G.J. Afolabi Ojo

Professor Gabriel Jimoh Afolabi Ojo (1929–2020) was a Nigerian teacher and leader in the Catholic Church. He was born on November 1, 1929, in Ado-Ekiti, Nigeria, and he had an impressive journey in education and service to his community and further.

Early life and education
Professor Ojo started his education at St. George's Catholic School in Ado-Ekiti, where he went to primary school from 1936 to 1942. Later, he attended St. John Bosco's Training College in Ubiaja (1944-1945) and got his Senior Cambridge School Certificate in December 1948. Showing his dedication to learning, he earned the Teachers' Higher Elementary Certificate in 1950 and the London Matriculation in June 1951.

In 1953, Prof. Ojo went to the National University of Ireland for further studies. There, he graduated with top grades (first-class honors) in 1956, becoming the first African to do so in Geography and Economics from his school. His academic journey continued, and he received a Master of Arts degree with the highest grades in 1957. He received a Ph.D. from the same school in 1963.

Career
Prof. Ojo started his career as a teacher in 1946 in Ado-Ekiti. He later became a teacher at St. Joseph's College in Ondo State where he became the vice principal. In October 1959, he became a lecturer at the Nigerian College of Arts & Science in Enugu, and he was promoted to the post of Head of the department in 1960–1961. He was also one of the first members of the University of Ife, where he became Acting Head of the Geography Department in 1962. On October 1 October 1970, he became a professor of Geography. Prof. Ojo also served as the dean of the faculty of Social Sciences in 1972 and later as the dean of the Faculty of Administration from 1976 to 1977.

Besides his work in education, Professor Ojo played a significant role in creating long-distance learning opportunities in Nigeria. He led the planning committee for the Open University System in Nigeria in 1980–1981, and then he became the first Vice Chancellor of the National Open University of Nigeria from 1981 to 1984.

Apart from his academic life, Prof. Ojo was an active member of the Catholic Church, where he held various positions. He was the founding National Secretary of the Catholic Laity Council of Nigeria (CLCN) from 1973 to 1981 and later became the National President of the Laity Council from 1986 to 1994. His dedication to the Catholic Church was recognized when he received the Papal Knighthood of Knight of St. Gregory the Great in 1975.

Award and recognition
Prof. Ojo was also recognized in academic and professional circles. He was named a Fellow of the Geographical Association of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) and received an honorary title as a Mountaineer in the State of West Virginia, USA. In 2004, he was honored with the title of Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) for his outstanding service to Nigeria and humanity.

Personal life
In his personal life, Professor Gabriel Jimoh Afolabi Ojo was married to Florence Bukunola Ojo (née Adeyanju), and they had three sons and three daughters. He died on 30 August 2020.