As Professor (Mrs.) Eunice Olufunmilayo Osakinle turns 70 and retires from active service at Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, the academic community celebrates a woman whose life has been defined by excellence, compassion, and an unwavering commitment to education and youth development.
Birthday and thanksgiving of the erudite scholar holds on Saturday 18 October, 2025 at her residence, 53 Oluwatedo lane 1, opposite Ambassador School Basiri, Ado Ekiti 8am, reception follows at Hassanat Event Centre , old Iyin road , Ado Ekiti by 11: 00 am.
Prof. Osakinle was born on October 18, 1955, in Odo-Ayedun Ekiti to the family of the late Rt. Rev. Joseph Dada and Mrs. Felicia Ige Aluko, Professor Osakinle’s journey has been one of passion and purpose. She began her education at Methodist Primary School, Zaria, and later attended St. Louis College, Jos. She earned her NCE from Advanced Teachers’ College, Kano, a B.Ed. in Language Arts from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria (1983), an M.Ed. in Guidance and Counselling from Ondo State University, Ado-Ekiti (1997), and a Ph.D. in the same field from the University of Ado-Ekiti (2004).
Joining Ekiti State University in 2005 as a Lecturer II, she rose through the ranks to become Professor of Adolescent and Reproductive Health Counselling in 2017. Over two decades, she distinguished herself as a dedicated teacher, mentor, and researcher.
With more than 90 academic publications—comprising books, book chapters, and journal articles—Professor Osakinle has contributed immensely to scholarship in adolescent and reproductive health, career guidance, and counselling. Her 2021 Inaugural Lecture, “Sexuality Education of the Girl-Child: Guidance for a Better Tomorrow,” remains a landmark contribution to educational and social discourse in Nigeria.
A passionate mentor, she has supervised several postgraduate theses, including five Ph.D. and twelve Master’s dissertations, and played key administrative roles such as Acting Head of Department of Guidance and Counselling, Coordinator of the Sandwich Programme, and member of vital university committees.
Her academic distinction has earned her numerous awards from bodies including the Counselling Association of Nigeria (CASSON), National Association of Women in Academics (NAWACS), and the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS). In 2012, she represented Nigeria at an international conference in Cambridge, United Kingdom, sponsored by the Commonwealth of Learning.
Professor Osakinle is a respected member of professional associations and serves as a reviewer for international journals, including The European Society of Contraception and Reproductive Healthcare (Belgium).
Beyond academia, she is a woman of faith and family, married to Elder Charles Bodunde Osakinle, and blessed with children and grandchildren who embody her values of integrity, service, and excellence.
As she celebrates her 70th birthday and retirement, tributes continue to pour in for a teacher of teachers, a counsellor of counsellors, and a woman whose influence transcends generations.
Professor (Mrs.) Eunice Olufunmilayo Osakinle—an enduring light in education, guidance, and humanity.