On Thursday, the renowned Islamic scholar and seasoned educationist, Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem, was a guest on the weekly radio program Ore Araalu on Success FM, where he shared insights into his distinguished career and philanthropic endeavors. Dr. Adewale, who hails from Foko in Ibadan, gave an inspiring account of his journey in the field of education, both in Nigeria and internationally.
Starting his career in Nigeria, Dr. Adewale taught for several years before an opportunity arose to continue his work in London. During his eight years in the United Kingdom, he was retrained as a teacher and further pursued his academic ambitions. He attended the University of Strathclyde in Scotland, earning a Postgraduate Professional Graduate Diploma in Mathematics Education. Shortly after, he was employed by the UK government and went on to earn a doctorate. After his time in London, Dr. Adewale moved to Australia, where he has been residing for the past 12 years.
In Australia, he worked with the Department of Education as a school leader, advising on the improvement of educational systems. His contributions in both teaching and leadership roles have earned him recognition as a remarkable educationist with an unparalleled level of exposure.
When asked about his philanthropic gestures, Dr. Adewale spoke passionately in Yoruba, emphasizing that his success is a result of God’s grace. He explained that his upbringing and experiences have instilled in him a deep sense of duty to give back to society. “I have always given to the needy since God started blessing me,” he said, noting that his motivation is rooted in his belief that only God can elevate a person to great heights.
Dr. Adewale also addressed the growing buzz surrounding the slogan AKK 2027, which has been trending on social media. He clarified that while he initially had no interest in politics, his growing influence and the encouragement from his supporters have led him to consider a future in governance. Reflecting on his religious teachings, he shared that, after reading the Quran, he realized that contributing to governance is a divine obligation for all Muslims. As a result, he now plans to run for the governorship of Oyo State in 2027.
“My ambition to become the governor will help extend my philanthropic efforts to a wider audience,” Dr. Adewale explained. He emphasized that one of his key priorities, should he win, would be to create a fair and just government that works for the benefit of all citizens.
In his advice to voters, Dr. Adewale urged the electorate to prioritize leaders who are honest and truthful, stressing that only such leaders can fairly distribute the nation’s resources and ensure progress without corruption or bias.
With his extensive exposure from living in several developed countries, Dr. Adewale revealed that he has identified eight cardinal points that he intends to introduce into governance in Nigeria. These policies, he believes, have worked effectively in other nations and will bring about positive change if implemented in Nigeria.
Although Dr. Adewale has not yet joined any political party, he assured the people of Oyo State that he would be making an official declaration soon. His supporters are eagerly awaiting his next steps as he prepares to take the plunge into the political arena.
