Nigeria has produced many philanthropists from different spheres of life and people. These people have contributed in no small measure to the development of the Nigerian society. They are in the areas of health, education, and community development. Oba Adedokun Abolarin, the Òràngún of Òkè-Ìlá of Osun State is a great philanthropist. As an educationist and philanthropist, Oba Adedokun founded the Abolarin College, Oke-Ila-Orangun, Osun State, established over a decade ago with a mission to provide free education to indigent children. The college is tuition-free, and the school provides everything the students need from clothing to educational materials. The benefits include free tuition, free hostels, free meals, free internet, free uniforms, free laptops, and even constant electricity. This commitment to providing quality education without financial burden is a testament to the king’s vision for his community.
Admission is strictly reserved for the less privileged in the society and it is not limited to the children in the immediate community but extended to every part of Nigeria. With a population of over 100 students, Abolarin College compels its students to be proficient in at least three languages, one local dialect, English and French.
Speaking on the importance of free education and the establishment of the school, the monarch stated that; “It is not about being a Christian or a Muslim. It is not about nepotism, neither is it restricted to Yoruba children nor children from my hometown. It is about any less privileged child around who is willing to be educated”
What makes Abolarin College even more remarkable is the king’s hands-on approach to education. Oba Adedokun Abolarin doesn’t just oversee the college; he actively teaches students himself. This dedication to education and mentorship is a rare quality in leaders. The king’s approach to leadership is centered on service, not status. As he demonstrates through his work at Abolarin College, “true royalty is about service, not status.” By investing in the education and future of his students, Oba Abolarin is empowering the next generation of leaders.
The king believes poor brilliant kids should also be given an equal opportunity to become something in life- so that the future does not belong only to those born with silver spoons in their mouth. The king himself has a law degree and masters in law- and he also teaches in the school. What makes this school remarkable is that one major criteria for getting admitted in is being poor. If your parents are rich, you cannot get admission. Unlike other schools, Abolarin College wants poor kids who are very brilliant. If you are poor but brilliant, the king will admit you!
Many of those kids previously hawked pepper, sachet water, fruits etc. Some came from farms where all they did was work under the hot sun weeding and planting. Many are orphans, hawkers, child labourers, delinquents, children of petty traders, but now they have hope, and not just hope, a future.
Abolarin College serves as a model for other educational institutions, showcasing the impact that dedicated leadership and resources can have on students’ lives. The college’s commitment to providing a comprehensive education, including academics and amenities, is a notable achievement.
Oba Abolarin’s vision for Abolarin College is centered on empowering students and fostering a love of learning. Through his leadership and dedication, the college is poised to produce a new generation of leaders who will make a positive impact in their communities.
Abolarin College is a testament to the power of dedicated leadership and vision in education. Under Oba Adedokun Abolarin’s guidance, the college is providing students with a world-class education and empowering them to succeed in life.
The king is from the Obasolo Ruling House, one of the three ruling houses in Òkè-Ìlá, Osun State. Oba Adedokun Abolarin is an esteemed law professional, with a degree in Law, a Master’s degree in International Relations, and a bachelor’s degree in Political Science, all from Obafemi Awolowo University. He is also a firm believer in education and its significance in the development of our society.
Prior to his installation in December 2006, Oba Adedokun was a licensed law practitioner with the Supreme Court of Nigeria. He was the Principal Partner of Dokun Abolarin & Co., a firm of Solicitors and Legal Consultants, which had served as Company Secretary to various corporations such as Tell Publications (Publishers of Tell Magazine), Pacific Holdings, Peachtree Communications Ltd, Sportsmark International, and Springtime Development Foundation. Oba Adedokun is also a prolific writer with a passion for research. Oba Adedokun is a great Nigerian King worthy of emulation.
