Bold, beautiful and elegant. These aptly describes Chief Mojisola Ladipo FNIM, mni., first female Registrar of the University of Ibadan. A fellow of the Nigerian Institute of Management, Ladipo is exemplary in many ways just as she exudes grace and wisdom.
In the words of Olatunji Oladejo, Director of Public Communication, University of Ibadan and former acting National Secretary and Public Relations Officer, Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, the quintessential feat of the amazon was unprecedented.
During Ladipo’s 70th birthday, Oladejo said, “On this occasion of your platinum birthday, I specially celebrate you, the pacesetting Registrar, University of Ibadan and matriarch of the University system in Nigeria.
“You are a fantastic example of wisdom, leadership and foresight. I wish you peace, good health, and happiness. You are one of the people who contributed in various ways to making UI a global brand through your professional excellence and scholarship.
“She stands out as one of the best of her generation. In 1997, Chief Moji Ladipo, whom I fondly address as CML, was appointed Registrar of the University and served in that capacity for unbroken ten years (1997-2006), the first to be appointed in the Nigerian University system.
“In that capacity, her attributes of professional, intellectual and administrative industry were thrown into heroic relief. She served with unassailable integrity. CML was responsible for merit-driven recruitment that was open and inclusive both internally and externally, thus injecting fresh blood and vigour into an ageing Registry.
“This initiative restored dignity, professionalism, efficiency and effectiveness to the Registry. I was a beneficiary of this signature initiative in 2000 when I was appointed as the University Editor/Publications Officer 11. Through her kindness and recognition of abilities and aptitudes, I was redesignated an Administrative Officer and promoted to an Assistant Registrar in 2003.
“An archetype of modern innovation in University governance, she tacitly and courageously supervised my initiative in changing the Annual Convocation Ceremonies’ Order of Proceedings in 2001 from a rag-tag ensemble to a quality publication befitting the status of the University of Ibadan and became an example for other Universities.
“We cannot thank you enough for all the positive changes you brought to the life of UI. CML ensured that UI Graduation and Matriculation Ceremonies became the template others emulated. Throughout CML’s tenure, UI’s Registry became a reference point on issues of management and administration and a true reservoir of institutional memory.”
Further on Ladipo, who hailed from Ile Baale Olosun, Ori Eeru, Ibadan South East Local Government Area of Oyo State, Oladejo said it was her unflinching commitment to the development of Ibadan that earned her the title of the Aare Alaasa Iyalode of Ibadanland.
“Ladipo is an outstanding member of the Association of University Administrators, United Kingdom; a worthy alumna of University of Ibadan; a product of Lagos Business School and the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies. She is a gifted administrator, an exceptional mentor, a kind boss, an accommodating leader and a quintessential family woman.
