Nigeria’s first female professor and renowned librarian, Prof. Adetowun Ogunsheye, has reflected on her life journey, academic career, family, faith and marriage, revealing that she married her husband just four months after meeting him.
Speaking in an interview, the 99-year-old scholar described her childhood as fulfilling and deeply influenced by parents who valued education for both boys and girls.
“I had an exciting childhood. I enjoyed every bit of it. My parents were educated and valued education. My father wanted both male and female children to be educated,” she said.
Ogunsheye, the eldest of seven children, recalled travelling widely with her parents, describing the exposure as an education in itself.
She also credited her father’s strong support for girls’ education as pivotal to her development.
Reflecting on her time at Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos, she described the learning environment as stimulating, with passionate expatriate teachers who left lasting impressions.
“Mathematics was my favourite subject. Once I saw anything, it stayed with me. I was a visual person,” she recalled.
She explained that her academic path took her from the University College, Ibadan, to Cambridge University, where she studied geography, before later earning a master’s degree in library science in the United States.
“I realised that librarians were the keepers of records. That understanding shaped my decision. The important thing is not the library building itself, but the records of civilisation,” she said.
Although her father hoped she would study law or medicine, Ogunsheye said her choices were guided by personal interest rather than parental pressure.
“I was interested in landforms, geology and making maps. I even set up the map division at the university,” she said.
Recalling the moment she became Nigeria’s first female professor, Ogunsheye said the achievement filled her with gratitude rather than pride.
“I was elated. It was not by power, but by the gifts God gave me and diligence,” she said.
On gender challenges, she noted that while women were often expected to take secondary roles, she did not experience discrimination that hindered her career.
“I managed my home very well and my career too. Women should not fight their natural gifts,” she added.
She attributed her success largely to strong family support, especially from her father, who ensured she was never diminished or sidelined.
Addressing the decline in reading culture, Ogunsheye blamed digital distractions but stressed that reading remains essential regardless of format.
“You still have to read. Whether it is digital or printed, if you don’t read, you can’t acquire knowledge,” she said, urging parents to read to their children from an early age.
On mentorship, she explained that formal mentorship was rare in her time, as life itself served as the teacher through observation, responsibility and shared experiences.
Speaking about her marriage, the nonagenarian revealed that it was brief but decisive courtship.
“I met him through a friend, and we got married within four months. It was divine intervention,” she said, describing her late husband, Ayo Ogunsheye, as a respected educationist and author.
Looking back, she said she has no regrets.
“I am fulfilled. I have many records. I thank God for my life,” she said.
At 99, Ogunsheye said she still values staying informed, listening to the news daily, and drawing strength from her faith.
“My Christian background, education and information about life have kept me hale and hearty,” she said.
