Professor Olufunmilayo Osakinle’s Inspiring Journey: Retirement at 70

On October 18, 2025, Professor (Mrs.) Eunice Olufunmilayo Osakinle celebrated not only her 70th birthday but also her well-deserved retirement from active academic service at Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti. Her extraordinary career, marked by resilience and determination, stands as a beacon of hope for women who aspire to pursue their academic dreams despite life’s interruptions.

Born on October 18, 1955, in Odo-Ayedun Ekiti to the late Rt. Rev. Joseph Dada and Mrs. Felicia Ige Aluko, Professor Osakinle’s early education began at Methodist Primary School, Zaria, followed by St. Louis College, Jos. She graduated with a National Certificate in Education (NCE) from Advanced Teachers’ College, Kano, laying the foundation for a lifelong passion for teaching and guidance.

Her academic journey is unique and inspiring. She earned her first degree, a Bachelor of Education in Language Arts from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, in 1983 at the age of 28. After a 14-year hiatus possibly devoted to marriage and raising children, she returned to academia with a renewed vigor, earning a Master of Education in Guidance and Counselling from Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti, in 1997 at age 42. She completed her doctoral studies in the same field at the University of Ado-Ekiti (now Ekiti State University) in 2004 at 49 years old.

Remarkably, at the age of 50, Professor Osakinle began her lecturing career in 2005 as a Lecturer II at Ekiti State University—a time when many would consider it too late. Through dedication and scholarly excellence, she rose steadily to become a full Professor of Guidance and Counselling in 2017.

Her scholarly contributions are significant. With over 90 published works, including books, journal articles, and book chapters, Professor Osakinle has enriched the field of adolescent and reproductive health counselling. Her groundbreaking 2021 inaugural lecture titled “Sexuality Education of the Girl-Child: Guidance for a Better Tomorrow” is especially celebrated for advancing educational and social discourses in Nigeria.

Beyond publishing, she has supervised numerous postgraduate theses, mentoring five doctoral and twelve master’s students, grooming the next generation of scholars and professionals. Professor Osakinle held various administrative roles, including Acting Head of the Department of Guidance and Counselling and Coordinator of the Sandwich Programme, demonstrating leadership and commitment to academic administration.

Her achievements have earned her recognition from influential professional bodies such as the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON), the National Association of Women in Academics (NAWACS), and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS). In 2012, she proudly represented Nigeria at an international conference in Cambridge, United Kingdom, sponsored by the Commonwealth of Learning. She continues to impact global scholarship through her role as a reviewer for international journals.

The celebration of her 70th birthday and retirement saw a thanksgiving service at her residence and a grand reception at Hassanat Event Centre, Ado-Ekiti. Family, friends, colleagues, and members of the academic community gathered to honor a woman whose life exemplifies grace, wisdom, humility, and academic passion.

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Professor Osakinle’s journey offers a powerful message to women who may feel that marriage and motherhood have sidelined their ambitions. It is proof that with the right support, determination, and passion, academic goals can still be realized, even when pursued later in life. Her story is a clarion call to embrace lifelong learning and to pursue one’s dreams relentlessly.

Happy 70th birthday and a fulfilling retirement, Professor Olufunmilayo Osakinle. Your legacy of excellence, mentorship, and dedication will inspire generations to come.