From GCI Parade Ground to Civil Defence Corps: The RSM Story of Oyediji ‘91 Jan Set aka CADET

If you passed through Government College Ibadan between 1991 and 1996, one name would echo on the parade ground every morning: RSM Oyediji.

Back then he wasn’t in NSCDC uniform yet. He was wearing GCI Cadets khaki, whistle around his neck, cap tilted just right, and voice that could make JSS1 boys stand straighter without him saying a word.

The Cadet Days at GCIOBA
For GCIOBA ‘91 Jan Set, the Cadets unit was more than extracurricular. It was discipline, drills, and pride. While the rest of us were running for cornflakes at break, Oyediji was busy teaching us how to march in line, how to respect the flag, and how to answer “Sir, Yes Sir!” without cracking.

His nickname “RSM” didn’t come from nowhere. Regimental Sergeant Major energy. Even as a student, he had that natural command presence. If you were out of line during assembly, RSM Oyediji would spot you from 50 meters. We feared him, but we also respected him. He made us better boys.

Teachers trusted him to keep order. Junior students looked up to him. And ‘91 Jan Set? We knew we had one of our own who was born to lead.

From School Cadet to Nation’s Defender
Fast forward to 2026. 35 years after we left Oduduwa Hall and Great Hall, Oyediji is still on duty. Today he serves as a paramilitary personnel with the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC.

The khaki changed. The whistle is gone. But the discipline, the posture, the “RSM” spirit? Still intact.

From drilling us on GCI field to now protecting lives and national infrastructure, the journey makes sense. Cadets trained him to serve. GCI built his character. And today, Nigeria benefits from it.

He went from making sure ‘91 Jan Set boys polished their boots, to making sure communities are safe. Same mission: service, order, protection.

What RSM Oyediji Teaches ‘91 Jan Set
In a set where we have doctors, engineers, lawyers, CEOs, Oyediji chose the path of uniformed service. No big office, no boardroom, but daily commitment to Nigeria.

For those of us struggling with “low engagement” in the set, his story is a reminder: GCI ‘91 Jan Set is still producing impact. Some of us build companies. Some of us build the nation.

Next time you see RSM Oyediji, don’t just call him “classmate”. Call him “Officer”. Because the boy who commanded our parade is now helping to command peace in our country.

91 Jan Set, let’s celebrate one of our own.
RSM Oyediji, we are proud of you. From GCI Cadets to NSCDC, you’ve stayed true to the motto: Pro Unitate - For Unity.