Generally known as Pa Imoudu, was a labour union leader and activist. He encouraged workers in both the private and public sectors to form unions. During the colonial era, he used strike actions to seek better working conditions for Nigerian workers, as well as make the British change obnoxious laws that affected workers.

The antecedent and rationale behind the establishment of the National Institute for Labour Studies were therefore well enunciated in 1975 National Labour Policy and Plan. The foundation of the Institute was laid in Ilorin during the second Republic by the then civilian President Shehu Shagari on 4th May, 1983.