President Bola Ahmed Tinubu rejoices with one of Nigeria’s foremost teachers, Mama Christiana Modupe Ajibola, as she marks her centenary birthday on February 28, 2025.
Mama Ajibola has had a distinguished teaching career that has spanned several decades and has impacted generations of young people across the country.
President Tinubu acknowledges her remarkable journey of grace, wisdom, perseverance, career commitment and the pursuit of strong Christian values.
While congratulating Mama for attaining the grand age of 100, the President applauds her dedication and selfless service to the nation as an educator, affirming that she has left an enduring legacy that continues to inspire and uplift future generations.
Born on February 28, 1925, in Ise-Ekiti, present-day Ekiti State, to catechist parents, Mama Ajibola began her education in 1930 at Holy Trinity Primary School in Aisegba.
After her primary education, she went to Christ School, Ado-Ekiti, where she served as a pupil teacher from 1937 to 1939 under the leadership of Archdeacon Dallimore of the Ekiti Diocese. She completed her elementary education in January 1941 with a Standard Six certificate.
In pursuit of higher academic qualifications, Mama attended the United Missionary College (UMC) in Ibadan from 1941 to 1943. After a three-year teacher training course, she earned her Higher Elementary Certificate.
After graduation, she taught in various schools across Ekiti and Oyo states from 1941 to 1948.
In 1960, Mama went for professional teacher education at the University of Reading, UK.
Among those who passed through Mama as students are former INEC Federal Commissioner Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola; proprietor and Chairman of Council, Lead City University, Ibadan, Professor Jide Owoeye; renowned professor of Dentistry Prof. Dupe Arowojolu; Rear Admiral Bodunrin Raji (rtd); and award-winning author and former member of the House of Representatives Dr Wale Okediran.
Mama Ajibola pioneered the Nigerian Girls Guide Association, forming the first Ibadan Cadet Company at the United Missionary College.
While teaching at Olivet Baptist High School in Oyo, she rose to become the Girls Guide Leader for Oyo North and South in the late 1960s.
President Tinubu wishes Mama Ajibola more years of good health and happiness.
Bayo Onanuga,
Special Adviser to the President,
(Information & Strategy)
February 27, 2025
