If there was one thing that you would want everyone to know about yourself, what would it be? Would it be the car that you drive, the awards you’ve received, or the school you go to? Well, I had the privilege of asking Biola University’s Chief of Campus Safety, John Ojeisekhoba Sr., that same question. Here’s what he told me:
“I believe the Lord is at work and has been at work in my life. I want students to draw from this and build and feel encouraged.”
Ojeisekhoba’s commitment to the Biola community, in particular the student body, serves as a profound window into his Christian faith. I learned that his journey to Biola has been full of twists and turns, failures and — surprisingly — socks. Above all else, Chief O’s story offers a compelling counter-narrative of someone who prioritizes faith over prestige and financial gain.
In the early 1990s, a young Ojeisekhoba was making a name for himself as a long jumper in Nigeria. He competed at the local, state, and even national level. With this level of success, he received numerous offers from colleges and universities, but after consulting with his family, one stood out: Azusa Pacific University.
Through an act of divine providence, Azusa Pacific’s administration informed Ojeisekhoba that his applications, although accepted, had forfeited any opportunity for scholarships because of a missed deadline. Following this unexpected setback, he was referred to Biola University.
FAITH AND FINANCES
Despite completing a degree in international business and establishing a lucrative career as an underwriter, he quickly found himself growing dissatisfied.
He said, “I followed the trend. The trend is that if you have a business degree […] you have to go to the corporate field, right.”
While struggling to adjust to corporate America, Ojeisekhoba felt God testing his faith.
“What came to my mind immediately was when I was working as a student cadet here. My priorities were misplaced over there [Los Angeles], so I left my job downtown,” Ojeisekhoba said. “God called me to leave a $40-an-hour job to come back to Biola for a $9-an-hour position because it wasn’t about the money.”
For Chief O, its always been about the people and community of Biola University. To this day, he has received offers to be the head of security from the University of Southern California, the University of Hawaii and various other institutions. Despite these prestigious opportunities, Ojeisekhoba is confident that Biola is where God wants him to be.
Seeing Ojeisekhoba’s strong affection for Biola prompted me to ask, “Why do you think Biola stuck with you all these years?”
He described with nostalgia his antics in Emerson Hall and his connection to Biola’s Christ-centered community. In the last 26 years, he described one constant supporting his walk with God: his wife.
They first met at the mailboxes between Crowell Music Building and the Student Union Building (SUB).
“Sometimes I wonder what if I hadn’t met her by the mailbox or didn’t go to check my mail that day. What would my life be like?” Ojeisekhoba said. “Earthly, she has been behind most of my progress for 26 years. I count my blessings every day.”
GIVING GLORY TO GOD
As I looked around his office, I started to notice a smorgasbord of accolades. If I didn’t have insecurities about my career after college before this, I do now. From the state of California to the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the sheer magnitude of awards had qualities reminiscent of M.C. Escher’s art, where the longer you look, the more impossible and mind-bending it seems.
Prompted by the scenery in the office, I said, “I see you have a picture at the White House; that’s not a lot of things people get to say they have done. Have you met any of the presidents?”
Chief Ojiesekhoba answered, “It’s very honoring. I began communicating with the White House on safety and security initiatives through this role. I’ve met with the FBI Director, the Secretary of Homeland Security and even the President.”
After breezing through a storied career, he redirected the limelight off himself again. Ojeisekhoba gave heartfelt praise to God.
“I came to this country with a backpack holding all my belongings. I spoke little English but through God’s grace and guidance, I’ve come a long way. I want students and colleagues to feel encouraged, no matter their circumstances. We serve a living God, and His love for us is eternal,”said Ojeisekhoba.
It was beautiful to see Chief Ojeisekhoba give God glory, and neither his nor my eyes were dry during the exchange. It’s exceedingly rare to see people in high positions of authority retain humility and faith, but individuals like Chief O prove Bishop Creighton’s classic idiom wrong: absolute power does not always corrupt absolutely.
ON HIS UNIQUE INTERESTS AND PERSONAL LIFE:
“I’ve heard through the rumor mill that you have somewhat of a unique interest. Heard you’re a huge … sock guy,” I asked, being embarrassed even to have raised the question.
“Oh, it’s true,” Ojeisekhoba stated. “I have about 300 pairs of socks, and they are all organized with varying colors.”
Fortunately, he elaborated.
“If I wasn’t in law enforcement, I would be the owner of a fashion boutique. I love fashion.” This might be a good time to note that he was wearing a surprisingly color-coordinated all-blue jumpsuit, but I digress. He continued, “I’m the self-proclaimed — self-imposed if you will — GQ of this campus,” he said with a laugh. “I’ve got almost 300 neckties to back it up, so whatever you heard, it’s not a rumor; it’s true.”
CONNECTING WITH STUDENTS
With these surprising details coming to light I asked, “What’s something that every Biolan should know about our Chief?” In response to this, he told me that “every Biola student should know that I genuinely have a soft spot for their well-being. It brings me an inexplicable level of personal satisfaction when I see students thrive. Anything that can put a smile on a student’s face is worth it.”
The meteoric rise in protective news regarding police brutality has increased the public’s distrust towards police officers. However, for Ojeisekhoba, care and concern for the students extend even to cases of student misconduct.
“My soft spot extends even to cases of student misconduct. It’s not about condemnation but helping them move past mistakes. It’s the aftermath that truly matters,” Ojeisekhoba said.
It is for this reason that the Chief takes time out of his schedule to teach a self-defense course for those in need.
“If you ever feel unsafe, speak; don’t stay silent; speak up. Working together, we can create a safer environment for everyone,” Ojeisekhoba said.
FINAL REMARKS
For Ojeisekhoba, ensuring Biola’s safety is more than a job–it’s a calling. His excellent work is an outpouring of his love for Biola and, more importantly, his devotion to God.
