Bolaji Akinyemi

Early Life and Background

Born on January 4, 1942, in Ilesa, a historically significant town in present-day Osun State, Nigeria, Bolaji Akinyemi's early life coincided with Nigeria's transition to independence. His formative education laid a robust foundation for his future academic and diplomatic career. He attended the prestigious Igbobi College in Yaba, Lagos, from 1955 to 1959, an institution renowned for its rigorous academic standards and for producing many of Nigeria's future leaders. Following his secondary education, he furthered his scientific and analytical skills at the Federal School of Science, Lagos, from 1960 to 1962, before embarking on his higher education journey abroad. This period of intense academic preparation instilled in him a critical thinking approach and a broad understanding that would later inform his interdisciplinary approach to international relations.

Education

Bolaji Akinyemi's pursuit of higher education took him to the United States, where he distinguished himself as a brilliant scholar. He earned his Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree in Political Science from Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1964. His undergraduate studies provided him with a comprehensive understanding of political systems, theories, and international dynamics. Driven by a burgeoning interest in global affairs, he proceeded to the esteemed Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts. There, he obtained his Master of Arts (M.A.) degree in 1966, specializing in international relations. He continued his doctoral studies at the same institution, successfully completing his Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in International Relations in 1969. His doctoral research focused on critical issues of international law, diplomacy, and the foreign policy of emerging nations, solidifying his expertise in a field that would become central to his professional life.

Career

Bolaji Akinyemi's career trajectory is marked by significant contributions across academia, diplomacy, and public service, establishing him as one of Nigeria's most influential thinkers and practitioners in international relations.

Upon returning to Nigeria after his doctoral studies, he began his academic career as a Lecturer at the University of Ibadan from 1969 to 1975, contributing significantly to the intellectual development of a new generation of Nigerian scholars and policymakers.

In 1975, General Murtala Mohammed's military government appointed him as the Director-General of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA). He was re-appointed by General Olusegun Obasanjo's subsequent regime, serving in this influential capacity until 1983. Under his dynamic leadership, the NIIA was transformed into a globally recognized institution, becoming a vibrant hub for research, policy analysis, and public discourse on Nigeria's foreign policy and broader international issues. He initiated numerous research projects, conferences, and publications, significantly shaping Nigeria's intellectual contributions to global affairs and providing critical policy advice to successive governments.

Following his impactful role at the NIIA, Professor Akinyemi moved to the University of Lagos, where he served as a Professor of Political Science from 1983 to 1985, continuing his commitment to academic excellence and mentorship.

His most prominent public service role came in 1985 when General Ibrahim Babangida appointed him as the Minister of External Affairs (Foreign Minister) of Nigeria. He served in this capacity until 1987, during which he championed several bold and innovative foreign policy initiatives that left an indelible mark on Nigeria's diplomatic landscape:

1. Technical Aid Corps (TAC): Akinyemi initiated the Technical Aid Corps scheme, a program designed to provide technical assistance and skilled manpower from Nigeria to other developing countries, particularly in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific. This initiative was a practical demonstration of Nigeria's commitment to South-South cooperation and its leadership role in Africa, fostering solidarity and mutual development among nations of the Global South. It deployed Nigerian professionals—doctors, engineers, teachers, and other experts—to countries in need, enhancing Nigeria's soft power and diplomatic influence.

2. Concert of Medium Powers (Lagos Forum): He conceptualized and actively promoted the "Concert of Medium Powers," also known as the "Lagos Forum." This initiative aimed to create a bloc of middle-level powers from various continents that would collectively advocate for a more equitable global order and provide an alternative voice to the prevailing superpower dominance during the Cold War era. The forum sought to empower nations that were not superpowers but possessed significant regional influence to address global challenges and promote their shared interests.

3. 'Black Bomb' Concept: Perhaps his most controversial and widely discussed initiative was the suggestion, in 1986, that Nigeria should consider developing nuclear weapons if South Africa, then under apartheid, was confirmed to possess such capabilities. This 'Black Bomb' concept, articulated during a period of intense struggle against apartheid, was intended as a deterrent and a statement of Nigeria's resolve to protect its national security and interests, as well as those of other African nations, against a potentially nuclear-armed apartheid regime. While highly controversial internationally and domestically, it underscored Akinyemi's readiness to challenge conventional diplomatic norms and explore unconventional strategies to assert Nigeria's position and protect African interests.

After his tenure as Foreign Minister, Professor Akinyemi returned to academia, serving again as a Professor of International Relations at the University of Lagos. His expertise was also sought internationally when he was appointed by the United Nations as the Chairman of the Electoral Commission of Namibia (ECN) in 1989. In this critical role, he oversaw the pre-independence elections in Namibia, a pivotal moment in the nation's history as it transitioned from South African rule to sovereign independence. His leadership ensured the credibility and fairness of the electoral process, contributing significantly to Namibia's peaceful emergence as a democratic state.

During Nigeria's tumultuous period of military rule under General Sani Abacha in the 1990s, Professor Akinyemi emerged as a prominent voice in the pro-democracy movement. He was a leading figure in the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), an umbrella organization of Nigerian democrats, activists, and patriots who vehemently opposed military dictatorship and demanded the revalidation of the June 12, 1993, presidential election results, widely believed to have been won by Chief M.K.O. Abiola. His outspoken criticism of the Abacha regime led to threats and ultimately forced him into exile, where he continued to advocate for democracy and human rights in Nigeria from abroad.

In 2014, demonstrating his continued commitment to national development and dialogue, Professor Akinyemi was appointed as the Deputy Chairman of the National Conference (Confab) by President Goodluck Jonathan. This conference brought together diverse stakeholders from across Nigeria to deliberate on critical national issues and propose recommendations for the country's future, with Akinyemi playing a crucial role in steering its proceedings.

Major Achievements

Professor Bolaji Akinyemi's career is replete with significant achievements that have profoundly impacted Nigerian diplomacy and international relations theory and practice. As Director-General of the NIIA, he transformed it into a world-class think tank, making it a credible source of foreign policy advice and a center for intellectual discourse on global issues. His visionary leadership as Minister of External Affairs led to the establishment of the Technical Aid Corps (TAC), which significantly enhanced Nigeria's soft power and fostered South-South cooperation by deploying thousands of Nigerian professionals to assist other developing nations. The "Concert of Medium Powers" initiative showcased his innovative approach to global governance, advocating for a multi-polar world where middle-level powers could collectively influence international affairs. His courageous "Black Bomb" concept, while controversial, articulated Nigeria's readiness to defend its interests and those of Africa against existential threats, especially during the apartheid era. Beyond policy formulation, his leadership of the Electoral Commission of Namibia in 1989 was instrumental in ensuring free and fair pre-independence elections, contributing directly to the peaceful transition to democracy in Namibia. His unwavering commitment to democracy was evident in his pivotal role within the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), where he bravely challenged military rule and advocated for democratic governance in Nigeria, even at great personal risk and leading to his exile. Throughout his career, he has authored numerous scholarly publications, including books and articles, contributing significantly to the academic understanding of international relations, particularly concerning Africa and the developing world.

Personal Life

Professor Bolaji Akinyemi is married to Mrs. Adedoyin Akinyemi (née Olusoga). While specific details about his immediate family, such as the number and names of his children, are not extensively publicized, his personal life has remained largely private, allowing his professional and public service contributions to take center stage. He is known to maintain a dignified and principled public persona, reflecting the values of integrity and intellectual rigor that have defined his illustrious career. His dedication to his family is understood to be a bedrock of his personal stability, providing support for his demanding public roles and academic pursuits.

Legacy

Bolaji Akinyemi's legacy is multifaceted and enduring, firmly establishing him as a titan of Nigerian foreign policy and a respected figure in international relations. He is remembered as a visionary diplomat who consistently advocated for a strong, independent, and influential Nigeria on the global stage, particularly within Africa and among developing nations. His Pan-Africanist ideals were not merely theoretical but translated into concrete initiatives like the Technical Aid Corps, which promoted practical solidarity and cooperation. As an intellectual, he challenged conventional wisdom, pushing for innovative foreign policy frameworks that reflected Nigeria's potential and aspirations, as exemplified by the Concert of Medium Powers. His bold stance on issues, including the controversial "Black Bomb" concept, underscored his commitment to national sovereignty and the protection of African interests, even if it meant defying international expectations. Beyond diplomacy, Akinyemi is celebrated as a staunch defender of democracy and human rights. His active participation in NADECO during Nigeria's darkest days of military rule cemented his reputation as a courageous patriot who prioritized the well-being and democratic aspirations of his people over personal safety. He has left an indelible mark as an academic, policy formulator, and public intellectual whose insights continue to inform discourse on global affairs and Nigeria's role within them. His extensive writings and public commentaries serve as a valuable resource for future generations of scholars and policymakers, ensuring that his intellectual contributions and principled stands continue to resonate.