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Interview: “I Was Pronounced Ameer on the Same Day We Launched the Academy” — Ameer Ibraheem Obakemi

In this interview, Ameer Ibraheem Adedeji Obakemi, a graduate of the Department of Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, shares insights from his remarkable journey through leadership and entrepreneurship.

As the Ameer of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria, University of Ibadan (MSSNUI) for two consecutive administrations, Levelling Up and The Masterpiece, Ameer Obakemi reflects on his years of service, the lessons learned, and how he balanced academics, leadership, and personal ambition.

From being pronounced Ameer on the very day he launched a youth digital academy, to later founding Nova Store, his story is one of dedication, discipline, and faith-driven purpose.

You were a member of the MSSNUI Central Executive Council for most of your time on campus. What was your experience like as a CEC member?

Honestly, being in the CEC was a life-changing experience. It wasn’t just about holding a position — it was about serving people, learning patience, and working with different personalities. It stretched me a lot, but it also helped me grow in ways I never expected. Looking back, I’m grateful because it prepared me for leadership beyond campus.

Serving as Ameer for two consecutive terms must have been challenging. What were some of the biggest challenges you faced?

Oh, plenty! (laughs). The toughest part was balancing the different expectations people had. MSSNUI is full of brilliant and diverse minds, so naturally, everyone has opinions on how things should be done. Managing that and still keeping unity wasn’t always easy. Another big challenge was working with limited resources — both money and time. But Alhamdulillah, with teamwork and Allah’s help, we pulled through.

How did you balance your academic responsibilities with your leadership role?

It came down to discipline. I had to be intentional with my time, cut down on distractions, and focus on what mattered. And of course, I wasn’t doing it alone — I had a solid team who made the work lighter. Delegation was key; leadership is never a one-man show.

Rumour has it that you were about to launch your brand, Nova Store, around the time you were appointed as the Ameer. Was there anything that prevented you from proceeding with the launch at the time?

That rumour is half-true (smiles). I already had plans for a business back then, but it wasn't Nova Store, it was a digital academy for youths wanting to learn tech skills, in fact I was pronounced Ameer on the same day we launched the Academy. I really thought I could juggle both, but becoming Ameer made me press pause. I eventually realised the responsibility wasn’t something I could combine halfway with building a business. Leadership in MSSNUI requires your full attention. So I decided, let me give my best to the society first, and then I can return to the brand later. I eventually launched Nova Store in the later part of my second administration. Alhamdulillah.

Now that Nova Store has been launched, how is the business doing?

Alhamdulillah, Nova Store is doing well. We’ve been running for almost 3 years now in Lagos, and just recently moved into a bigger branch in Ikeja. The brand is growing steadily, and people are beginning to see us as a go-to place for tech products — laptops, phones, gaming setups, routers, all of that. The big vision is for Nova Store to become Nigeria’s own version of Best Buy (The US leading tech retail brand).

How did your experience in leadership shape your perspective on entrepreneurship and business?

Leadership in MSSNUI taught me that service comes first. As Ameer, you’re serving people; in business, you’re also serving people — just in a different way. It made me realise that whether it’s leading a society or running a business, you have to think about value, integrity, and people first. The profit or recognition will always follow naturally.

As a member of the Shuurah Committee that brought in the last CEC, are there any experiences or insights you would like to share from your time on the committee?

For me, being in Shuurah was a big reminder that leadership is a trust, not a trophy. Choosing leaders is not about popularity — it’s about sincerity, competence, and the ability to move the society forward. That process really humbled me because it shows that leadership is something Allah gives, not something you should just chase for yourself.

Finally, what advice would you give to students aiming to excel academically while taking on leadership and business roles?

Number one: set your priorities right. Your academics should never be neglected.

Number two: manage your time like gold, cut off unnecessary distractions from things and even people.

Number three: don’t try to do it all alone. Build a team, rely on your peers, and learn to delegate.

And most importantly, keep Allah at the centre of everything you do. If your intention is right, you’ll find barakah in your time and efforts.