The Faculty of Education, University of Lagos on Monday, January 23, 2023 held a Commendation Service in honour of the Head of Department (HoD), Educational Foundation, Professor Bolakale Makinde who passed on Wednesday, December 7, 2022.
The commendation service which held at the faculty Auditorium: Glass House was attended by family members and relatives of the deceased as well as a crowd of teaching and non-teaching staff, friends, students, mentees, admirers and well-wishers who all converged to accord the late Professor (Mrs.) Bolakale Makinde their last respect as her remains journeys to the final resting place.
In her remarks, the Vice Chancellor, University of Lagos, Professor Folashade Ogunsola, FAS, who was represented by the Director, Academic Planning, Prof. Mopelola Ogunsakin, recalled fond memories of the deceased, describing her as an astute academic who committed her life and times to mentoring and grooming students for the future. She prayed for the repose of the soul of the late Professor and wished the family the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Similarly in his remarks, the Dean, Faculty of Education, Prof. Bayo Ladipo paid glowing tributes to the deceased, describing her as very good in her career as a counsellor, an outstanding teacher and mentor.
Prof. Ladipo said the late academic will be greatly missed for her deep sense of compassion and commitment to positively impact everyone who came across her.
In their separate goodwill messages, a cross section of staff at the Faculty of Education including Prof. Omoegun, a retired Professor and former Dean of Faculty of Education; Prof. Joseph Awoyinfa; Dr. Ayodele Omojuwa and Dr. Alade highlighted the attributes of late Prof. Makinde as a goal getter, caring, loving and generous woman. The speakers noted that the deceased would be missed for her acts of courage and commitment to the good of others.
The Lagos Chapter of the Association of Professional Counsellors in Nigeria (APROCON), through its Acting Chairman, Dr. J.B Sotomi described the demise of Prof Makinde as a great loss to the Association and the Counselling profession in Nigeria. Dr Sotomi described the deceased who once led the association as a team player, role model and legendary counsellor.
Homily for the commemorative service was delivered by the Head, Department of Educational Management, Prof. Bello with the title ‘What Next’. He implored the family, relatives and the crowd of friends, well-wishers, students and mentees to take cues from the many good deeds of the deceased.
Responding on behalf of the family, one of the children of the deceased, Dayo Makinde appreciated the entire gathering for identifying with and supporting the family, following the demise of their late mother, Prof. Bolakale Makinde. She said it was her joy that her mother was able to touch lives before her death.
