Visionary Oladapo ‘OJ’ Adewunmi Celebrates Pioneering Role in Transforming Cowbellpedia into National Educational Phenomenon

Hamid Ayodeji

Oladapo ‘OJ’ Adewunmi, a revered figure in African media and content development, is reflecting on his foundational contributions to one of Nigeria’s most impactful educational initiatives: the Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics TV Quiz Show.

As the original Creator and Director who transitioned the competition from a written exam to a beloved national television program, Adewunmi’s strategic vision laid the groundwork for Cowbellpedia’s enduring success and its profound influence on STEM education across Nigeria.

Before its 2015 television debut, the Cowbell Mathematics Competition was primarily a written assessment. It was Adewunmi, then at Promasidor Nigeria Plc, who conceptualized and spearheaded its transformation into the dynamic, engaging TV quiz show format that has captivated millions. His role as the Executive Producer for its initial successful seasons solidified Cowbellpedia’s status as a benchmark for educational entertainment.

Oladapo ‘OJ’ Adewunmi said: “My vision for Cowbellpedia was to make mathematics exciting, accessible, and aspirational for every Nigerian child. We wanted to create a platform that didn’t just test knowledge but celebrated academic excellence, inspired future innovators, and showcased the brilliance of our youth on a national stage. Seeing how it has grown and the countless lives it has touched is incredibly rewarding.”
Adewunmi’s pioneering efforts included:

● Conceptualizing the TV Format: Designing the engaging quiz structure, visual elements, and production flow that brought mathematics to life on screen.

● Strategic Direction: Guiding the show’s educational objectives and ensuring its alignment with national curriculum standards while maintaining entertainment value.

● Executive Production: Overseeing the complex logistics of transforming a national competition into a high-quality, nationally broadcast television series.

The Cowbellpedia TV Quiz Show quickly became a household name, fostering a renewed interest in mathematics and science among students, parents, and educators. Its success paved the way for numerous contestants to pursue careers in STEM, contributing significantly to Nigeria’s intellectual capital.

Today, Oladapo ‘OJ’ Adewunmi continues to shape Africa’s content landscape as the Founder and CEO of Apollo Endeavor Limited, where he champions monetization strategies and professional development for African content creators. His work with Cowbellpedia serves as a powerful testament to his ability to innovate and execute large-scale projects with significant societal impact.

Adewunmi is available for interviews to discuss the genesis of the Cowbellpedia TV Quiz Show, its impact on education, and his broader vision for the African creative and media industries.

Oladapo ‘OJ’ Adewunmi is a visionary entrepreneur, media executive, and content strategist. He is widely recognized as the Creator and Director of the Cowbellpedia Secondary Schools Mathematics TV Quiz Show.

As the Founder and CEO of Apollo Endeavor Limited, he is dedicated to empowering African content creators through monetization, optimization, and strategic partnerships, including being a Third-Party Partner with Facebook. He is also the Convener of the African Creators Summit.