As we commemorate Women’s Day, The Nigeria Education News is proud to recognize the remarkable accomplishments of 15 trailblazing academics and administrators who have made an indelible mark in Nigeria’s education sector.
Prof. Fatimah Ja’afar Tahir: A Pioneer in Microbiology
Prof. Tahir, born on February 8, 1966, in Bauchi, has shattered glass ceilings in the male-dominated field of Microbiology. She obtained her Bachelor’s, Master’s, and PhD degrees in Microbiology from Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, where she would later become the first female Professor of Microbiology. Prof. Tahir’s professional career is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. She rose through the ranks from Graduate Assistant in 1991 to Professor of Microbiology in 2009, all within ATBU Bauchi. Her impressive academic achievements are matched by her extensive administrative experience, having served as Head of Department, Director of Academic Planning, Dean of Postgraduate Studies, and Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, among others. A prolific researcher, Prof. Tahir has published over 40 papers in reputable journals and supervised numerous postgraduate students.
Prof. Nnenna Oti: A Trailblazer in Academia
Prof. Oti, born on November 15, 1958, in Afikpo North, Ebonyi State, Nigeria, has made history in various ways. Her academic journey began with a first-class Bachelor of Agriculture in Soil Science from the University of Nigeria. She furthered her studies at the same institution, earning a master’s degree in social science with a focus on soil biology and biochemistry. Prof. Oti’s impressive academic credentials are matched by her extensive experience in academia. She has held various prestigious positions, including Head of the Department of Soil Science and Technology at FUTO, Chairman of the Gender Policy Unit, and Dean of the Postgraduate School. In 2021, Prof. Oti made history by becoming the first female substantive Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology Owerri (FUTO). Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping the future of FUTO.
Prof. Florence Banku Obi: A Visionary Leader
Prof. Obi, a renowned academic and administrator, has made an indelible mark in Nigeria’s education sector. Born in Bansan-Osokom, Boki Local Government Area of Cross River State, Prof. Obi’s educational journey began at St. Bridget’s Primary School in Ogep Osokom. She earned her PhD in the Psychology of Education in 2002, cementing her status as a respected academic figure. Prof. Obi’s career is a testament to her dedication and perseverance. She has held various prestigious positions, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) at the University of Calabar. In recognition of her exceptional leadership skills and academic excellence, Prof. Obi was appointed as the first female Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar.
Prof. Elisabeta Smaranda Olarinde: A Trailblazer in Law and Education
Prof. Olarinde, a distinguished Professor of Law, has made history in various ways. Her academic journey began with a degree in Law from the University of Lagos. She furthered her studies, earning a master’s degree in Law and a PhD in Law from the University of Lagos and the University of Ibadan, respectively. Prof. Olarinde’s impressive academic credentials are matched by her extensive experience in law and education. She has held various prestigious positions, including Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) at Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti (ABUAD). In recognition of her exceptional leadership skills and academic excellence, Prof. Olarinde was appointed as the third substantive Vice-Chancellor of ABUAD.
Professor Olayinka Ramota Karim; Fountain University, Osogbo
Born on March 18, 1968, in Ijebu Ode, Ogun State, is a distinguished Nigerian academic and food scientist. She attended Ansarudeen Primary School and Muslim Girls’ High School in Ijebu Ode before earning her Bachelor of Science in Food Science and Technology from the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) in 1992. She completed her Master’s in Food Technology at the University of Ibadan in 1995 and a Ph.D. in Food Science and Technology from FUNAAB in 2005. Karim served as a senior lecturer at the University of Ilorin and is the national treasurer of the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST). In January 2023, she was appointed the 4th substantive Vice-Chancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo. Her research in food processing and quality control has significantly impacted the field of food science in Nigeria. She has published numerous papers and continues to inspire future generations of food scientists. Through her academic leadership, Karim has shaped both the development of food science education and research in Nigeria and Africa, leaving a lasting legacy in the field.
Professor Patricia Manko Lar; University of Abuja
Professor Patricia Manko Lar, born on January 1, 1964, in Langtang North, Plateau State, Nigeria, is a renowned scholar in medical microbiology. She earned a BSc in microbiology from Ahmadu Bello University in 1986, an MSc in medical microbiology in 1989, and a PhD in medical parasitology from the University of Lagos in 1998. Lar furthered her studies with a postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Maryland, USA, in 2005. She began her academic career at the University of Jos in 1987 and became a full professor in 2015.
Lar has significantly impacted medical microbiology with over 40 publications and extensive postgraduate supervision. She has held leadership roles, including secretary general of the West Africa Research and Innovation Management Association and project director of the Jos-Carnegie Partnership Projects. Recognized for her work, she has received numerous awards, including the Award of Excellence from the Arewa Journalist Forum (2018) and the National Excellence Award from the National Association of Nigerian Students (2019). Professor Lar’s legacy in academia, research, and women’s empowerment continues to inspire many.
Professor Stella Chinye Chiemeke; University of Delta
Professor Stella Chinye Chiemeke, a pioneer in computer science, earned her bachelor’s degree in 1986, a master’s in 1992, and a PhD in 2004 from the Federal University of Technology, Akure. She began her career as a programmer and later became the head of the computer center at Edo State University (now Ambrose Alli University), Ekpoma. In 1994, she joined the University of Benin as an assistant lecturer and became the second female professor of computer science in Nigeria in 2009. Specializing in software engineering, digital forensics, ICT management, and software management, she has held various leadership roles, including assistant dean and acting head of the Computer Science Department. From 2010 to 2015, she served as the Director of the Intellectual Property and Technology Transfer Office at the University of Benin. In recognition of her leadership, she was appointed as the Vice Chancellor of the University of Delta, Agbor, by Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State.
Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji; FUTA VC
Professor Adenike Temidayo Oladiji, born on April 27, 1968, is a distinguished biochemist who earned her B.Sc., M.Sc., and Ph.D. in Biochemistry from the University of Ilorin. She began her academic career at the University of Ilorin in 1992 and became a professor in 2011. Throughout her 29-year career, she has held numerous leadership roles, including Head of Department, Director of several research centers, and Dean at Kwara State University. She has mentored many doctoral students and published over 100 research papers. Prof. Oladiji is currently the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, Akure (FUTA). She is a Fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Science and the Nigerian Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, and has served on various national and international research committees. Outside of academia, she is an award-winning badminton player and the Captain of the Unilorin Veteran Badminton Club.
Professor Jacinta Agbarachi Opara; Dominican University, Ibadan
Professor Jacinta Agbarachi Opara, born on February 2, 1976, is a Nigerian scholar in Environmental Health, Ecology, and Biodiversity. She holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Nigeria (1996), a Master’s in Education from the Rivers State University of Science and Technology (1998), and an MSc in Science Education from the University of Port Harcourt. She also completed postgraduate degrees from various international institutions, including Universidad Azteca, University of Granada, and Oslo Metropolitan University. Prof. Opara began her career as a biology teacher during her National Youth Service in 1997 and later held various academic and administrative roles. In 2016, she was promoted to full professor at Kampala International University, Uganda. She has published in both local and international journals and is a member of the Organization for Women in Science for the Developing World (OSWD). In March 2024, she was appointed the second substantive and first female Vice Chancellor of Dominican University Ibadan. Prof. Opara is married with five children.
Professor Kathleen Ebelechukwu Okafor; Baze University
Professor Kathleen Ebelechukwu Okafor is a Nigerian professor of property and commercial law and the acting Vice Chancellor of Baze University. She obtained her O’Level at Queens School Enugu and earned her LL.B from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, in 1974. After being called to the Nigerian Bar in 1979, she pursued an LL.M from University College London in 1981 and completed her Ph.D. at the University of Lagos in 2000. Prof. Okafor briefly practiced law at Lateef Adegbite & Co Chambers and later worked as Legal Adviser and Company Secretary for Nigerian Security Printing and Minting Plc. She served as Dean of the Faculty of Law at Baze University and Chairperson of the Faculty’s Welfare Committee. In August 2023, she was appointed acting Vice Chancellor of Baze University following the appointment of the previous Vice Chancellor as Education Minister.
Professor Omolola Irinoye; Achievers University
Professor Omolola Irinoye is the first female Vice-Chancellor of Achievers University, appointed following the passing of her predecessor, Samuel Aje. A professor of Community Health Nursing, she was appointed in an acting capacity as Vice-Chancellor and has made significant contributions to the field of health education.
Professor Oyedunni Sola Arulogun ; Chrisland University
Professor Oyedunni Sola Arulogun is a Nigerian scholar in health promotion and education and the second and incumbent Vice-Chancellor of Chrisland University, Owode, Abeokuta. She completed her early education at UMC Demonstration School, Ibadan, and Federal Government Girls’ College, Bida, before earning a B.Ed. in Special Education from the University of Ibadan in 1984. She further obtained two master’s degrees, one in Special Education and another in Public Health, followed by a Ph.D. in Health Promotion and Education from the same institution in 1998. Arulogun started her career as a speech therapist at the University College Hospital, Ibadan, before transitioning into academia in 2002, eventually becoming a professor in 2012. Before her appointment as Vice-Chancellor in November 2024, she served as the Director of the Centre for Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Ibadan and was the Dean of the Faculty of Public Health from 2014 to 2016. Arulogun has also made significant contributions as the first female orator of the University of Ibadan in May 2023 and is a member of various international bodies, including the Royal Society for Public Health. Her work has been widely published, including in the African Journal of Reproductive Health, with notable contributions to public health research.
Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha; Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State
Professor Kate Azuka Omenugha is a Nigerian educator, researcher, and politician currently serving as the Acting Vice Chancellor of Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Anambra State. She was born on January 30, 1965, in Ubaha Nnobi, Anambra State. Omenugha obtained a National Certificate in Education from Nwafor Orizu College of Education in 1983, a Bachelor’s degree in Education/English from the University of Nigeria in 1987, a Master’s degree in Mass Communication in 1998, and a Ph.D. in Gender, Media, and Cultural Studies from the University of Gloucestershire in 2005. Her career spans teaching, administration, and governance, with roles including lecturer, Head of Department of Mass Communication at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, and Commissioner of Basic Education in Anambra State from 2014 to 2022. Omenugha has published over sixty works, including articles and book chapters in various academic and professional platforms. She is also a prominent figure in education policy and governance, contributing to numerous student achievements under her leadership. She is married to Dr. Michael Omenugha, and they have six children.
Professor Enase Felicia Okonedo: Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University
Professor Enase Felicia Okonedo is the current Vice-Chancellor of Pan-Atlantic University and a former dean of the Lagos Business School (LBS), where she served for 11 years. She holds a BSc in Accounting from the University of Benin, an MBA from IESE Business School in Barcelona, and a Doctorate in Business Administration from the International School of Management in Paris. Okonedo led LBS from 2009, where she helped establish the Centre for Research in Leadership and Ethics and the Centre for Competitiveness and Strategy. A former banker, she has also been a full-time faculty member teaching corporate financial management and financial strategy. Okonedo has served on several prestigious boards and academic advisory boards, including the AACSB international board, where she is the Secretary-Treasurer. In 2017, she was recognized as one of Business Day’s top 50 most influential Nigerians. She is also a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and a Fellow of the International Academy of Management. Okonedo’s impact spans academia, business, and governance.
Celebrating Women’s Day
Today, as we celebrate Women’s Day, The Nigeria Education News honors these 15 trailblazing academics and administrators for their remarkable achievements, dedication, and perseverance. Their legacies serve as an inspiration to women and girls everywhere, demonstrating that with hard work and determination, they can overcome any obstacle and achieve greatness.
