Her date with history

A reception has been held for the Secretary to Lagos State Government, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who received Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Curriculum Studies from Lagos State University (LASU) last Thursday. TAJUDEEN ADEBANJO reports.

THE is the engine room of the Lagos State Government. As Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaja Idiat Oluranti Adebule occupies a prime post. Last Thursday, she added a feather to her cap when she obtained a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) from the Lagos State University (LASU).

Dr Adebule bagged (PhD) in Curriculum Studies after three years of research.

LASU’s auditorium complex was filled to brim. People in different colourful academic attires were seen moving in and out of the auditorium.

Majority of the guests were also in academic gowns except for the traditional rulers who shone in colourful attires with royal beads, waxing horsetails to the admiration of guests.

The event began with a convocation procession led by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof John Oladapo Obafunwa. The graduands were also in the procession.

Soon as they entered the complex, the convocation package comprising Order of proceedings, Convocation brochure and souvenir magazine were distributed.

The graduands were robed in the colour prescribed for each faculty.

The Post-Degree recipients put on their caps, with the tassels placed at the left hand side, indicating that they already have their first degrees. The female graduands showed courtesy when they shook hands with the Vice-Chancellor; their male counterparts bowed with their caps on still their heads.

Shortly after, LASU Pro-Chancellor, Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas presented the certificates the receivers of Doctors of Philosophy (PhDs)

Dr Adebule received applause as she exchanged pleasantries with the guests on her way to receive the certificate. Her husband, Alhaji Saheed Adebule watched keenly.

Decked in flowing blue agbada, Alhaji Adebule, a Computer Scientist later hugged his wife, congratulating her on her feat.

There was photograph session outside the auditorium before guests joined the celebrator at Sir Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall inside LASU Sporting Complex for a lavish reception.

The hall was tastefully decorated in yellow and chocolate colour satin clothes.

The Adebules received guests comprising members of the state executive council, lawmakers, council chairmen, eminent jurists, captains of industry, academicians, party faithful and students.

LASU band entertained the gathering. Sumptuous cuisine – African and International dishes were at the guests’ mercy.

Choice drinks were also in abundance to eat in and take away.

A cake, placed on table at the centre of the hall was later cut by the Adebules assisted by some of the guests.

“Congratulations, Dr. Mrs. Oluranti Adebule on your great achievements” was boldly written on the cake.

There were no speech making as the gathering was simply to wine and dine. But those who chose to speak with The Nation showered encomiums on Dr Adebule.

Her colleague in the state exco, Mrs Olayinka Oladunjoye, described the feat as result of hardwork.

Mrs Oladunjoye, the Commissioner for Education said: “She deserves today’s honour. She is a hardworking person; very cerebral and passionate about her job. God has crown her efforts; I wish her the very best.”

Magistrate Sheri Solebo described her as a humble person.

“She is not just a politician, but a focus one that is academically upright. She is a woman many women would learn from. I love her and wish her more success,” she said.

Prof Babatunde Oderinde who supervised her thesis described her as a brilliant person.

Prof Oderinde who came with his wife, Laide said he had no regret for supervising her.

“She is ever willing to learn, correct her mistakes diligently and argue her way out where necessary. Her humility is another factor. Lagos State is lucky to her among the executive. I’m proud of her,” he said.

Alhaji Musbau Oyefeso, a former Commissioner with the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) said Dr Adebule has added value to state’s affair.

“She has been mobilising women in Badagry Division to key into the policy of the government even before she became the SSG. Aside this, she usually carry out lot of responsibilities on behalf of the state government diligently,” he said.

Her earning a PhD, Oyefeso said, has struck a balance between her educational pursuit and political career without influencing her way out.

“She worked hard for it; that is why she deserved all the honour. I’m not surprise because being a member of the Muslim Students’ Society of Nigeria (MSSN) in her school days, the training she received then has continues to influence her way to success,” he said.

Dr Adebule thanked all for coming to relish in her joy.