In Her Memory Dcns. Jolaade Adeola Odebiyi
"Every child, regardless of background or circumstance, deserves the opportunity to learn."
Deaconess Jolaade Adeola Odebiyi was a retired headmistress whose entire life was devoted to one conviction: that education is the most powerful gift one generation can give another. She spent decades in Nigerian classrooms, not merely teaching subjects, but shaping character, building confidence, and opening futures.
She passed on 26 May 2026, leaving behind a family, a community, and generations of students whose lives she touched. The Jolaade Adeola Foundation was established in her honour to ensure that her belief in every child continues to create real, lasting change.
She did not teach for recognition. She taught because she believed that inside every struggling child was a mind waiting to be unlocked. She spent her life finding the key.
A tribute from her familyWho She Was A Life Given to Education
The Headmistress
Dcns. Jolaade Adeola Odebiyi began her career as a classroom teacher at a time when many Nigerian children, particularly girls, were being quietly discouraged from pursuing education. She refused to accept that narrative.
Rising through the ranks by sheer dedication, she became a headmistress and led her school with a firm but compassionate hand. Under her leadership, the school became known not just for academic results, but for producing confident, well-rounded young Nigerians who believed in their own potential.
She had a particular heart for students whose families struggled financially. She was known to quietly arrange exemptions, seek assistance, and advocate personally for children who might otherwise have been turned away from education.
That personal conviction - that poverty should never be the reason a child stops learning - is the foundation on which JOAF stands.
Her Journey A Life Well Lived
A Foundation Built on Faith and Family
Born into a family that valued hard work and integrity, Jolaade Adeola grew up understanding that education was not a privilege but a responsibility. Her parents instilled in her a deep love of learning from childhood.
Stepping Into the Classroom
She began her teaching career in a public primary school, quickly earning the respect of students and colleagues alike. Her methods were encouraging rather than punitive, and her classrooms were places children wanted to be.
Leading a School, Shaping a Community
Appointed headmistress after years of dedicated service, she transformed her school. Enrolment grew, results improved, and the school became a pillar of its community. She also championed girl-child education at a time when it was not universally prioritised.
Deaconess and Servant Leader
Her faith was central to everything she did. Ordained as a Deaconess, she served her church community with the same dedication she brought to the classroom. She believed that service to others was the highest calling.
Stepping Back, Still Giving
Even in retirement, she did not stop. She continued to mentor young teachers, counsel parents, and advocate for children in her community. Education was not her job. It was her calling.
Gone Home. Legacy Lives On.
Dcns. Jolaade Adeola Odebiyi passed peacefully on 26 May 2026, surrounded by her family. The Jolaade Adeola Foundation was established in her memory so that her work would never truly end.
What She Believed The Values That Drive This Foundation
Education is a Right
She never accepted that any child should be denied schooling because of money. She believed access to education was a fundamental right, not a reward for the privileged.
Every Child Has Potential
She saw potential in children that others had written off. Her patience and belief in struggling students changed the trajectories of many lives.
Service Above Self
She gave more than she took throughout her career. Her example of selfless service is the model JOAF carries forward through every sponsorship awarded.
Faith in Action
Her faith was not passive. It drove her into classrooms, into communities, and into the lives of those who needed help. JOAF is faith in action, just as she modelled.
Carry Her Legacy Forward
Every sponsorship this Foundation awards is a living tribute to Dcns. Jolaade Adeola Odebiyi. Apply for support, refer a student, or give so another child gets their chance.