Tributes, as Osofisan, first African female Computer Science professor, retires

Tributes
By Ibukun Emiola
Ibadan, March 4, 2020 (NAN) Academia, professional colleagues, friends and family, on Wednesday, paid tribute to the first African female professor of Computer Science, Adenike Osofisan, as she bowed out of service.
Osofisan, of the University of Ibadan, was described as diligent, hardworking and truthful, saying she had contributed immensely to the development of Information Technology in Nigeria and Africa.
The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the valedictory and send forth ceremony was held in her honour in Ibadan on Wednesday.
In his address, Dr Solomon Akinola, the Head of Department, Computer Science, University of Ibadan, said that Osofisan’s greatest landmark was the development of the department and her contributions to humanity.
“She supervised the doctorate degree programme of most of us who are lecturing in the department.
“It is on record that Prof. Osofisan has supervised no fewer than 20 PhD candidates till date, while so many other developments were brought to the department during her tenure as the head of department. That is why we are celebrating her today.
“She will be leaving the service in the next one week. Her greatest achievements, not only in Ibadan but even in Nigeria, the Information Technology (IT) industry and IT community are greatly acknowledged,” Akinola said.
Others, who paid tribute to Osofisan, included Prof Adeshina Sodiya, President, Nigeria Computer Society, Prof Emmanuel Adagunodo, Dr Ajibike Itegboje and Prof Adefunke Oyemade.
Oyemade, who is the matriarch of Adedipe family and sister to Osofisan, described the retiring professor as a principled woman, who was truthful and cerebral.
In her remarks, Osofisan, who appreciated the organisers of the event held in her honour, stated that there was nothing like hardwork and diligence.
“Anything you are doing, do it as unto God, because you will never know when you are going to get the reward.
“It is very good for a person to work hard, do one’s best and never discriminate against anybody,” she said.
On the state of education in Nigeria, she advised that people with highest grade should be employed as teachers, adding that they should be well-remunerated.
She stressed the need for every school to have a good library and a guidance counselor in order to revamp the sector.
“I was lucky to have gone to very good schools, where I was properly mentored; where there was a good library and where teachers did exactly what they were paid to do, unlike what obtains today.
“Then, it was a pride being a teacher but today, it is not so,” Osofisan said.
NAN reports that Osofisan is the wife of a renowned poet and playwright, Prof Femi Osofisan.
Osofisan, the first female Computer Science professor in Nigeria and Africa, is also the first female Chairman of the Council of Computer Professional Registration Council of Nigeria and first female provost, College of Fellows of Nigeria Computer Society. (NAN)
IBK/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq