In recognition of his unflinching commitment to educational advancement and his storied career as a scholar-technocrat, the National Association of Private Schools (NAPPS), Ona-Ara Chapter, has announced its decision to confer the prestigious “Doctor of Excellence” award upon Dr. Adewale Kolapo Kareem (AKK). The high-profile ceremony is scheduled to take place on Saturday, April 11, 2026, at the NAPPS Secretariat, Lam Adesina Housing Estate, Olorunsogo, Ibadan.
This announcement was contained in an official statement released today by the Media Director to Dr AKK Campaign body, Dr. Opeyemi Ayanrinde Mc Swagger.
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​According to the awarding body, the selection of Dr. Kareem followed a rigorous and “thorough and meticulous review” by the Special Award and Academic Committee.
The association, a frontline academic-based organisation, noted that the honour is designed to celebrate individuals who have demonstrated an enduring commitment to the values of intellectual rigour and human capital development.
For Dr. Kareem, an Oyo State 2027 gubernatorial aspirant and a seasoned academic, this award serves as a significant validation of his lifelong pursuit of excellence in both the private and public spheres.
​In a formal invitation letter addressed to the recipient, the committee emphasised that his track record in academia and humanity distinguishes him as a premier figure in the state’s intellectual landscape.
The letter reads in part: “Your exceptional contributions to the advancement of humanity, alongside your dedication to academic and professional excellence, have set you apart as a front-runner for this high honour. We believe that your work stands as a testament to the values we uphold and the impact we seek to acknowledge.”
This, without doubt, speaks to the alignment between Dr. Kareem’s personal philosophy and the rigorous standards maintained by the private school proprietors’ association.
​Coming at a time when Dr. Kareem has been a vocal advocate for educational reforms, including his proposed stipend for elementary school enrollment and functional vocational training, this award underscores his credibility within the education sector.
Stakeholders in the Oyo State All Progressives Congress (APC) and the academic community have lauded the development, viewing it as a recognition of a leader who does not only talk about “Pace Setting” but lives it through documented contributions to research and societal welfare.
The “Doctor of Excellence” title is expected to further solidify his standing as a visionary prepared to lead Oyo State with intellectual depth.
​The event, which begins at 11:00 AM, is expected to draw a distinguished crowd of educators, political leaders, and community influencers to the Olorunsogo-Akanran axis of the capital city.
As the NAPPS Ona-Ara Chapter prepares for this investiture, the atmosphere remains charged with anticipation for a ceremony that celebrates merit over optics.
Dr. Opeyemi Ayanrinde Mc Swagger concluded the statement by inviting friends, well-wishers, and the progressive family to join in celebrating a man whose life continues to be a “testament to the values of the righteous” and a beacon of hope for the future of Oyo State.
