Nigeria's First Female Science Graduate, Lady Jibowu, Is Dead

Lady Jibowu

The Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi has commiserated with members of the immediate family of the late Lady Deborah Jibowu and the Fasanmade family of Ido-Ile Ekiti on the demise of their matriach, Lady Deborah Opeyemi Jibowu at the age of 95, The Nation reports.

Lady Jibowu was reputed for being the first Nigerian female science graduate, having graduated from the University of Manchester, United Kingdom in 1947 and was a recipient of Member of the British Empire (MBE) in 1962 and Officer of the Order of Niger (OON) in 1965.

The late Jibowu was a member, Local Government Service Commission, Western Region (1959-1971); Commissioner at the National Population Commission (NPC) (1981-1983) and Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council, University of Calabar (1993-1997).

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Yinka Oyebode, the governor described the late Lady Jibowu as an illustrious daughter of Ekiti and a patriot who served her fatherland diligently and made Ekiti proud through numerous achievements.

He described the late Jibowu as a frontline educationist, seasoned administrator and impactful community leader who lived a life of service to God and humanity.

Dr Fayemi, who hailed the contributions of the late Jibowu to national development, noted that as National Commissioner, Girls’ Guide (1960-1980) and later Chief Commissioner ((1991-1997), the deceased invested her time and resources in moulding the lives of many young females across the country in addition to coordinating many professional and civil society groups, including the Red Cross Society, National Council of Women Secretaries, National Youth Council and Education for All NGO Network among others.

He said: “Despite her royal and privileged background, mama Jibowu invested her time, energy and resources on many laudable initiatives that impacted positively on the people, especially the girl child.”

Meanwhile, the State government has opened a condolence register for the deceased at the Jibowu Hall, Government House, Ado-Ekiti.