Gbemiga Ogunleye Takes A Bow, As NIJ Provost

Five years is long time in a life of any human but such duration can seem short and pass unnoticed when one expends it on fruitful and excellent endeavours. In 2015, Mr Gbemiga Ogunleye, a lawyer and a journalist of repute was appointed as the Provost of the Nigerian institute of journalism, Ikeja, Lagos. He succeeded the energetic and fearsome Elizabeth Nkem who had been the Provost of the institute since its reopening and accreditation as diploma awarding institute in the early 2000s. It was the end of an era.

The preceeding years that followed the emergence of Ogunleye as Provost came to glorious end yesterday as the indefatigable yeoman retires after five years of dedication and tremendous services.

The appointment and assumption of Ogunleye marks the beginning of an era, one many hoped would herald more glory and fame for the institute which was reinvigorated by his predecessor. He only needed to build on the excellent vision and trajectory of his predecessor.

With the sort of achievements and academic accomplishments which Ogunleye curriculum vitae is garnished with, he was no doubt the perfect man for the job, he ticked every box of the kind of character needed to move the institute forward.

He obtained a bachelor’s degree in laws from the University of Lagos and a master’s degree in media and communication from Pan-Atlantic University but received a Post Graduate Diplomas in Journalism. He also received a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Linguistics from the University of Benin

Ogunleye was the pioneer Head of Corporate Communications at Arik Air, a Nigerian airline operating a domestic, regional and international flight network.  He also served as the Deputy Editor-in-Chief of The Punch Newspaper, a Nigerian daily newspaper. He was the director of News and Current Affairs at Television Continental, Nigeria.

With a sterling reputation and impeccable achievement in the private sector, Ogunleye brought his wealth of experience to bear in the management of the institute.

Sooner had he resumed his new position than the institute began to witness splendid changes. He came up with a raft of initiatives and policies to drive the institute forward. His amiable but stern leadership style inspired confidence and gave students and staff a sense of belonging.

Some of his achievements include creating a more conducive atmosphere for students and lecturers to thrive, giving staff a better condition of service and physical revamping of the school and its facilities. He also worked assidiously with stakeholders in the media industry and other sectors in order to put the institute on a strong footing and enviable pedestal.

The heartfelt encomium showered on him on the occasion of his retirement is a testament to the exceptional personality he’s and how remarkable his tenure as provost his.

“Congratulations to my mentor, uncle and outstanding leader, Gbemiga Ogunleye as he exit NIJ.” Jide Johnson, who served as Ogunleye deputy between 2015 and 2020, wrote “You came to NIJ & changed everything for good.Your integrity is exceptional, your commitment is infectious; your love for others is pure & your service to humanity is sacrificial. I adore you. Thank you.”

Aside from his successful reign as NIJ Provost, Ogunleye is an household name in the Nigeria media industry. As a media scholar and veteran journalist, his contribution to the profession is immeasurable.

As you sign out as the provost of that great citadel of knowledge, the EkoHotBlog publisher wishes goodluck in your future endeavours. May the achievements of this past years be the average of future accomplishments.

It’s also our belief that his successor would build on his spectacular achievement and continue on the path of greatness Ogunleye has set the institute on.