Personality in Focus
Igbo Apprenticeship System and Omniversity’s Competency-based Evaluation
By Prof Tokunbo Akeredolu-Ale
The Igbo apprenticeship system stands as one of Africa’s most coherent indigenous models of professional formation, enterprise succession, and competency validation. Its logic is not academic credentialism but verified capability, ethical conduct, economic relevance, and social trust.
Apprenticeship within the Igbo system is governed by clearly understood norms: learning occurs through immersion, assessment is continuous and observational, recognition is earned through demonstrable mastery, and progression culminates in formal settlement that confers independent professional standing. These principles align directly, not symbolically but structurally, with the professional practice education, evaluation, and qualification architecture of Omniversity Imperial College.
Omniversity Imperial College Lagos Nigeria is positioned deliberately as a professional practice education, executive development, and competency validation institution. Its institutional logic mirrors the Igbo apprenticeship philosophy by operating exclusively within Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning, Competency Based Education, Structured Recognition, and ISO aligned governance frameworks. Just as the Igbo system does not rely on classroom examinations to determine readiness, Omniversity does not operate within Nigeria’s statutory university degree framework and does not award NUC regulated academic degrees. Its awards are explicitly professional, practice based, competency validated, and industry aligned, reflecting the same distinction the Igbo system has always maintained between learning and formal academic schooling.
In the Igbo apprenticeship model, the master practitioner functions as both mentor and assessor, continuously evaluating the apprentice’s technical competence, judgment, reliability, and ethical comportment.
Omniversity Imperial College institutionalizes this role through qualified assessors, professional panels, and evidence based evaluation processes. Assessment is grounded in portfolios, documented experience, applied projects, interviews, and competency mapping rather than abstract theory. This approach formalizes what has historically been informal but rigorous in Igbo commercial culture: the validation of real capability through sustained performance under supervision.
The settlement phase of the Igbo apprenticeship is the system’s ultimate validation mechanism. It represents recognition that the apprentice has achieved professional independence and is worthy of trust within the commercial ecosystem.
Omniversity’s *practice qualifications* perform an equivalent function within modern professional governance structures.
The *Bachelor of Practice* recognizes foundational competence and readiness for workforce participation.
The *Master of Practice* validates advanced applied mastery and leadership capability.
The *Doctor of Practice* confirms terminal professional authority grounded in industry impact and governance competence.
Each award is explicitly non academic, legally distinct from university degrees, and transparently positioned as a professional recognition of demonstrated capability.
This mirrors the Igbo principle that recognition follows proof, not aspiration.
The *Professor of Practice* designation at Omniversity further reflects indigenous recognition traditions.
In Igbo society, elders and master traders who have demonstrated sustained excellence, mentorship, and community impact are accorded elevated status and authority.
The *Professor of Practice* title similarly recognizes distinguished professionals with verifiable industry leadership and societal contribution. It is not an academic professorial rank and is not governed by statutory university rules. Instead, it aligns with global Professor of Practice norms that emphasize lived expertise, governance maturity, and professional legacy.
Regulatory clarity is a central strength of Omniversity Imperial College Lagos Nigeria’s framework and resonates with the Igbo system’s respect for defined roles and boundaries.
Under Nigerian law, universities are statutory degree awarding bodies, while professional institutes operate under corporate and professional governance.
Omniversity functions lawfully as a professional education provider, a practice qualification awarding institution, and a competency assessment body. It does not require NUC accreditation because it does not claim degree awarding university status. This clear separation mirrors the Igbo distinction between traditional trade mastery and formal Western education, each respected but not conflated.
Professional governance affiliations with bodies such as NITAD and CILRM further reinforce institutional legitimacy without misrepresenting academic authority. These affiliations support ethical standards, leadership development, and professional practice validation while explicitly not conferring academic accreditation. This governance model is consistent with the Igbo apprenticeship tradition, where legitimacy derives from peer recognition, guild like accountability, and reputation rather than state certification.
Omniversity’s integrated professional pathway reflects the structured progression embedded in the Igbo apprenticeship system. Advancement is sequential, competency driven, and evidence based. No level is honorary or automatic. Each stage demands verifiable performance, ethical alignment, and industry relevance. Certificates and transcripts carry explicit legends clarifying their professional, non academic nature, ensuring transparency for employers, partners, and regulators. This mirrors the Igbo emphasis on clear social signaling, where one’s status is understood through demonstrated role and function within the community.
Honorary distinctions at Omniversity Imperial College further parallel traditional Igbo recognition practices. In Igbo society, exceptional contributors to commerce, leadership, education, and community development are publicly honored based on merit, impact, and character. Omniversity’s honorary framework follows the same logic, awarding recognition strictly on demonstrated societal, educational, business, organizational, and leadership impact. These conferments are not earned through coursework and do not substitute for professional practice qualifications, reinforcing the integrity of both earned and honorary recognition.
In synthesizing indigenous African practice with globally intelligible professional frameworks, Omniversity Imperial College does not imitate tradition but formalizes it. The Igbo apprenticeship system provides historical proof that competency based, practice driven education produces resilient professionals and sustainable economic ecosystems. Omniversity Imperial College translates this proven logic into a structured, legally compliant, and internationally legible model of professional evaluation and recognition. In doing so, it affirms that Africa’s indigenous knowledge systems are not inferior precursors to modern education but foundational architectures upon which credible contemporary professional institutions can be built.
Professor Tokunbo Akeredolu-Ale PhD is the President Chairman BOT GC Omniversity Imperial College Missouri USA and Lagos Nigeria
Personality in Focus
Eminent Gents Int’l Announces Philanthropist Abiodun Enilari Paseda As New President
By Eric Elezuo
The Eminent Gents International Club, an association of eminent gentlemen, who have proved their mettle in the society, and committed to lending a helping to the upliftment of the society, has announced Sir Abiodun Paseda as its new president.
Paseda takes over from Eminent Otunba Olumide Owoseni, who performed creditably well during his tenure in office.
The announcement was made following a keenly contested electoral process, where Paseda was elected unopposed. His election, according to a cross section of the club members, was made possible as a result of the confidence members reposed in him owing to his acknowledged discipline, focus and leadership abilities.
Announcing the results, the Chairman of the Electoral Committee, Eminent Barr. Taiwo Odumosu, commended members for the maturity, discipline, and commitment they demonstrated throughout the process, noting that despite minor challenges encountered, members conducted themselves in a manner that reflected the values and ideals upon which the Club was founded.
Immediate Past President Eminent Otunba Olumide Owoseni
Barr. Odumosu congratulated the newly elected officers and urged them to provide purposeful and inclusive leadership capable of strengthening the unity and growth of the Club.
Among members of the executive council, who will be working with Eminent Paseda are Eminent Barr. Oluwaseun Basorun, who was elected as the Vice President and Eminent Ariyo Abass, who won the General Secretary position.
Others are Eminent Ganiu Omotoso for the office of the Assistant General Secretary, Eminent Akinsanya Olaseni as Financial Secretary, Eminent Muyiwa Jayesimi as the Treasurer, Eminent Barrister Yomi Akodu as the Public Relations Officer and Eminent Segun Fetuga, who won the position of the Social Secetary.
Eminent Odumosu admonished the incoming administration to ensure that no member is left behind in the affairs of the Club, and to place the welfare of members at the forefront of its programmes and policies in order to continue to enhance the beautiful etiquette of the almost 20 years Club.
The Eminent Gents International Club was established in 2006 as a group saddled with the responsibility of catering for the less privileged, the needy and the have-nots of the society. The Club strongly believes in giving back to the society, with an overriding philosophy, which revolves around pooling skills, resources and experience to create a sustainable change, and improve the lives of those in need.
New Vice President Eminent Barrister Oluwaseun Bashorun
Consequently, the Club has prioritise engagements in targeted initiatives aimed at addressing critical issues affecting the needy cutting across food, heathcare, shelter, clothing and not forgetting empowerment.
In his acceptance speech, Eminent Paseda pledged to live up to expectations, and ensure that the founding principles of the Club is not derailed.
He congratulated his co-executive council members, urging everyone to give their best performance to ensure the success of the administration in particular, and the Club in general.
A distinguished Nigerian based in London, England, Paseda is the Chief Executive Officer, Focus on Disabilities (FOD) Foundation, a not for profit organization that is saddled with the responsibility of seeing to the wellbeing of those living with disabilities. The organization, founded in 2010, has supervised the provision of sundry humanitarian assistance to people living with disabilities across Nigeria and the African continent with special mention to England, his place of residence.
He is a stern believer in the lifting of the downtrodden in the society, and has been awarded the Humanitarian award by Ceebee Gold Foundation.
A recipient of the BEFFTA Award, Africa achiever Award, Scotland among many others, Paseda has since 2012 been distributing movement enhancing materials to the disabled across the continent. Some of these distributions include 60 wheel chairs and disability aids in Kano and Kaduna states in 2012; distribution of clutches, wheel chairs, food items among other things in Ogun state in March and September 2013. Ever since, the selfless giver has not looked back in supporting the less privileged with his resources. He runs an all-expense paid home for people living with disabilities in Odogbolu, Ogun State
Paseda’s humanitarian outreach stretches across Africa and the UK where he is reputed to have touched a lot of lives.
A new chapter in clinical leadership has commenced at the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Abeokuta, with the appointment of renowned Consultant Nephrologist, Dr. Olusola Adebisi, as the institution’s new Head of Clinical Services (HCS). He officially resumes duty today, Monday, June 15, 2026, following the expiration of the tenure of his predecessor, Dr. A.S. Adediran, whose stewardship contributed significantly to the advancement of clinical services within the tertiary healthcare institution.
The appointment, approved by the 7th Board of Management at its 6th Extraordinary Meeting held on June 8, 2026, is hailed as a strategic move that places one of the hospital’s most experienced clinicians and respected administrators at the helm of its clinical operations. With a distinguished career spanning renal medicine, healthcare leadership, organized medicine, and community service, Dr. Adebisi brings a wealth of experience and a reputation for excellence to the role.
Until his appointment, Dr. Adebisi served as Head of the Nephrology Unit at FMC Abeokuta, where he earned recognition as one of the leading authorities on kidney-related illnesses within the West African sub-region. A passionate advocate for preventive nephrology, he has spearheaded numerous community sensitization initiatives, including annual World Kidney Day campaigns aimed at promoting early detection and management of kidney disease. He has also mentored and supervised generations of resident doctors, medical officers, and specialized nephrology nurses, helping to sustain a culture of clinical excellence.
His leadership credentials extend beyond clinical practice. Dr. Adebisi previously served as Chairman of the Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria (MDCAN), FMC Abeokuta Chapter, where he was instrumental in fostering professional harmony and academic advancement among consultants. He currently serves as Faculty Treasurer of the West African College of Physicians (WACP), a role that underscores his financial discipline, organizational trust, and administrative competence. His earlier engagements with the Association of Resident Doctors (ARD) and the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) further enriched his understanding of Nigeria’s healthcare landscape.
Beyond medicine, Dr. Adebisi is actively involved in civic and community development. He currently serves as President of the Rotary Club in the Oke-Ona Egba District, championing humanitarian, maternal health, and community empowerment initiatives. He is also the Social Secretary of the Abeokuta Sports Club, contributing to social cohesion and cultural development within Ogun State.
A devout Christian and committed family man, Dr. Adebisi is widely respected for a leadership style rooted in integrity, compassion, and service. As Head of Clinical Services, he is expected to focus on strengthening patient-centred care, enhancing clinical research and residency training, improving interdepartmental collaboration, and promoting institutional harmony across all clinical cadres.
Speaking on his vision for the office, Dr. Adebisi emphasized the need for innovation, professionalism, and teamwork in healthcare delivery. “Our objective remains clear: to deliver compassionate, world-class, and accessible healthcare to our immediate community and beyond, fueled by clinical innovation, integrity, and absolute dedication to human life,” he said.
With his assumption of office today, stakeholders within and outside FMC Abeokuta express optimism that his blend of clinical expertise, administrative experience, and people-centred leadership will further strengthen the institution’s position as a leading centre of excellence in healthcare delivery, training, and research.
Personality in Focus
June 12: Tinubu Confers National Honours on Kolade-Otitoju, Dasuki, Okei-Odumakin, Others
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has conferred national honours on several prominent pro-democracy activists, journalists, civil society leaders, and retired military officers in recognition of their contributions to Nigeria’s democratic struggle and the historic June 12 movement.
The announcement was made during the President’s nationwide Democracy Day broadcast commemorating Nigeria’s 27 years of uninterrupted democratic governance.
According to President Tinubu, the awards are intended to immortalize the sacrifices of individuals who endured persecution, imprisonment, solitary confinement, harassment, and exile during the fight against military dictatorship and the struggle to actualize the June 12, 1993 presidential election mandate.
Tinubu Honours Democracy Heroes
The President emphasized that the honourees played critical roles in defending democratic values and laying the foundation for the civilian rule Nigeria enjoys today.
Among those recognized are veteran journalists, media executives, civil rights advocates, and leaders of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO), whose resistance to military rule helped shape the nation’s democratic journey.
Media and Civil Society Leaders Recognised
Notable recipients in the media and civil society category include:
* Gbemiga Ogunleye, former Provost of the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ)
* Babajide Kolade-Otitoju, Director of News at TVC News and veteran journalist
* Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin, renowned human rights campaigner
* Chief Ayo Opadokun, NADECO chieftain
* Sam Omatseye
* Oladele Alake
* Olatunji Bello
* Louis Odion
* Tunde Fagbenle
* Richard Akinnola
* Debo Adeniran
The recognition highlights the pivotal role played by the media and civil society organizations in resisting authoritarian rule and advocating for democratic governance.
Retired Military Officers Honoured for Opposing Dictatorship
In what observers have described as a historic and groundbreaking move, President Tinubu also created a special category to honour military officers who worked from within the armed forces to challenge authoritarian rule and support democratic ideals.
The honoured retired officers include:
* Colonel Sambo Dasuki (retd)
* Colonel Lawan Gwadabe (retd)
* Brigadier Yahaya Abubakar, the Etsu Nupe
* Major General Ishola Williams (retd)
* Major General M.A. Garba
* Brigadier General Lawal Jaafaru Isa
The President noted that these officers risked their careers, personal freedom, and lives in pursuit of democratic governance during one of Nigeria’s most turbulent political periods.
Celebrating 27 Years of Democracy
The national honours ceremony forms part of activities marking Democracy Day, observed annually on June 12 in remembrance of the 1993 presidential election widely regarded as the freest and fairest in Nigeria’s history.
President Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to preserving democratic institutions, protecting civil liberties, and ensuring that the sacrifices of June 12 heroes remain permanently etched in Nigeria’s national memory.
The honours have been widely viewed as a significant step toward acknowledging the contributions of individuals and groups whose courage and resilience helped restore democratic rule and strengthen Nigeria’s democratic foundations.
