Not resting on his oars, Dr. Bolaji Ojo-Oba has proved right the axiom that age is not a barrier to learning.
Recently, 71-year-old Dr. Ojo-Oba went viral on social media platforms especially TikTok. A video shared by his daughter Rihanot Ojo-Oba showed the septuagenarian in class with other colleagues.
Earlier this year, he was among the 4,430 newly admitted students for the 2025/2026 academic session at University of Ibadan. He was formally matriculated during the university’s ceremony in March 2026.
Law Studies
Studying at an advanced age in Nigeria is a powerful testament to lifelong learning, defying cultural stereotypes, and proving that the quest for knowledge has no expiration date.
According to him, he returned back to study law because of his lifelong ambition goal and the impact of a prolonged legal battle during his tenure at the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).
Dr. Ojo-Oba’s illustrious career spans several decades, during which he has demonstrated exceptional leadership, versatility, and expertise.
Ojo-Oba who hails from Ibadanland in Oyo State was born on 7 January, 1955. Last year, he marked his 70th birthday anniversary amid pomp and ceremony.
He obtained his first degree in French from the University of Lagos and Master’s in the same discipline from the same University.
He later earned his Master’s and Doctorate in Sports Administration from the University of Ibadan.
Profile
A cursory look at Ojo-Oba’s intimidating and enriching profile reveals a man who did not stumble on stardom by accident but intricately sketched his way to the top. It was a hard climb, assisted by perseverance.
Ojo-Oba started his career in the civil service in 1989 as a Senior Bilingual Secretary of the NSC.
He became the Head of NFA’s International Competitions Department from 1990 to 1992 before later becoming the Head of Department of Competitions from 1992 to 1995.
Ojo-Oba later became NFA’s Head of Marketing and Sponsorship Department in 1995 before becoming an officer in the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Planning till 1997.
He later became the Commissioner for Information, Youth, Sports and Culture in Oyo State from 1997 to 1999.
Ojo-Oba afterwards rose to the post of an Assistant Director, Federal Ministry of Sports And Social Development from 2004 to 2005.
NFF Sec-Gen
He served as Secretary-General of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) from January 15, 2007 to July 26, 2010.
He was for many years a security chieftain for both Confederation of African Football (CAF) and FIFA which he served meritoriously.
Throughout his career, Dr Ojo-Oba has exhibited a commitment to excellence, serving in various capacities, especially as a member of the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA) Committees.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
