WITH the number of Vice and Deputy Vice Chancellors of Nigerian Universities, Professors and Associate Professors as well as other high ranking men and women in the academia who showered encomiums on Prof. Bolaji Ikulayo, during the Public presentation of her biography and unveiling of International Awards, one may be tempted to believe that illiteracy has reduced to the barest minimum in the country.

It was perhaps, just very few higher institutions within the country that were not represented as roll call of intellectuals at the book launch included, Profs, J Funsho Akingbade, Duro Oni, Demola Onifade, Dipo Aina, Nebath Tanglang, Aloy Ejiogu etc, and other eminent Nigerians comprising Mrs Kehinde Daramola who represented the Deputy Governor of Ekiti State, Prof Modupe Adelabu; Hon. Minister of Sports, Bolaji Abdullahi; Fmr. Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission , Hon. Sani Ndanusa; Clergymen, and many others.

Professor Ikulayo’s Biography titled, “First in Her Class”, authored by Dr Olusegun Olu-Osayomi, was presented to the public last Thursday, at Prof. Amos Utuama Hall, University of Lagos, Akoka, amidst pumps and pageantry.

“First in Her Class”, encapsulates the achievements of Ikulayo, the former Dean of Education and former Head of Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education at the University of Lagos, Akoka  all through her 32 years of service to Nigeria.

The exploits of the amazon, reputed for being the first female author of a book on Physical Education in 1982 and 1st author of a book in Sports Psychology in Nigeria, with so many publications to her credit,  a woman described as an educator per excellence, included authoring 16 books, 89 publications, contributed to 23 books and 50 publications of Academic journals. As a way of giving back to the society, she founded Star Model Schools where children are offered qualitative education.

Reviewing the book, Former Dean of Education, Lagos State University (LASU), Prof Demola Onifade, described Prof Ikulayo as a complete Academic and a complete woman who was determined right from  childhood, to become a successful woman and an inspiration to others.

He also commended her for representing the ideals of her profession and a model for women and for standing for Physical Education and Sports.

Speaking shortly after the event, Prof. Ikulayo said that “The biography brings to limelight my contributions to my environments and the extension of my service to the National and the International/ World Sporting Organisations and the academic world at the tertiary education level.”

The main purpose of the book she noted, “is to share my expertise and knowledge for people to learn from for their own development. It will be an inspiration for young and old people and most especially for the girl child. It will also be a great motivation for all”

Former. Minister of Sports and Chairman, National Sports Commission , Hon. Sani Ndanusa described the content of the book as a “compendium most especially to those in physical education”, adding that “I am glad that  she is being celebrated while alive, it is good that Nigerians are beginning to celebrate their heroes when they are alive instead of  when they are no more.

So, we should commend them, encourage them and support whatever they are doing. I expect people in her profession to appreciate the efforts of this woman who has contributed immensely both physically and in terms of publication, to development of Physical education and sports and for proving that it is no longer a man’s world.”