Stories > Adewole Adeniji
Known by his friends and family as Wole, Adewole Adeniji’s, journey is one of adaptability, determination, and finding purpose. Born into a middle-class family in Nigeria, his parents instilled the values of education and hard work in their seven children. Wole chose economics for his university degree and began his career as a graduate trainee in chartered accountancy with an international consultancy in Nigeria. His ambitions were bold—he set his sights on the United Kingdom to become a chartered accountant.
However, reality tested his dreams. Despite countless applications and only securing one interview at Price Waterhouse (now PWC), Wole didn’t let setbacks define him. Forced to reconsider his path, he spent years working as a minicab driver. Yet, he approached this role with pride and tenacity, even teaching himself the intricacies of London’s roads to become the best minicab driver he could be.
When Wole noticed the burgeoning opportunities in information technology, he took a leap. Enrolling in a Master's conversion program in IT in the mid-1990s, he found his calling. The field felt intuitive, and he thrived, transitioning into roles such as analyst programmer, business analyst, and eventually delivery manager. IT gave Adewole not only financial stability but also the ability to provide a better life for his family.
The search for good schools brought the Adeniji family to Chelmsford, Essex, nearly two decades ago. While the transition wasn’t without challenges—encounters with less friendly locals and adapting to a quieter community—Chelmsford’s grammar schools and proximity to London made it an ideal home. Over time, Wole integrated into the community, joining organisations like O5BM and attending local churches.
Wole's children thrived, blending their Nigerian heritage with British culture, and his family maintained close ties to their roots through visits to Nigeria and welcoming relatives to their home. For Wole, it’s clear: perseverance and community are the bedrock of success.
