Kwara State House of Assembly aspirant for the Essa/Shawo/Igbodun Constituency, Hon. Alhaji Oladipo Sharafadeen Babatunde, popularly known as Laka Omo Alubarika, has added another academic feather to his cap as he graduates with a Master’s Degree in Policy and Development Studies (MPDS) from Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria.
Hon. Babatunde is among the graduands being celebrated at the university’s 45th Convocation Ceremony today, Saturday, January 31, 2026 at Mamman Kontagora Square, ABU Main Campus, Samaru, Zaria.
The Offa-born politician earned the degree under the Department of Local Government, situated within the Faculty of Administration.
Born on January 21 in Offa, Kwara State, Hon. Babatunde’s academic journey reflects discipline and a commitment to self-development.
He began his early education at the College of Education Staff Primary School, Sokoto State, before proceeding to Tawakalitu Grammar School, Offa, where he served as Health Prefect.
He later obtained both his OND and HND in Business Administration from Kwara State Polytechnic, Ilorin.
His quest for higher learning took him to Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, where he bagged a Postgraduate Diploma in Public Administration (PGDPA) before proceeding to complete his Master’s in Policy and Development Studies, which is a programme designed to equip leaders with practical tools for policy formulation and sustainable development.
A former student union leader, Hon. Babatunde served as an Executive Member of the Offa Students Union (OSU) in 2002, a role that helped shape his leadership skills and political consciousness.
Beyond academics, Hon. Laka is a seasoned administrator and entrepreneur with experience spanning both the public and private sectors.
He began his professional career at the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA) in the Accounts Department and later served as Personal Assistant to the Managing Director of Combined Building Services Ltd during his NYSC in Abuja.
Over the years, he has occupied several strategic managerial positions, including Executive Director (Projects) at Misterich Limited, Abuja, and chairman of multiple firms involved in automobile importation, project execution and government contracting, with engagements across key federal ministries and agencies.
His political journey, which dates back to his secondary school days, has seen him play active roles in grassroots mobilisation, including serving as Essa ‘B’ Youth Leader during the tenure of former Kwara Assembly Deputy Speaker, Hon. Alhaja Banke Badmus.
A committed member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Babatunde was a leading chairmanship aspirant in Offa Local Government in 2024 and is currently positioning himself for the Essa/Shawo/Igbodun seat in the Kwara State House of Assembly ahead of the 2027 general elections.
His latest academic achievement at ABU is not only a personal milestone but also a strategic boost to his legislative ambition, particularly at a time when governance, policy competence and development-oriented leadership are gaining prominence in public discourse.
