Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin: The Author of the Nigeria National Pledge
Little was known of Professor Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin until her demise after a brief illness. However, every Nigerian recognises one of her contributions to nationalism. Nigeria is known for not celebrating historical personalities who helped shaped her existence and contributed to the nation’s glory. One of the many neglected heroes/heroines is Professor Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin, who died a little over a month ago (May 1, 2021). She is renowned for composing the National Pledge.
Born in Oyo State on November 6, 1939, Felicia Adeyoyin(OON) was a princess born to the Iji Latubi ruling house of Saki, Oyo State. She was the second of six children and attended Idi-Aba Baptist School in Abeokuta between 1953 and 1957. She studied Geography at Birkbeck, the University of London, where she graduated with honours in 1968. She also obtained her Diploma of Education from the same university in 1976. In 1977, she proceeded to Columbia University, where she bagged an MA (Social Studies).
Before Professor Adedoyin’s final return to Nigeria, she wrote the Nigerian pledge. She was inspired by the Oath of Allegiance (USA) and State Pledge of Ghana, which her children recited in their schools. The pledge was published on July 15, 1976, in the Daily Times. The title was “Loyalty to the Nation”. Emmanuel Adewusi showed Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, the then Head of State, who modified the pledge. He mandated that it should be recited on the schools’ assembly.
“I pledge to Nigeria my Country
To be faithful, loyal and honest
To serve Nigeria with all my strength
To defend her unity
And uphold her honour and glory
So, help me, God.
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On return to Nigeria, she earned her PhD from the University of Lagos in 1982, where she eventually lectured. She also served as a consultant to the United Nations (UN). Professor Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin was honoured with the Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) by President Olusegun Obasanjo.
Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin was an educationalist, professor, UN consultant, writer, and deaconess at the Yaba Baptist Church.
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