Biography of Adebayo Johnson Bankole, Early Life and Education
Adebayo Johnson Bankole, born on October 27, 1945, in Ile Bale Ajinapa, Orire Local Government Area of Ogbomoso, is a Nigerian politician and public servant. He held various significant positions during his political career, including serving as a commissioner in Oyo State under Governors Alao Akala and Kolapo Ishola.
Adebayo Johnson Bankole Early Life and Education:
Bankole was born to Jacob and Abigail Bankole. He started his elementary education at St Stephen Primary School in 1952 before transferring to St David’s Primary School in Ogbomoso in 1954. He completed his secondary education at the Anglican Secondary Modern School, Ogbomoso, graduating in 1961 with a Secondary Modern School Certificate.
In 1962, Bankole moved to Kaduna to pursue Secretarial Studies and later worked as a Secretary-typist at Africa Alliance Insurance Company. He also became the Secretary to the District Manager of Nigeria Airways. Bankole continued his education at the Staff Development Center, where he earned his General Certificate of Education (GCE) in 1969 (Ordinary Level) and 1970–1971 (Advanced Level).
In 1971, Bankole moved to New York City and enrolled at Fordham University, where he graduated in June 1974 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting. He also earned a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance and Investment from Baruch College in February 1976.
Adebayo Johnson Bankole Career:
Upon returning to Nigeria in 1976, Bankole began his professional career at the Central Bank of Nigeria as a Research Assistant in the Department of Research. He later worked with the Capital Issues Commission, which later became the Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), as a financial analyst.
In 1978, Bankole joined City Securities Limited (stockbrokers) in Lagos and trained as a Dealer on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange. He later worked with M. L. Securities Limited, continuing to deal on the floor of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.
In 1985, Bankole transitioned into farming and agro-allied business in Ogbomoso, establishing a factory at Aroje village and farming at Olugbemi village near Ajinapa.
Adebayo Johnson Bankole Political Life:
Bankole’s political career began in 1987 when he was elected as a councillor for the Oyo Local Government, representing the Ikoyi constituency. This ended in 1989 with the creation of the Orire Local Government.
He was appointed the Oyo State Commissioner for Health and Social Welfare from 1992 to 1993. Bankole was also a member of the National Constitutional Conference in Abuja between 1994 and 1995. From 2001 to 2004, he served as the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Institute of Industrial Research, Oshodi.
In February 2006, Bankole was appointed Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, Budget, and Planning. He was reappointed to the same office in May 2007 and served until May 2011.
Adebayo Johnson Bankole Awards and Recognition:
In 2009, Bankole was awarded the Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, recognizing his contributions to the financial sector.