By Emmanuel Oladesu, Deputy Editor | May 4, 2025
Senate Leader, Senator Opeyemi Bamidele, has shed light on the unsung contributions of Nigeria’s Education Minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, to the pro-democracy struggle during one of the nation’s darkest political eras.
Bamidele revealed that Alausa, a U.S.-based medical practitioner at the time, mobilised critical resources and medical interventions for chieftains of the National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) who were forced into exile during the military regime of the late General Sani Abacha.
The Senate Leader made these disclosures in Abuja during the inauguration of the governing council and principal officers of a federal university, where he praised Alausa’s quiet but pivotal role in sustaining Nigeria’s democratic movement abroad.
A Lifeline for Exiled Patriots
NADECO, founded on May 15, 1994, was the foremost pro-democracy coalition that stood against military dictatorship following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election, widely believed to have been won by Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O.) Abiola.
Bamidele recounted that during the Abacha era, several prominent Nigerian democrats, including Chief Anthony Enahoro, Prof. Wole Soyinka, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Chief Ayo Opadokun, and Hon. Olawale Oshun, fled into exile to avoid persecution.
“In those difficult years, many of our leaders in exile faced severe health challenges, some sustaining injuries as they evaded state security operatives. Dr. Tunji Alausa not only provided medical care but also mobilised resources to ensure they could access quality healthcare in Europe and the United States,” Bamidele said.
Rejected Tinubu’s Cabinet Offers
In a related disclosure, Bamidele stated that Alausa turned down opportunities to serve as either Commissioner for Education or Commissioner for Health under the administration of then-Lagos State Governor, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
“Despite being approached to serve in those capacities, Dr. Alausa respectfully declined, choosing instead to continue his medical practice abroad while supporting Nigeria’s democratic cause from the diaspora,” Bamidele noted.
Medical Outreaches Across Southwest
Beyond his contributions during the pro-democracy struggle, Bamidele highlighted that Alausa has consistently demonstrated commitment to public health through numerous medical outreaches across Southwest Nigeria, providing free healthcare services to thousands of citizens.
His efforts, Bamidele said, reflected a lifelong commitment to the welfare of the people — a virtue that has now found expression in his stewardship as Nigeria’s Education Minister.
The Senate Leader urged Nigerians to appreciate and document the sacrifices of patriots like Alausa whose silent interventions contributed to the restoration of democracy in the country.
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