APC) flagbearer for the upcoming Osun State governorship election has enrolled for a doctoral degree at one of Nigeria's premier universities.
Academic Pursuit Amidst Political Campaign
Asiwaju Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, the APC's candidate for the 2026 Osun State off-cycle election, officially commenced a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) programme in Public Administration and Governance at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. The candidate publicly announced this significant step on his verified social media account on X, framing it as a strategic investment in knowledge rather than a quest for additional honorifics.
Oyebamiji, a former Commissioner for Finance in Osun State and erstwhile Managing Director of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), was clear about his motivation. He stated that the decision is fundamentally driven by a need to strengthen his capacity for leadership and public service. "This moment is not about adding titles, but about deepening capacity," he declared.
Lifelong Learning as a Governance Tool
Elaborating on his philosophy, the governorship aspirant connected academic rigor to effective governance. "Leadership and governance must continually be strengthened by knowledge," Oyebamiji asserted. He argued that societal transformation does not occur by accident but through deliberate investment in ideas, systems and people.
He presented his educational journey as a continuous preparation for service. His academic portfolio includes:
- A Higher National Diploma in Banking and Finance from The Polytechnic, Ibadan.
- A Master’s degree in Public Administration from Lagos State University.
- An MBA from the University of Ado-Ekiti.
Furthermore, he is a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria. "Each stage has further sharpened my understanding of institutions, development, and responsible leadership," he added.
The doctoral programme, he noted, is a testament to his commitment to lifelong learning, which he deems essential for tackling modern governance challenges. "This doctoral programme reinforces my commitment to continuous personal development as a tool for collective social engineering," Oyebamiji explained.
Setting an Example for the Youth
Beyond personal development, the APC candidate positioned his academic pursuit as a symbolic act for Nigerian youth. "In a society where many young people are searching for direction, I hope this decision speaks clearly: education is not a phase; it is a lifelong responsibility," he stated.
He concluded his announcement by expressing gratitude to God, his family, mentors, and supporters, firmly linking his pursuit of knowledge to his overarching commitment to public service. The move sets a distinctive precedent as the 2026 election cycle in Osun State begins to take shape, highlighting the evolving intersection of advanced education and political leadership in Nigeria.
