Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin (November 6, 1938 – May 1, 2021) was a distinguished Nigerian professor, educationist, and princess from the Iji ruling house of Saki, Oyo State. She holds a special place in Nigeria’s history as the author of the Nigerian National Pledge, one of the country’s most enduring symbols of patriotism and unity.
Early Life and Education
Born in 1938, Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin hailed from a royal Yoruba family in Saki, Oyo State. From an early age, she demonstrated a strong passion for education and civic responsibility. This passion guided her lifelong dedication to teaching, scholarship, and national development.
Career and Academic Achievements
Adeyoyin built a remarkable academic career and rose to become a professor of education at the University of Lagos. Her work focused on national values, education policy, and youth development — subjects that reflected her deep belief in the power of education to shape both individual and national identity.
Throughout her years in academia, she was respected not only for her intellectual rigor but also for her commitment to inspiring moral and civic responsibility among young Nigerians.
The Birth of the Nigerian National Pledge
In 1976, during the military administration of General Olusegun Obasanjo, Adeyoyin wrote a short composition expressing loyalty and devotion to Nigeria. Initially published in the Daily Times newspaper, her piece caught national attention for its emotional depth and patriotic message.
Recognizing its significance, General Obasanjo formally adopted the composition as Nigeria’s National Pledge on September 7, 1976. Since then, it has been recited daily by schoolchildren, public servants, and citizens at official ceremonies across the country.
The National Pledge reads:
> I pledge to Nigeria, my country,
To be faithful, loyal and honest,
To serve Nigeria with all my strength,
To defend her unity,
And uphold her honour and glory.
So help me God.
This simple yet powerful oath has become a cornerstone of Nigeria’s civic culture — a call to integrity, service, and unity that continues to resonate with generations of Nigerians.
Legacy and Passing
Until her passing on May 1, 2021, Professor Felicia Adeyoyin remained a symbol of intellectual excellence and patriotic spirit. Beyond her role as the author of the pledge, she contributed immensely to education and the moral reorientation of young Nigerians.
Her life and work reflect the vision of a nation bound not by tribe or religion but by shared values and common purpose.
Conclusion
Felicia Adebola Adeyoyin’s legacy lives on each time the National Pledge is recited. In just a few lines, she captured the ideals of nationhood, responsibility, and unity — ideals that remain as relevant today as they were in 1976.
Through her words, she gave Nigerians a timeless reminder: patriotism begins in the heart and is expressed through action.
Source:
National Archives of Nigeria – Records on National Symbols
Daily Times (1976): Publication of the original pledge text
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