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The first attempt to introduce Architecture as a course of study at the University of Ibadan was in 1982/1983 during the tenure of Professor Samson Olajuwon Olayide as the Fifth Vice-Chancellor. Unfortunately, for some subsequent developments, the University was ‘advised’ by the regulatory agency, the National Universities Commission (NUC), to discontinue the programme as the process for the approval of the new programme was inchoate, although some academic staff had been recruited and students admitted into the programme.
Fast forward to year 2016 Professor Cordelia Olatokunbo Osasona, the eminent Professor of Architecture at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, was appointed a Visiting Professor at the University of Ibadan and she was attached to our Department of Civil Engineering.
It was not until 31 October 2016 that Senate approved the Proposed Undergraduate Curriculum in the Department of Architecture. It was then my greatest pleasure as the 12th Vice-Chancellor of the University to appoint Professor Osasona as the pioneer Head of our Department of Architecture.
Her reputation preceded her. Professor Osasona was the first female architect to be trained by the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU), and the first female Professor of Architecture in Southwestern Nigeria. Similarly, she is the first female Professor in the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management (EDM) of the University.
The fact that establishing the B.Sc Architecture programme at the University of Ibadan had a rather tortuous journey from 1983 till 2016 before it was eventually actualised gives one special joy in being part of its eventual realisation. Professor Cordelia Osasona provided effective leadership to the nascent Department and we cannot thank her enough. She was able to use her connection with a serial philanthropist and benefactor to the University of Ibadan, Visitor to Redeemer’s University Ede and the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adejare Adeboye (Doctor of Science, Ibadan, honoris causa), to attract a donation of Ten Million Naira which was used to purchase a bus for the Department.
It is gratifying that the nascent Department of Architecture at the University of Ibadan is doing very well; the staffing situation has improved and a few sets of first degree candidates have since been produced and the Department has commenced running postgraduate programmes.
We cannot forget in a hurry Professor Osasona’s highly productive stay at the University of Ibadan from 2016 to 2020. As you attain the platinum age of 70 which also marks your formal retirement from the services of Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife, we wish you good health, joy and sustained prosperity. The odds will always favour you, Ma. We also congratulate your husband, the notable Professor of Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Prof Ladi Osasona, the children, grandchildren and the entire Osasona family.
All the best wishes in retirement, Ma.
Professor Idowu Olayinka
12th Vice-Chancellor University of Ibadan (2015-2020)
Friday, 27th February 2026.
SB E-news.
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