History of Bolaji Akinyemi in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 31, 2025

Bolaji Akinyemi is a Nigerian professor of political science and a prominent figure in Nigerian politics. He served as the Nigeria External Affairs Minister from 1985 to 1987, playing a key role in shaping Nigeria's foreign policy during that period. Currently, he chairs the National Think Tank, suggesting his continued involvement in advising on matters of national importance and policy development. His background as an academic and his experience in government highlight his expertise in international relations and political strategy.

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Full Timeline Career & Achievements

January 1942: Bolaji Akinyemi Born

On January 4, 1942, Akinwande Bolaji Akinyemi was born. He later became a Nigerian professor of political science and Nigeria's External Affairs Minister.

Others born on this day/year

1955: Attended Igbobi College

In 1955, Bolaji Akinyemi began attending Igbobi College in Yaba.

1959: Completed studies at Igbobi College

In 1959, Bolaji Akinyemi completed his studies at Igbobi College.

1960: Attended Christ's School Ado Ekiti

In 1960, Bolaji Akinyemi started attending Christ's School Ado Ekiti.

1961: Completed studies at Christ's School Ado Ekiti

In 1961, Bolaji Akinyemi completed his studies at Christ's School Ado Ekiti.

1962: Attended Temple University

In 1962, Bolaji Akinyemi began attending Temple University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States.

1964: Completed studies at Temple University and attended Fletcher School

In 1964, Bolaji Akinyemi completed his studies at Temple University and began attending Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy, Tufts University, Medford, Massachusetts, US.

1966: Attended Trinity College, Oxford

In 1966, Bolaji Akinyemi began attending Trinity College, Oxford, England.

1969: Completed studies at Trinity College

In 1969, Bolaji Akinyemi completed his studies at Trinity College, Oxford, England.

1970: Married Rowena Jane Viney

In 1970, Bolaji Akinyemi married Rowena Jane Viney. They have one son and three daughters.

1975: Director-General of NIIA

In 1975, Bolaji Akinyemi became the director-general of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA).

1977: Visiting Professor in Geneva and Nairobi

In 1977, Bolaji Akinyemi was a visiting professor at the Graduate Institute of International Studies in Geneva and at the Diplomacy Training Programme, University of Nairobi, Kenya.

1979: Regents Lecturer at University of California

In 1979, Bolaji Akinyemi was Regents Lecturer at the University of California, Los Angeles, US.

1983: Professor at the University of Lagos

In 1983, Bolaji Akinyemi became a professor of political science at the University of Lagos.

1983: End of tenure as Director-General of NIIA

In 1983, Bolaji Akinyemi's tenure as the director-general of the Nigerian Institute of International Affairs (NIIA) ended.

1984: Visiting Fellow at St John's College

In 1984, Bolaji Akinyemi was a visiting fellow at St John's College, Cambridge, England.

1985: Appointed Minister of External Affairs and Originated TAC

In 1985, Bolaji Akinyemi was appointed Minister of External Affairs. During this time, he originated the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) program to promote Nigeria's image and development contributions.

1985: Appointed Nigeria External Affairs Minister

In 1985, Bolaji Akinyemi was appointed as the Nigeria External Affairs Minister.

1985: End of Professorship at the University of Lagos

In 1985, Bolaji Akinyemi's professorship at the University of Lagos ended.

1985: Headed Delegation to UN General Assembly

In 1985, as Minister of External Affairs, Akinyemi headed Nigeria's delegation to the United Nations General Assembly Session.

1986: Headed Delegations to OAU, Non-Aligned Conference, and UN

In 1986, Bolaji Akinyemi headed Nigerian delegations to the Organisation of African Unity Council of Ministers Session, the Non-Aligned Foreign Ministers Conference, the United Nations General Assembly Annual Session, and the United Nations General Assembly Special Session on the Critical Economic Situation in Africa.

1987: Headed Delegations to OAU, UN, and Session on African Debt

In 1987, Akinyemi headed delegations to the Budget Session of the Council of Ministers of the Organisation of African Unity, the Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the Organisation of African Unity, the United Nations General Assembly Session, and the Extra–Ordinary Session of the Council of Ministers of the Organisation of African Unity devoted to African debt.

1987: Supported Nigeria Developing Nuclear Weapons

In 1987, Akinyemi voiced his support for Nigeria developing nuclear weapons, referring to it as the "black bomb" to challenge the racial monopoly of nuclear weapons.