Dr. Gbenga Adegbola, a retired military Colonel, humanitarian, and gubernatorial hopeful under the All Progressives Congress (APC), was on Friday honoured by student bodies and political stakeholders alike during the commissioning of the newly renovated Parliamentarian Building at Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo.
The edifice, now rechristened the “Dr. Gbenga Adegbola Parliamentarian Building,” underwent a comprehensive refurbishment and technological upgrade solely through the personal initiative and funding of Dr. Adegbola. The facility is expected to serve as a critical hub for legislative simulation, academic discourse, and student leadership development within the university.
The unveiling event attracted an array of dignitaries, including top university officials, student leaders, and local political figures. In a rare bipartisan display, the Student Legislative Council of the university, led by its Speaker, Hon. Jude Timony, convened a special plenary session to commemorate the commissioning. During this session, the council passed a unanimous resolution to rename the structure in honour of Dr. Adegbola, citing his “unwavering commitment to educational development and transformative youth leadership.”
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Adegbola reaffirmed his vision for a knowledge-based society and stressed the indispensable role of education in national transformation. “Leadership is nurtured, not stumbled upon,” he remarked. “It is within institutions like this that the future architects of Nigeria must be trained, empowered, and supported.”
In a parallel engagement, Dr. Adegbola hosted an interactive session with staff and students from the Oke-Ogun region, a constituency to which he has long-standing familial and developmental ties. In what could be interpreted as both a political endorsement and a cultural affirmation, the attendees of the town hall passed a vote of confidence in his gubernatorial aspiration for 2027. Many described his candidacy as one rooted in authenticity, regional equity, and a deep understanding of educational policy.
Further solidifying his standing within academic and youth circles, Dr. Adegbola was conferred with an Award of Honour by the National Universities Education Students Association (NUESA), presented by its national leader, Senator Adeniyi Makinde. The award, which recognized his “exceptional contributions to education and youth advocacy,” was followed by an even more symbolic gesture.
The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Oyo State Joint Campus Committee (JCC), under the leadership of Comrade Rtr Tiamiyu Taiwo Ademola, conferred upon Dr. Adegbola the title of “Patron of Oyo Students.” In his emotional address, Comrade Ademola stated, “You are not just a benefactor; you are a father to all Oyo students. Your actions go beyond politics—they speak of vision, sacrifice, and commitment to youth emancipation.”
The day’s engagements concluded with a political strategy session at Fasola, Oyo West Local Government Area, where Dr. Adegbola met with APC stakeholders to further articulate his policy roadmap for the 2027 election cycle. Discussions reportedly focused on education reform, security, rural infrastructure, and youth inclusion—pillars central to his emerging campaign agenda.
As the 2027 gubernatorial contest begins to take shape, Dr. Adegbola’s activities signal the early consolidation of both grassroots support and institutional goodwill. His blend of military discipline, philanthropic track record, and educational advocacy is positioning him as a candidate capable of bridging the generational and developmental gap in Oyo State politics
