In an era when institutions seek role models of consistency and credibility, his life offers a template: build competence, serve faithfully, mentor generously, and lead with integrity
By Ayo Arowojolu
Today is the 76th birthday of one of Nigeria’s foremost distinguished scholars whose life is a reflection of integrity, morality, humility and service, Prof Olufemi Onabajo.
A Professor of professors fondly called Baba by his several mentees, his leadership trajectory includes serving years ago as Vice-Chancellor of Lead City University, Ibadan where he provided steady academic and administrative direction during a formative period in the Institution’s growth.
Baba, being an all-rounder, an authority, with proven practical experience in the media, print journalism, broadcast media, and the world of public relations and advertising, and not forgetting his academic sojourn which started as lecturer at the University of Lagos, Akoka, has been everywhere and in very high demand across many universities in Nigeria.
To mention just a few, Prof Onabajo has held strategic academic positions, contributing to academic scholarship, curriculum development, accreditation processes, and institutional strengthening at Caleb University, Imota and presently at Chrisland University, Abeokuta where he is Head of Department of Mass Communication.
He is a well-established Nigerian scholar in mass communication, with leadership experience in higher education and a strong background in media practice and research.
At 76, Prof. Olufemi Onabajo stands as a symbol of dedication to knowledge, faith, and national development. His journey reflects a rare blend of practice and theory, leadership and scholarship, intellect and character.
In an era when institutions seek role models of consistency and credibility, his life offers a template: build competence, serve faithfully, mentor generously, and lead with integrity.
His area of specialty is in Mass Communication and Media Technology. In his work career spanning almost five decades, Baba has worked in major Nigerian media organisations, including the Ogun State Broadcasting Corporation in the early 1980’s and the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), where he rose to become Controller of News and Current Affairs before moving into academia.
He also worked in media and corporate communication roles particularly at Eleganza Nigeria Limited. Starting his academic sojourn, Prof. Onabajo worked as a Lecturer and Senior Lecturer before becoming a Professor of Mass Communication.
He has authored many scholarly works, with several dozens of academic publications and books cutting across broadcasting, public relations, advertising, media law, research and communication theory. He has contributed to significantly strengthening Mass Communication as a discipline in Nigeria.
Prof. Onabajo is a member of professional bodies like the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations and the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria.
He is also active in his Ijebu community as a Venerable in the Anglican Communion.
Today at Chrisland University, a small cake-cutting event holds, organized by colleagues, mentees and students, to celebrate not just his age, but the depth of his impact, praying that his legacies continue to illuminate generations yet unborn.
•Opinions, positions or thoughts expressed here are personal and strictly of the writer/author and do not represent the views of The Daily Crucible
