Title: Courage to be Different
Author: Olusola Oyewole
Year of Publication: 2025
Number of Pages: 312
Category: Memoir
The title Courage to Be Different speaks for itself. If you have no intention of standing out or challenging the norm, you might as well drop this book and save your time. Professor Olusola Adewole clearly means business. One look at his cover photo and you can tell he’s not someone to approach with any form of shady behaviour.
In this review, let’s just call him Prof, and that’s probably what most of his colleagues call him anyway.
At its core, this book unpacks leadership and integrity through a deeply spiritual lens. Prof presents leadership from an angle you may not have encountered before, offering fresh insights that set his ideas apart from the many leadership books out there. Even though it sometimes reads more like a textbook than a memoir. Well, what else would you expect from a professor? It still manages to reveal the man behind the title. By the time you turn the last page, you’ll feel as though you know him personally.
The book is both captivating and unsettling. Having endured so much as a child, Prof’s story makes you wonder how he managed to rise above it all. His story stands as a powerful testament to resilience and will no doubt inspire anyone navigating difficult times. You can feel his pain, the sting of betrayal from family, and the strength that emerged from those experiences. At times, the story feels almost unreal, even haunting, yet deeply relatable, especially for readers who have faced similar childhood challenges.
One clear takeaway? Avoid polygamy. Just a few pages in and you’ll understand why.
Prof has held several leadership positions, so he certainly speaks from experience. After all, you can’t give what you don’t have. Being the head of a university is no small feat, and if you aspire to become one, this book will either scare you or inspire you. He doesn’t hold back; his honesty is refreshing. Some revelations will make you smile, others might shock you.
For those dreaming of leading a university in Nigeria, this is a goldmine. Grab a pen and paper, Prof shares practical tips that can guide and save you from the principalities sometimes known as colleagues. You’ll also find creative, workable ideas on how to manage a university effectively without having to reinvent the wheel.
There are moments when Prof takes a well-deserved opportunity to blow his own trumpet and rightly so. Who else but him can proudly speak of his many accomplishments during his years at the helm of a university? If you know him personally or are related to him, you can’t help but feel proud of his numerous achievements, both locally and internationally.
Integrity, which is hard to come by these days, shines through every page. Prof’s honesty and consistency inspire readers to stay true to themselves. Through his words, he encourages, teaches, and motivates, leaving you wishing he were your mentor.
If you were a staff member or student under his leadership, you’ll likely recognise some of the stories he shares. Some readers might nod in agreement; others, perhaps not. But this is his story, told from his perspective as it should be.
At times, you’ll find yourself sighing deeply as you read, the kind of sigh that comes from recognising hard truths or familiar struggles.
The book is eye-opening in many ways. Long before vision boards became trendy, Prof was already practising the principle. His story brims with lessons, simple yet profound principles for succeeding in life. Despite his many achievements, he humbly attributes every success to his Maker.
If you’re in the education field, this book will definitely capture your interest. And if you aspire to grow in academia or leadership, it serves as an invaluable guide.
Even readers who are less spiritually inclined will still connect when Prof discusses mentorship and how having the right mentors shaped his journey and the vital role they play in leadership growth.
For anyone passionate about human capital, leadership development, or institutional renewal, Courage to Be Different offers timeless wisdom and practical insight.
Whether you’re already in the education sector or aspiring to grow in it, this book is an engaging, insightful, and deeply motivating read, one that reminds us all of the true meaning of courage, conviction, and character.
About the reviewer
Titilade Oyemade is a business executive in a leading organisation and holds a degree in Russian Language. She’s the convener of the Hangoutwithtee Ladies Event and the Publisher of Hangoutwithtee magazine. She spends her weekends attending women conferences, events and book readings. She loves to have fun and to help other women have the same in their lives. Email: titi.oyemade@gmail.com Social: @tiipreeofficial
