Princess Tejumade Alakija was born on 17 May 1925 in the ancient city of Ile Ife. She was a daughter of Oba Sir Adesoji Aderemi, the Ooni of Ife, whose reign marked one of the most influential periods in Yoruba history. Her father served as both traditional ruler and, later, Governor of the Western Region. This environment of cultural authority and political responsibility shaped Tejumade’s early years and instilled in her a deep understanding of leadership and public duty.
She received her primary education at Aiyetoro Primary School and Central School in Ile Ife. She later attended Kudeti Girls’ School in Ibadan and CMS Girls’ School in Lagos, two institutions recognised for producing some of the earliest educated Nigerian women. These formative experiences prepared her for a lifetime dedicated to service, discipline and educational advancement.
Education in the United Kingdom
In the mid 1940s, Princess Tejumade travelled to the United Kingdom to pursue higher education. She gained admission to Westfield College, University of London, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in History between 1946 and 1950. Her ambition and academic excellence then took her to the University of Oxford, where she completed a Postgraduate Certificate in Education from 1950 to 1951.
Her exposure to British academia equipped her with international perspectives and strong administrative skills. This period abroad placed her among the small circle of Nigerian women who achieved university education at the highest levels during the transitional era leading up to Nigeria’s independence.
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Return to Nigeria and Early Teaching Career
Upon her return to Nigeria in 1951, Princess Tejumade began her professional journey in education. She joined Queen’s School, Ede, as a graduate teacher. Her passion for learning and knowledge transfer made her a significant figure in the early development of girls’ education in the Western Region.
In 1953, she played an important role in establishing a Girls’ Secondary Grammar School in Ijebu Ode. Her involvement reflected her commitment to expanding educational opportunities and strengthening academic foundations for young Nigerian women.
Entry Into Public Administration
Princess Tejumade transitioned into public administration as Western Nigeria expanded its civil service. Her abilities, training and dedication quickly positioned her for leadership responsibilities across multiple ministries.
Her appointments included roles such as:
- Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Works
- Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Trade and Industries
- Training Officer in charge of public service development programmes
- Chief Investment Officer, overseeing industrial initiatives
- Deputy Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health
- Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education
Her administrative competence, clarity of purpose and steady professionalism earned her the respect of colleagues and leaders across the region. She became known as a disciplined officer whose decisions were guided by integrity and public interest.
A Historic First, Head of Service in Oyo State
In the early 1980s, Princess Tejumade Alakija achieved a milestone that permanently inscribed her name in Nigerian history. She was appointed the first female Head of the Civil Service in Oyo State. Her appointment placed her at the apex of civil administration and made her one of the most senior public officers in the country.
She provided oversight for ministries, ensured continuity of governance and strengthened administrative procedures at a time when female leadership in the public sector was exceedingly rare. Her tenure became a model of disciplined public service and ethical leadership, influencing standards that remain in the civil service today. For her contributions, she received the national honour of Member of the Federal Republic.
Leadership in Higher Education and National Impact
After retiring from the civil service, Princess Tejumade continued to shape national development. She served as Pro Chancellor and Chairman of Council at the University of Abuja. In this role, she helped guide institutional reforms and contributed to the governance of one of Nigeria’s key federal universities.
Her later years were marked by continued mentorship and influence. Many younger administrators and academics benefited from her counsel, wisdom and example.
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A Life Remembered
Princess Tejumade Alakija passed away in August 2013 at the age of 88 at the University College Hospital in Ibadan. Her legacy endures in Nigeria’s administrative history, in the memory of those who worked with her and in the institutions she strengthened with her lifelong commitment to service.
She remains celebrated as a symbol of discipline, advancement, education and female leadership. Her journey from the royal palace in Ile Ife to the highest levels of public service stands as an inspiring story of purpose and dedication.
Author’s Note
Princess Tejumade Alakija’s life reminds us that true leadership is built through steady service, unwavering discipline and a commitment to the greater good. Her journey shows how education, resilience and integrity can shape nations and open doors for generations yet to come. She lived with purpose and left a legacy that continues to guide Nigeria’s public service culture.
References
Western Region Government Service Records
Oyo State Government Archives
University of Abuja Governing Council Reports
Historical Publications on the Royal House of Ife
National Documentation on Civil Service Appointments
