Dynamic and Strategic Approach to Nigeria’s Foreign Policy
illustrous Service as Nigeria's Foreign Affairs Minister
Professor Bolaji Akinyemi served as Nigeria’s Minister of Foreign Affairs from 1985 to 1987 during the military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida. His tenure was marked by a dynamic and strategic approach to Nigeria’s foreign policy, particularly in strengthening diplomatic ties, advocating for African unity, and promoting Nigeria’s role on the global stage. Akinyemi introduced the Technical Aid Corps (TAC) Scheme, which aimed to share Nigeria’s skilled manpower with other developing nations, enhancing South-South cooperation. His tenure also saw efforts to navigate Nigeria’s position in Cold War geopolitics while championing regional stability and economic cooperation within Africa. For a list of His Appointments and All his publications, click HERE
thruMYeyes, with Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi live on YouTube weekly...
The thruMYeyes weekly broadcast, which started in the middle of the pandemic in July 2020, was originally going to run for a month, but following requests from viewers, the broadcast has now run for over 210+ episodes as at first quarter 2025
The broadcast has varied between one-on-one interview sessions with Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, sessions with Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi and other distinguished guests to full town hall sessions with a broad spectrum of invited guests from academia and other professions.
The interactive nature of the broadcast has endeared “the Prof”, as we call him, with the viewers. Since its inception, clips of Prof. Akinyemi have made it, multiple times, into the “top 30” most viewed clips of the day on major international media platforms. Every week, “the Professor” turns up and keeps his audience hooked as he analyses international events with such insights, historical perspectives and explains in a language that students of international relations and diplomacy can relate to.
News, Seminars and Publications
Nigeria’s Ex-Foreign Affairs Minister Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi Tackles Trump Over Inaugural Speech
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April 16, 2025
A former minister of foreign affairs, Professor Bolaji Akinyemi, has described Donald Trump’s inaugural speech as the worst he has
Former foreign affairs minister, Akinyemi, loses brother
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September 23, 2017
A former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi, has lost his brother, Dr. Akinwunmi Akinyemi. According to a statement
Xenophobic attacks: Take South African govt to ICJ, Akinyemi urges FG
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September 15, 2019
A former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, has urged the Federal Government to drag its South African counterpart
Biden administration may sanction Nigerian officials for human rights abuses
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November 15, 2020
Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, talks to ALEXANDER OKERE about the intrigues in the ongoing US presidential
Tribute to Bolaji Akinyemi @80
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January 6, 2022
In the long arc of any country’s history, many men and women hold offices and titles in public life. In
Encomiums as ex-external affairs minister, Prof Bolaji Akinyemi, turns 80
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January 10, 2022
Encomiums were showered on former Minister of External Affairs, Prof. Bolaji Akinyemi on Sunday, during a virtual celebration of his