Meet Prof. Yomi Daramola, OAU Pioneer First-Class Music Graduate, Rises to DVC

The story of Professor Yomi Daramola is one that reads like a steady rise built on talent, discipline, and deep cultural passion.

It began in a modest but meaningful setting—at the Oyo State College of Education in Ilesa (now Osun State College of Education). There, a young Daramola first nurtured his love for music, not just as sound, but as culture, identity, and expression. What started as interest soon became purpose.

That purpose led him to the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University (formerly University of Ife), where his brilliance quickly became impossible to ignore. In a department filled with talent, Daramola distinguished himself, becoming the first student ever to graduate with a First Class Honours in Music. Not only that, he was crowned with an Outstanding Student Award, a signal that something exceptional was unfolding.

But he didn’t stop there. Driven by curiosity and intellectual hunger, he continued his academic journey within the same institution, eventually becoming the first PhD graduate of the Department of Music. From student to trailblazer, his path was already reshaping the history of the department.

As his academic voice grew stronger, so did his global presence. Conferences in Europe, America, and across Africa became platforms where he shared his ideas. His work focused on Performative Musicology, especially African music, mass culture, and Islamic-influenced music traditions. His thinking was sharpened and inspired by giants in the field like J.H.K. Nketia and Akin Euba, among many others.

Then came a defining moment: he became the first Fulbright Scholar from his department. At the University of Texas at Arlington, he didn’t just study—he built bridges. Through his efforts, a partnership was formed between OAU and the American institution, bringing international collaboration home. In 2008, this connection led to a visiting professor arriving in Ile-Ife to study Yoruba traditional music—a full-circle moment of cultural exchange.

Back home, Professor Daramola became more than a scholar; he became a builder of people. He supervised postgraduate students, mentored future lecturers, and even influenced lives beyond academia, including one of his students who went on to serve in the Nigerian Army. His impact was both intellectual and human.

Within the university, his leadership footprint expanded. From Head of Department to Vice-Dean, from committee chairman to anti-corruption advocate, he served with consistency and influence. His role in developing the hymn book for Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide also showed how his work bridged academia, faith, and society.

Eventually, leadership called him higher. He became Dean of the Faculty of Arts, guiding the faculty through a crucial period. And now, standing at another milestone, he is set to serve as Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of Obafemi Awolowo University.

From a young music enthusiast in Ilesa to a global scholar and top university administrator, Professor Yomi Daramola’s journey is not just about personal success—it’s about shaping institutions, preserving culture, and raising the next generation.

It’s the kind of story that proves excellence, when consistent, becomes legacy.