Abiola Odejide

Abiola Odejide (born 17 April 1946) is an Emeritus Professor of Communication and Language Arts at University of Ibadan. She was previously the Deputy Vice Chancellor at the university and was the first woman to attain such position at the 58 years old university.

Quotes

• As DVC academic, I chaired over 25 committees and I didn’t have any major issue. So, I think it’s a question of one’s personality, one’s management style and as I said, I have been in university for quite some time. So, I have paid my dues.
  • [1] Prof Abiola speak on her tenure as a DVC in 2004.
• There is the notion that women are not supposed to be in the public sphere. Basically, they are supposed to be in the private space, looking after their children, being in the kitchen and so on. So, the whole idea is that women are not supposed to be in the limelight; they are to be seen and not to be heard.
  • [2] Prof Abiola speak on gender discrimination in 2020.
• Discipline was a major thing in our home, especially from my mum; she just didn’t take any nonsense. She was a loving person but liked people to be punctual, do whatever was assigned to them on time and without excuses. I think that must have rubbed off on my siblings and me.
  • [3] Prof Abiola in 2020 speak on discipline in her family.
• I was ready for retirement. I loved the job, the students and liked interacting with them, though they may have said other things. I loved challenging them to be their best. Before retirement came, I was mentally prepared for it. I had also managed my resources carefully so that it would not be a major shock financially.
  • [4] Prof Abiola speak on preparation for her retirement in 2020.
• I am happy that some of my former students are also professors now.
  • [5] Prof Abiola expresses joy over progress of former students in 2022.
• Of course, I faced opposition. The first time I ran (for the office), I lost by a few votes because I ran against a man. During the campaign, because I had to go round the faculties and talk to individuals, people asked me who would look after my home if I became the DVC and were in top management.
  • [6] Prof Abiola speaking on the opposition she faced

Quotes about Abiola Odejide

• She worked so hard when she was the deputy vice chancellor during my tenure as vice chancellor, and I am happy that her ex-students appreciate her contributions to their development.
  • [7] Former vice chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Ayodele Falase, described Professor Abiola in 2022.
• A scholar par excellence, mentor, administrator and mother.
  • [8] Professor Kayode Adebowale, commended Prof Abiola.
• In fact, she is a woman of many firsts, including being the first professor of children’s literature, and the first female deputy vice chancellor.
  • [9] Prof Kayode describe Prof Abiola as a woman of many firsts
• Her achievements are significant by all standards, and her simple approach to life is what draws many people to her.
  • [10] Prof Kayode speak on Abiola Achievements.
• Although Professor Emerita Odejide retired in 2011, but she continued supervising students in her department – Communication and Language Arts.
  • [11] Prof Titi appraises Prof Odejide and why she honored her.
• Therefore, in honouring Professor Emerita Odejide, this is also a platform for lecturers to present their researches and papers.
  • [12] Prof Titi commended her former teacher in 2022.