Kunle Adelabu
The conferment of doctorate (PhD., Earth Sciences) on Nurudeen Alowonle Oshinlaja, today, by the Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom, where he doubles as a researcher in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, attracted celebrations in his home town, Igbogbo, Igbogbo/Bayeku Local Council Development Area (LCDA), in Ikorodu Division of Lagos State, Southwest, Nigeria.
His doctoral research was enabled and funded by the Cardiff University Vice- Chancellor’s International Scholarships for Research Excellence.
Oshinlaja, who involved in youth mobilization, community development and students’ activism in his home town before going abroad to pursuit academic excellence, graduated top of his Applied Physics (Geophysics) class, 2003, attaining a 55⁵⁵þBachelor of Science (BSc) First Class Honours degree from the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria.
He holds a Master of Science (MSc) Distinction degree from the University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom. However, sciences are not just the forte of cerebral Oshinlaja, he is also an Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) with core competency in audit and internal controls, corporate governance, taxation and financial analysis and reporting.
The scholar, who deployed his intelligence and resources in leading the campaign team of a prominent Igbogbo youth, Hameed Olalekan Aroyewu (HOA) who aspired for the Ikorodu Constituency II seat in the Lagos State House of Assembly in the last general elections, as the Director – General, is currently serving in the same capacity for the LeAP management, a political and community development platform in Igbogbo.
The former aspirant for the Assembly seat, Hameed Olalekan Aroyewun (HOA), in his congratulatory message to the Doctor of Earth Sciences, said that Oshinlaja has made the entire Igbogbo people proud.
He commended him for his scholarship feat, truthfulness, love for Igbogbo despite that he is in diaspora.
“Congratulations for successfully completing your Ph.D., and making us all proud. You have always been so dedicated and sure, it is very inspiring indeed”, he said.
“Your long-cherished dream of becoming a Ph.D. holder has finalyly come true. Many congratulations on your success. You’ve inspired all of us, not only to dream but also to work hard to achieve them.
“You left no stone unturned in these years and I want you to know that I am extremely proud of you. You are outstanding in many ways; a first class product from UNILAG, distinction in your master’s degree and excellently earned your PhD.
“You are a man of noble character and integrity, Nuru never says yes in the morning and says another thing in the night, which is common amongst our people now. Despite being in the diaspora, his contribution at home is excellent. He contributes handsomely to any project that will bring development to the community. Dr.NURUDEEN Oshinlaja is a special being who is a dependable and reliable ally”, Aroyewun said.
Comrade Kazeem Ogunmuyiwa, President, Igbogbo Youth Coalition (IYC), the umbrella body of youths in Igbogbo, said that the Dr Oshinlaja is an exceptional scholar, and a rare breed who value education as a tool to liberate the society.
“It takes only the exceptional supernatural beings to develop a zeal, carefully calculated steps, assertiveness and all prerequisites needed to achieve sterling achievements of this world”, he said.
“We find all pleasure, the amazing pride in expressing, whilst celebrating the rare achievement of our consigliere of invaluable personality; reality of his lifetime since childhood in Itun-Abosan, through his primary, secondary, University of Lagos where he bagged First Class Honours in Applied Physics (Geophysics), as well as journey for Masters Degree in University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, Birmingham, United Kingdom with distinction in Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (Hydrogeology); that he is a very rare breed, goal getter who values education as the only tool to librate society, the only instrument to achieve an egalitarian society.
“Congratulations to Nurudeen Oshinlaja, PhD.”
The scholar’s younger brother who is the Supervisory Councilor for Environment, Igbogbo/Bayeku LCDA, Mr Dauda, spoke with THE IMPACT on behalf of the family, saying that they are proud of his feat.
“Congratulations on getting your Ph.D.! I’m so proud of you, and on behalf of the whole family, please, accept our sincere congratulations. Cheers”.
Barr. Adeleke Aroyewun, General Secretary, LeAP Management and the Public Relations Officer who shared a personal relationship with the newest doctor, described him as a man of many parts and a genius who is committed to good causes.
“I celebrate my mentor, brother, my DG and CEO, on the attainment of his excellent feat, Doctoral Degree”, he said.
“Mr Nurudeen Oshinlaja is a man of many parts and a prominent genius. He is reputed to possess that excellent hand that turns everything he touches to gold.
“For his close associates and mentees, we are not surprised at his consistent success. His determination is unrivaled and his commitment towards every cause he believes in is unparalleled.
“I congratulate him on this particular achievement. I can only thank him for always making us proud and raising the bar high”, Adeleke said.
Another prominent figure in in Igbogbo, Mr Faniyi Tolulope O., in his own congratulatory message said that Dr Oshinlaja has proven to be a leader with the feat achieved.
“Congratulations on your trailblazing achievement. I wish you all the best Dr. Nurudeen Oshinlaja. You have proven over time to be a pacesetter”, he said.
“I celebrate you on this special achievement. Continue to Soar”.
Nurudeen Alowonle Oshinlaja; PhD, ACA: Profile In Brief
On 19th July 2023, Nurudeen Alowonle Oshinlaja is conferred with a doctorate (PhD, Earth Sciences) by the Cardiff University, Cardiff, United Kingdom where he doubles as a researcher in the School of Earth and Environmental Sciences. His doctoral research was enabled and funded by the Cardiff University Vice- Chancellor’s International Scholarships for Research Excellence.
Dr Oshinlaja deploys analytical modelling, numerical modelling, and empirical evidence to better understand spatiotemporal vagaries of aquifer systems under the research themes of Geostatistics, Hydrogeophysics, Hydrogeology, and Thermogeology.
Nurudeen was born in Igbogbo to the family of Late (Chief) Lamidi Salu Oshinlaja and Mrs Enitan Oshinlaja. He grew up in the Ayegbami, Itungodo, and Itunabosan areas of the idyllic Igbogbo kingdom (the Land of Cool Beauty) which remains a major conurbation of the sprawling Ikorodu kingdom.
He attended Ansar-Ur-Deen Primary School (AUD), Igbogbo for his formative education. He had his secondary school education at Zumratul Islamiyyah Grammar School (ZIGS), Igbogbo where he was numerate, brilliant, unassuming, and held leadership positions including Head Prefect (Male) at ZIGS in 1996. He graduated top of his Applied Physics (Geophysics) class, 2003, gaining a Bachelor of Science (BSc) First Class Honours degree of the University of Lagos, Lagos, Nigeria. He holds a Master of Science (MSc) Distinction degree from the University of Birmingham, Edgbaston, United Kingdom. Amazingly, Nurudeen is an Associate Chartered Accountant (ACA) with core competency in audit and internal controls, corporate governance, taxation, and financial analysis and reporting.
Nurudeen had stints as a General Mathematics, Further Mathematics, and Physics Teacher at Homat Comprehensive College, Igbogbo, and Noble Stars College, Ikorodu. He also served as a Management Consultant at Spring Fountain Consulting, Lagos; a Scientific Officer at the Federal Ministry of Power and Steel, Abuja; and an Assistant Banking Officer at Zenith Bank Plc.
Nurudeen served meritoriously as Director of Studies (1999 to 2001), and President (2002) of the Igbogbo Students’ Union (ISU). He contributes greatly to the impeccable relevance ISU enjoys today. He is currently an active member of Igbogbo Youth Coalition (IYC). His selfless contributions to community development are widely recognized. He is the President, Class of ‘96, Zumratul Islamiyyah Grammar School Old Students Association (ZIGSOSA). He leads the LeAP Management Team (a political interest group which is undergoing reorganisation) as the Director General. Nurudeen mentors a few young persons including undergraduates who are doing exceptionally well.
Nurudeen dedicates his doctoral thesis to his wife, Mrs Aminat Abolore Oshinlaja, and children: Ramadhan Adetayo, Reehannah Ayomikun, and Rofeeq Adekunmi. The thesis also acknowledges his home town, Igbogbo, the Oshinlaja family, community leaders, and friends.
