According to historical records, during the Colonial Era in Nigeria, women were denied access to education and relegated to domestic roles. However, one woman dared to challenge the status quo. Felicia Omolara Ogunsheye, with unrelenting passion and determination, pursued her educational aspirations and made history by becoming Nigeria’s first female professor. This pioneering achievement not only shattered glass ceilings but also paved the way for future generations of women in academia. SONIA OKERE explores the remarkable journey of this trailblazing icon
Early life and education
Felicia Omolara Ogunsheye (née Banjo) was born on December 5, 1926, in Benin City to parents from Ogun State. While growing up in a society that forced women into early marriage and family life, her parents encouraged her to pursue her academic aspirations.
She attended Queen’s College in Lagos, and rather than stopping there, she defied expectations by becoming the first female student at Yaba College of Technology in 1946. Just two years later, she made history again as the first woman to graduate from the institution.
For many, such groundbreaking achievements would have been the pinnacle of success, but Omolara had bigger dreams. She went on to attend the then University College Ibadan, where her exceptional academic performance earned her a scholarship to Newnham College, Cambridge University, in England. By 1956, she had obtained both a Bachelor of Arts and a Master of Arts in Geography, becoming the first Nigerian woman to achieve this remarkable feat. But her journey didn’t end there. Omolara then pursued a Master’s degree in Library Science at Simmons College in Massachusetts, USA.
Becoming the first Nigerian female professor
After Omolara returned to Nigeria in 1954, she began her career as a geography teacher at schools such as the Anglican Girls’ Grammar School in Ilesha; and St. Anne’s School in Ibadan. While teaching, she consistently advocated women’s rights to education and empowerment.
In 1964, Felicia Omolara joined the University of Ibadan, where she delivered impactful lectures and made significant contributions to the academic community. She established the Abadina Media Resource Centre Library at the institution. Her dedication and expertise led to a groundbreaking milestone in 1973, when she became the first female Professor of Library Studies at the University of Ibadan.
A passionate activist
Although Prof. Felicia Ogunsheye was already a passionate activist, her marriage to Ayodele Ogunsheye, a prominent educationist and labour unionist, significantly strengthened her commitment to social justice. Together, they advocated equal opportunities and better living conditions for women. Prof. Omolara was a key figure in the Women’s Improvement Society (WIS). In 1958, she was appointed to represent Nigeria at the International Alliance of Women Conference that was held in Athens.
During the conference, she boldly proposed the organisation of the first international conference of West African women. This groundbreaking event, titled ‘The African Woman Designs Her Future,’ was held in Ibadan in 1960 and marked the beginning of a new era of collaboration and unity among West African women.
Due to her profound impact, Prof. Omolara was appointed the first secretary of the West African Council of Women’s Societies (WACWS). Through these platforms, she gave West African women a collective voice in the global conversation on women’s rights. Although she later withdrew from WACWS due to its political leanings, her influence had already initiated a wave of change that continues to resonate.
The Banjo Commission
This commission was established by the Nigerian government in the 1960s to assess and recommend reforms to the educational system in the Western Region. Significantly, the commission was named after Prof. Omolara’s maiden name, Banjo. As a member of the commission, she played a crucial role in shaping the future of education in Nigeria.
Awards and recognitions
Prof. Omolara Ogunsheye’s outstanding contributions have been recognised with numerous prestigious awards, including:
- Ford International Fellow (1961)
- Decade of Women Certificate of Merit (1985)
- International Education Hall of Fame, Nigeria (2000)
In recognition of her lasting impact, the University of Ibadan named a female postgraduate hall after her.
A lifetime of achievements
After a remarkable career spanning several decades, Prof. Felicia Omolara Ogunsheye retired from the University of Ibadan, leaving behind a legacy of distinguished service. Despite her retirement, her passion for education and community development remains unwavering.
Now 97, she continues to inspire generations through her writings, lectures, and public appearances.
