*Authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, affirms the leadership of Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs Service, has continued to set benchmarks in trade policy, revenue generation and border security in the country, and the African continent

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

Authorities of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, have joined millions of Nigerians, and other citizens of the world to celebrate Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, MFR, Comptroller-General (CG) of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), who was recently appointed as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation (WCO) Council, in Brussels, Belgium.

As one of OAU’s distinguished alumni, Mr. Adeniyi, made history June 28, 2025, during the 145th/146th Sessions of the WCO Council, held in Brussels, the headquarters of the preeminent body overseeing Customs matters worldwide.

With over 185 member countries, the WCO is also responsible for 98 percent of global trade.

The OAU Senate Building

绿帽献妻 reports the member countries of the Council at the sessions unanimously, endorsed NCS Comptroller-General Adeniyi for this prestigious global leadership role.

Applauding his feat, the Management of Obafemi Awolowo University said his appointment marked “a significant milestone for Nigeria and the African continent, being the first Nigerian and one of the few Africans to lead the Council in the WCO鈥檚 73-year history.”

The University noted CG Adeniyi, as the Chairperson of WCO, will provide strategic guidance to the Council, and lead global deliberations on trade facilitation, border security, and customs cooperation.

Describing him as a 鈥渃onsummate professional and widely respected Customs administrator鈥�, Adeniyi, graduated from the Department of International Relations at OAU, Ile-Ife, and has advanced to build a remarkable career in the Nigeria Customs Service.

The academic institution further stated that Adeniyi’s visionary leadership as Comptroller-General of the NCS since 2023, anchored on Collaboration, Consolidation and Innovation, has positioned the institution as “a model of progressive reform, growth and innovation in Africa”.

OAU enthusiastically said: “The appointment of CGC Adeniyi is another great feather in the cap of OAU as it depicts the University as a cradle of leadership and innovation, projecting it as a vital contributor to the national, continental, and global academic community.”

It equally noted that Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, outgoing President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), is also a product of the foremost University, fondly called “Great Ife” by the students and the institution’s admirers.

The University authorities asserted: “Adeniyi鈥檚 appointment to head another important global organisation reinforces the preeminence of OAU as an institution that produces quality leaders at national and global levels.”

VC: Adeniyi’s appointment elevates OAU’s reputation on national, continental and global stage

In his remarks in recognition of this extraordinary achievement, Prof. Adebayo Simeon Bamire, Vice-Chancellor of Obafemi Awolowo University, congratulated Adeniyi on behalf of the University Management.

Prof. Bamire said: 鈥淥n behalf of the entire Obafemi Awolowo University community, I extend our heartfelt congratulations to our distinguished alumnus, Mr. Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, on his appointment as the Chairperson of the World Customs Organisation.

“His appointment to this prestigious position shows his exceptional leadership, dedication, and the high regard in which he is held internationally.”

He also stated: “Mr. Adeniyi鈥檚 journey from our halls to the pinnacle of global customs administration is a source of immense pride for us.鈥�

The Vice-Chancellor further noted: 鈥淭his appointment not only honours Mr. Adeniyi but also elevates the reputation of Obafemi Awolowo University on the national, continental, and world stage.

“His ascent to the WCO chairmanship comes at a pivotal moment, as his leadership at the NCS continues to set benchmarks in trade policy, revenue generation and border security.”

Bamire added: “His story is a powerful narrative of excellence, rooted in the academic rigor and values instilled at OAU.

“For current and future students, he stands as an inspiring figure – a reminder that the pursuit of knowledge and dedication to service can lead to global impact.鈥�

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