A century of impact: Celebrating Mama Christiana Modupe Ajibola at 100
Nigeria is marking a milestone on February 28, 2025, as Mama Christiana Modupe Ajibola, one of the nation’s foremost professional teachers, turns 100.
Born on February 28, 1925, in Ise-Ekiti to catechist parents, Mama Ajibola’s life has been a tapestry woven with dedication, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to education and strong Christian family values.
Her journey began in 1930 at Holy Trinity Primary School in Aisegba, and by 1937 she was already making her mark at Christ School, Ado-Ekiti—not only as a pupil but also as a pupil teacher under the guidance of Archdeacon Dallimore. After earning her Standard Six certificate in January 1941, she furthered her training at the United Missionary College in Ibadan (1941–1943), a formative period that equipped her with the Higher Elementary Certificate and ignited a passion for teaching that would last decades.
From her early days at Christ School to later assignments at Igbara Oke Anglican School, Holy Trinity Primary School in Ikere Ekiti, Ilesa Temidire Model School, and Anglican Girls’ School in Ile-Ife, Mama Ajibola nurtured young minds across Ekiti and Oyo states.
Her career—stretching from 1937 well into the later decades of the twentieth century—saw her impart wisdom at prestigious institutions such as Our Lady of Apostles School, Olivet Baptist High School, and various Methodist schools in Ibadan and Abeokuta. Notably, she broke new ground by becoming the first female head teacher at St. James School, Oke Bola.
A pioneer beyond the classroom, Mama Ajibola played a pivotal role in the Nigeria Girl Guides Association. At the United Missionary College, she formed the first Ibadan Cadet Company, and later, as a teacher at Olivet Baptist High School, she led the Girl Guides for Oyo North and South—helping to shape future leaders both academically and morally.
Her influence extended into community service and religious leadership. Appointed to the Juvenile Court Panel in Ibadan in 1964, she used her wisdom and compassion to offer guidance beyond the confines of the classroom.
In 1953, she married John Osoyemi Ajibola—a distinguished lawyer and musicologist—with whom she raised six accomplished children. Her family, like her students, stands as a testament to the transformative power of her mentorship.
Mama Ajibola’s remarkable teaching career, spanning over 40 years, has produced a legacy that is reflected in the success of countless students. Among those who passed through her tutelage are leaders and luminaries such as Dr. Adekunle Ogunmola—a former INEC National Commissioner and Provost; Professor Jide Owoeye, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council at Lead City University; and Professor Dupe Arowojolu, a renowned Professor of Dentistry.
Her influence also extends to other distinguished figures including retired Rear Admiral Bodunrin Raji, Dr. (Hon.) Wale Okediran, a celebrated medical doctor and award-winning author, Dr. Toyin Okeowo, Pro-Chancellor at Ajayi Crowther University, Dr. Biodun Layonu, SAN, Principal of a leading law firm, Professor Yisa Sangodoyin, a National Merit Award winner, and Professor Taiwo Osipitan, SAN—a stalwart of legal education in Nigeria.
Today, as Nigeria celebrates the centennial of Mama Christiana Modupe Ajibola, her life story serves as an enduring inspiration. Her legacy is not measured solely by the decades of service in classrooms but by the generations of Nigerians who have been transformed by her wisdom, kindness, and unwavering belief in the power of education.
