“Do You Know That ‘I Pledge to Nigeria My Country’ Originated From an Ogbomoso Woman of Intellect?”
By CoolNews Editorial Board
Every morning across Nigeria, in classrooms, assemblies, and national events, millions of young voices rise in unison to affirm their loyalty to the nation:
“I pledge to Nigeria my country, to be faithful, loyal and honest…”
Yet, very few Nigerians know the remarkable woman behind those stirring words — Professor Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin, the Ogbomoso-born scholar whose intellect and patriotism gifted the nation its enduring National Pledge.
Born on November 6, 1938, in Ogbomoso, now part of Oyo State, Professor Adeyoyin displayed brilliance and a love for learning from an early age. Her passion for education and national development would later define her life and legacy.
Her academic journey began abroad — she obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Geography (with honours) from Birkbeck, University of London, in 1968, followed by a Diploma in Education from the same institution in 1976. Her quest for deeper knowledge took her to Columbia University, New York, where she earned an M.A. in Social Studies in 1977. Not stopping there, she returned home and crowned her academic pursuits with a Ph.D. in Education from the University of Lagos in 1981.
At the University of Lagos, she flourished as a lecturer and later a professor in the Department of Education. Her teaching, research, and advocacy were deeply rooted in building national identity, moral integrity, and social consciousness among young Nigerians.
It was in 1976, during the military regime of Lt. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo, that her historic contribution to national identity took shape. She penned an article titled “Loyalty to the Nation, Pledge,” published in the Daily Times on July 15, 1976. The thoughtful composition caught the attention of the Obasanjo administration. Recognizing its depth and resonance, the government officially adopted her words — now refined into what became Nigeria’s National Pledge.
From that moment, Professor Adeyoyin’s words became a part of Nigeria’s moral fabric — a daily affirmation of unity, integrity, and faithfulness to the nation. Her Pledge was not mere poetry; it was a call to conscience, a reflection of her belief that patriotism begins with education and conviction.
Beyond her literary contribution, Professor Adeyoyin remained a pillar in academia and the church. A Deaconess at Yaba Baptist Church, she combined scholarship with faith, mentoring countless students and shaping national curriculum reforms that emphasized civic responsibility.
On May 1, 2021, Professor Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin passed away at the age of 82. But though she is gone, her legacy endures — not carved in marble, but alive in the voices of millions of Nigerians who, each morning, pledge their hearts and loyalty to the nation she so deeply loved.
Every recitation of the National Pledge is, therefore, not just a ritual — it is a tribute to an extraordinary woman of intellect, patriotism, and purpose from Ogbomoso.
Indeed, Professor Felicia Adeyoyin gave Nigeria more than words — she gave us a voice of unity.
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