In Southwest, Nigeria, 64-year old tertiary institution, the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in Osun State, has conferred on Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, its prestigious OAU Award of Excellence in Public Service.
The award recognised the Minister’s outstanding contributions to governance, national security, and public administration.
Described in his citation as a distinguished and accomplished individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in various fields, Tunji-Ojo has spent over 17 years shaping both public and private sector landscapes in Nigeria.
“Tunji-Ojo’s commitment to institutional growth, human capital development, and economic progress has significantly impacted the country’s growth, and his influential role in shaping policy and legislative reforms has continued to improve the quality of services delivered to Nigerians,” the award citation noted.
According to the University, the award recognises his exceptional contributions to institutional reform, and public service delivery. The Minister was lauded as a distinguished and accomplished individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership and expertise in various fields.
Tunji-Ojo’s Transformational Leadership Recognised
Since his appointment as Minister of Interior in August 2023, Tunji-Ojo has overseen reforms across agencies under his ministry, including the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS), and Federal Fire Service (FFS).
His initiatives include the review of standard operating procedures and the full automation of passport and visa acquisition processes, allowing Nigerians to complete applications online.
In a historic move to boost staff morale and career progression, Tunji-Ojo approved the promotion of 32,361 personnel in 2023, reaching a total of 53,228 promotions by September 2024, setting unprecedented records across the Ministry.
Celebrating Leadership and Innovation in Public Service
At just 24, he became the Chief Executive Officer of Matrix IT Solutions Limited, one of Nigeria’s leading indigenous consulting firms. His professional reach spans critical sectors including Oil and Gas, Information Technology, Agriculture, Finance, Management Consultancy, Manufacturing, and Research.
An alumnus of London Metropolitan University, Tunji-Ojo holds a master’s degree in Digital Communication and Networking. He also earned early recognition in cybersecurity, becoming one of the first Certified Ethical Hackers from the Royal Britannia Training Academy in the United Kingdom before turning 24.
Prior to his appointment as Minister of Interior, he consulted for top-tier government and international institutions, including the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB), World Bank, Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, JAMB, and the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education.
Commitment to Human Capital and National Development
Before assuming ministerial responsibilities, Tunji-Ojo served as a Member of the House of Representatives, representing Akoko North-East/North-West Federal Constituency. His tenure was marked by significant infrastructure development, including schools, healthcare centres, and rural road networks.
As Chairman of the House Committee on the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), he was lauded for spearheading anti-corruption reforms and promoting youth empowerment through strategic appointments.
Throughout his career, Dr. Tunji-Ojo’s dedication to policy reform, human capital development, and national progress has left an indelible mark on Nigeria’s public sector.
According to experts and industry leaders, the OAU Award of Excellence recognises not only his professional achievements but also his unwavering commitment to improving governance and service delivery for Nigerians.
Talking Points
It is remarkable that Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, has been conferred with the OAU Award of Excellence in Public Service, recognising his innovative leadership and transformative impact on public institutions.
This award highlights Tunji-Ojo’s efforts in modernising paramilitary agencies, including the Nigeria Immigration Service, NSCDC, Nigerian Correctional Service, and Federal Fire Service, creating a more efficient and citizen-focused public sector.
At Techparley, we see how leaders like Tunji-Ojo are redefining public service in Nigeria, leveraging technology and policy reforms to enhance service delivery and internal security.
His initiatives, such as the full automation of passport and visa applications, demonstrate how digital solutions can significantly improve access and convenience for citizens across the country.
Looking ahead, Tunji-Ojo’s leadership presents an opportunity for deeper reforms and strategic partnerships between public agencies, technology providers, and civil society, ensuring that public service innovations reach all Nigerians efficiently and effectively.
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