By Segun Dipe
Prof. Modupe Adeola Adelabu is a Nigerian academic, education policy expert, and former deputy governor from Ekiti State.
She was born this day 76 years ago into the family of Prince and Mrs. Samuel Adepoju Adejugbe.
Prof Adelabu's father was a retired teacher and trader with a lot of exposure.
According to Prof. Adelabu, he had five daughters first and was determined to show that girls could achieve as much as boys, so he invested heavily in their education.
Mother was a strong supporter of education and pushed her children to excel academically
Prof. Adelabu said her mother “will not spare you if your position is not first, second or third in class”.
*Academic background*
Prof. Adelabu retired as Educational Administration at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.
She rose through the ranks from Graduate Assistant to full Professor before retiring in 2020.
She specialised in education policy, management, and institutional leadership.
Public Service Roles
Prof Adelabu was Chairman, Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) 2011-2014.
She was Deputy Governor of Ekiti State in 2013-2014, serving under Governor Kayode Fayemi.
She was Chairman, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE)* 2018-2021.
She was Consultant to UBEC, National Primary Education Commission, and development partners like World Bank, UNESCO, UNICEF, DFID, and ILO.
She was Chief Facilitator to SUBEB in Ondo, Oyo, Osun, and Lagos states. 2fe3
In July 2026, President Bola Tinubu appointed Prof Adelabu as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Examinations Council (NECO). The appointment is part of efforts to strengthen leadership and credibility in Nigeria’s education sector.
*Other notes:*
Prof Adelabu is a Princess of Ado-Ekiti.
She authored the book Navigating the Politics of Universal Basic Education Policies in Nigeria, which she launched in August 2026.
President Tinubu publicly congratulated Prof Adelabu on her 75th birthday on May 23, 2025, describing her as a role model for women and commending her contributions to education.
She’s widely regarded as a trailblazer in Nigerian education, known for bridging academia, policy, and governance.
Key quotes from Prof. Modupe Adelabu on education reform, pulled from her recent interviews and public statements:"
1. *On what education really means*
“Most people think education is all about teaching but it is not. We train teachers, deal with policies, politics and development. That’s why you see me do a lot of workshops both at state and national levels because I enjoy teaching, mentoring and coaching people about the values of education.”
2. *On the politics of basic education*
From her book, Navigating the Politics of Universal Basic Education Policies in Nigeria: The book examines how politics at federal, state, and local levels shapes the implementation of universal basic education in Nigeria. She argues that without understanding and managing the political dynamics, policy reforms will remain on paper.
3. *On the role of policy and development partners*
She has worked extensively as a consultant to the World Bank, UNESCO, UNICEF, DFID UK, DFID Nigeria, and ILO on education policy and basic education reform. Her work focused on translating international best practices into Nigeria’s local context.
4. *On leadership in education institutions*
President Tinubu, in appointing her NECO Board Chairman, said the appointment is part of “broader efforts to reform and strengthen leadership within key education institutions”. Her new role is expected to “strengthen the council’s leadership and support ongoing efforts to improve the credibility and standards of national examinations in Nigeria”.
5. *On mentoring and capacity building*
“I enjoy teaching, mentoring and coaching people about the values of education.”
She’s been described as a mentor to many education administrators across Nigeria through her workshops and consultancy work.
Her core message comes through clearly: "education reform in Nigeria requires more than classrooms—it requires policy expertise, political navigation, teacher training, and strong institutional leadership."
Happy Birthday, our dear _Mummy awon omo keekeekee_ of Ekitiland. May the lines keep falling in pleasant places for you. 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
*Segun Dipe is the Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State.
0 Comments