Nigerian diplomat Simeon Oladele graduates from USC’s MSc National Security programme with the Class of 2026.
When Simeon Adewale Oladele first received his diplomatic posting to Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, he knew very little about the Caribbean nation that would soon become his temporary home. A seasoned public servant, chartered accountant, forensic investigator, humanitarian, author, and diplomat, he had already traveled extensively across the globe. Yet both Trinidad and Tobago and USC’s famed Miracle Valley remained, in many ways, uncharted territory.
What began as a diplomatic assignment soon evolved into something more. As a member of USC’s Class of 2026, Oladele looks back on his time in Trinidad and Tobago as a period of academic growth and personal development, culminating in the completion of a Master of Science in National Security and Intelligence Studies.
A native of Awe in Oyo State, Nigeria, Oladele arrived in Trinidad and Tobago in August 2024 to serve as Finance Attaché at the Nigerian High Commission. Before his arrival, however, he had already begun exploring opportunities to continue his education. With two master’s degrees already to his credit, he was searching for knowledge that could help him contribute meaningfully to solving some of the pressing challenges facing his homeland.
His search led him to USC. One programme immediately captured his attention: National Security and Intelligence Studies. For a nation grappling with complex security threats, the programme offered a pathway to practical solutions. The decision was swift. He applied before leaving Nigeria and began his studies shortly after arriving in Trinidad.
What began as an online search from Nigeria soon became a reality. Within weeks of arriving in Trinidad and Tobago, Oladele found himself traveling to USC’s campus in Maracas Valley, navigating public transportation from Port of Spain to St. Joseph while balancing the demands of diplomatic service. Yet perseverance has long been a defining feature of his story.
Oladele credits much of his success to the values instilled in him by his mother: discipline, integrity, diligence, service, and unwavering faith in God. Throughout his journey, he has embraced the conviction that achievement is not merely the result of hard work, but of hard work guided by divine purpose.
That philosophy is perhaps best captured in the title of his book, Determined Not to Fail: Rising from Obscurity to Prominence. The publication chronicles his journey to becoming a respected public servant, diplomat, humanitarian, and international leader.
“With God, all things are possible,” he reflected, a mantra that has carried him through an extraordinary career. From serving in the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation in Nigeria to supporting major government initiatives and later representing his country abroad, Oladele has consistently combined professional excellence with humanitarian initiatives, youth mentorship, skills development programmes, and the empowerment of underserved communities.
In Trinidad and Tobago, that commitment continued. He immersed himself in local culture by learning to play the steelpan, joining the renowned Phase II Pan Groove Orchestra, and helping organize the group’s inaugural fundraising 5K event. He also became an advocate for blood donation, participated in community outreach activities, mentored young people, and donated specialized security texts to USC’s National Security and Intelligence Studies programme for the benefit of future students.
Yet, among the many experiences that shaped his time in the Caribbean, Oladele regards his journey at USC as one of the most transformative. “Coming to USC is sincerely the best thing that has happened to me,” he reflected. “I am proud to be a USC alumnus, proud to be a graduate of the Class of 2026, and proud to have been part of the National Security and Intelligence Studies programme.”
He speaks highly of the University’s faculty, describing them as experienced professionals who challenged students to think critically and engage deeply with contemporary security issues. With a small cohort of students, discussions were rigorous, collaborative, and explored regional and global security concerns through diverse professional perspectives within the classroom.
The programme also inspired him to explore new areas of study, including surveillance technology, intelligence gathering, and security analysis, strengthening his resolve to contribute practical solutions upon his return home.
For Oladele, being the sole Nigerian graduate in USC’s Class of 2026 carries special significance. Both a personal milestone and a point of national pride, the achievement was celebrated by family, friends, and colleagues back home. It also reinforced his desire to serve as a bridge between Nigeria and the Caribbean, sharing his experiences and encouraging others to consider the opportunities available through higher education at USC.
He praises the University’s supportive environment and commitment to student success. More importantly, he speaks of USC as a place where students are encouraged not only to achieve academically but also to grow as leaders and people of faith.
As he looks toward the future, Oladele remains focused on service. He is already preparing to write a book on national security and intends to continue applying his knowledge in ways that strengthen communities and institutions. The same determination that brought him from Nigeria to the Caribbean continues to propel him forward.
His message to future USC students is both simple and profound.
“Don’t give up on your dream. Don’t get discouraged. Many people are afraid of starting, but the journey of a thousand miles begins with a step. Just start.“
Drawing on both his academic journey and his passion for distance running—a sport he embraced after arriving in Trinidad and Tobago—Oladele often compares success to crossing a finish line. Since relocating to the country, he has participated in more than 150 races, ranging from 5K, 6K, and 7K events to 10Ks, half marathons, and the full 42-kilometre marathon, earning numerous finisher medals and accolades along the way. Beyond running, he remains actively engaged in sport as a member of the Diplomatic Football Club (DiploFC).
“You are not competing with anybody. Your goal is simply to finish your race. That is what I learned through running in Trinidad and Tobago. Keep moving forward, keep pushing, and with God all things are possible.”
He concludes with a favorite quotation from Nigerian statesman Chief Obafemi Awolowo, “If you aspire to acquire anything you desire, you should not retire, but rather refire.“
For a man whose journey has crossed continents, professions, and cultures, graduation from USC is not an endpoint. Rather, it is another chapter in a life defined by a belief that excellence is achieved when faith and action move together.
In many ways, his story embodies the very theme of USC’s 93rd Commencement: Anchored in God, Advancing in Excellence.
