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Reveals His New Life As Visiting Professor
+Why He Chose To Go Back To School
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Plans To Set Up A Policy Institute
Dr. Kayode Fayemi, the immediate past Governor of Ekiti State and one time Minister of Mines & Steel Development is in a happy mood right now. He clocked 59 last Friday 9th February, 2024 and he was celebrated all over by friends and well wishers. One of those who felicitated with Fayemi on his 59th birthday was Mr. Biodun Oyebanjo, his immediate successor.
Gov. Oyebanji in a statement expressed gratitude to God for sparing Dr. Fayemi’s life to witness another birthday in good health, sound mind and excellent spirit.
The Governor said Dr. Fayemi is a beneficiary of immense grace of God judging by the great achievements God has helped him to attain in academics, politics and public service, at a relatively young age. He noted that history would be kind to Dr. Fayemi for using public office as a means of selfless service to Ekiti State, Nigeria and at the global level.
He described the former Governor as an exemplary leader, a strategist, a bridge builder, a mentor who believes in the ability of his mentee’s, passionate believer in greater Ekiti, as well as an incurable optimist in the greatness of Nigerian nation. He added that the former Governor’s legacies as a Visionary leader are quite visible in key sectors of the state.
He described him as a man of Honour from the land of Honour. Gov. Oyebanji commended the ex-Governor for still working for the State and offering useful suggestions which have brought additional value. He prayed God to grant the former Governor long life, good health and sound mind to offer more service to makind and accelerated divine fulfillment of his wishes as a befitting birthday gift.
A few days ago City People got Dr. Kayode Fayemi to reflect on his life at 59.
How does he feel as a new Chapter opens? What are his thoughts? “Age is really a number and you’re often as old as you feel. This has been a relatively quiet birthday, even though I did not succeed in avoiding the attention of friends, family and political associates even though I’m far away in the UK. As for how I feel, I feel great and thankful to God for life, for good health, and for the opportunity to reflect and spend time out of the public glare.” He has been of the political scene since he left office. What has he been up to?
“Well, I don’t think I’m off the political scene. I’m off public office but still very much a political animal. But I get the drift of your question. I’m back in academia as a Visiting Professor in the School of Global Affairs at King’s College, London, my alma mater. That’s why I’m spending more time in London. So I’m reading, writing, teaching, reflecting on many things. My time in public office, the place of Africa in the shifting global dynamics and preparing the groundwork for my Policy Institute. You know I love London. This is my city and you used to hang out with me here in those days. So, it’s good to be back here.”
How does he feel about the performance of his successor? Does he feel happy that his successor has been able to sustain the tempo? “My successor has been doing a great job in Ekiti. He has continued from where I stopped without skipping a beat. And our state is the better for it. I really have no worries about his performance in office. He’s living up to my expectations and surpassing my expectations in many areas.”
Over the last few months Dr. Kayode Fayemi has been back in his natural terrain. He has been teaching in a UK University. Not too long ago, the Lagos State University conferred an Honorary Doctorate degree of Humane Letters him for services in human rights, national integration and security in Africa. Honoured alongside Fayemi was his brother Governor, Babatunde Raji Fashola, former Governor of Lagos State and former Speaker of House of Representatives and current Chief of Staff to the President, Mr Femi Gbajabiamila amongst others in the well attended ceremony conducted by the Visitor to the University, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the LASU campus.
It surprised many who know Fayemi closely that he accepted the honour. Fayemi, who earned a PhD in War/Strategic Studies from King’s College, University of London 30 years ago, has consistently refused to accept honorary degrees and chieftaincy titles throughout his time in office as Governor and Minister, appealing often that those who believed he’s worthy of such honour should wait till he’s no longer in office.
As an academic, Fayemi has often excoriated the bastardisation of honorary degrees in Nigeria. He has also urged universities to be scrupulous in the award of such degrees. When asked why he accepted the LASU honour, he said it was a pleasant surprise. “First, I’m no longer in office, so no one could accuse the University of doing this for gratification. Second, fellow honorees are all worthy and accomplished. Third, no one approached me from LASU prior to the award. The first time I heard of it was when the Vice Chancellor wrote to inform me of the honour. So, the process appeared to have been all above board.”
What many may not know is that this honour also fits very well into Fayemi’s current circumstances. Very few are aware that since leaving office, Fayemi has been back in his alma mater, King’s College, University of London, as a Visiting Professor in the Africa Leadership Centre of King’s College School of Global Affairs. Congratulations once again to the former Governor turned Teacher.
