Memor
The great erudite scholar, Late Professor Bashir Babatunde Oderinde was born on 4th March, 1945 in Lagos State to the family of IDOWU MOSEDIKU from the Igboree Area, Abeokuta, Ogun State. He started his primary education at Salvation Army School, Freeman Street, Ebute-Meta, Lagos in 1951 and was also at Ahmadiyah Primary School, Glover Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos in 1952. He was at the Colony Public School, Ebute-Metta from 1953-1954 but would later complete his primary school at the African Church School (Bethel and Saleh) Ebute-Metta, Lagos (1955 and 1958).
He began his Secondary School education at the premier Grammar School, Abeokuta, Ogun State in 1959 and completed same at the African Church Grammar School. Abeokuta (Between 1962 and 1964). His tertiary education commenced at the Federal Advance Teachers College/ College of Education , University of Lagos Akoka, Yaba (1965 and 1968) where he obtained National Certificate in Education. Thereafter, Professor Oderinde obtained higher degree from University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State from 1069 to 1972; 1973 and 1976 to 1979 respectively.
Professor B.B.Oderinde earned several awards and distinctions in the course of his educational career. He won the federal Government Scholarship for Nigerian Certificate in Education, Federal Government Cash Programme Scholarship/Bursary leading to the Bachelor of Education degree in 1972. He also won the University of Ibadan Postgraduate Bursary award leading to his Doctor of Philosophy in Education in 1976.
Professor Oderinde was a renowned scholar while alive. His academic acres of interest include Curriculum studies (in the languages) and Curriculum Development and Evaluation (Test and Measurement). It is interesting to note that Professor Oderinde’s interest in teaching curriculum Theory Courses at the post graduate level was initiated by one of his Ph.D. student and mentee, Dr. Ola Gbadamosi Isiaka Olaniyi, while on one-year sabbatical leave at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.
Baba Oderinde as popularly called, loved teaching. He started his teaching career at Nawairu-ud-deen Grammar school, Abeokuta, Ogun state (September 1969 to June 1986), he later moved to Balewa Memorial College, Samaru Zonkwa via Kafanchan, Zaria and returned to Nawairu-ud-deen Grammar school, Abeokuta, Ogun state (1971 and January 1973). He taught at Badagry Grammar School, Lagos (from 1973 to 1976) and thereafter left teaching at secondary school level.
Professor Oderinde began his lecturing career at the tertiary level with his appointment as an assistant lecturer at the University of Ibadan from 1976 to 1978. He afterwards moved to the then Ogun Satte College of Education, Ijebu Ode in April 1978 as Lecturer 1 and rose to the position of Principal Lecturer in 1984. In 1984, he was appointed as a senior lecturer in the faculty of Education, Lagos State University, Ojo. He rose through the ranks as a senior lecturer, 1984-1992; Associate Professor 1992-1996; and Professor in 1996 until his meritorious retirement from active service.
Professor Oderinde was an astute administrator and selfless leader. The Lagos state Government identified the innate prowess of Professor Oderinde and appointed him as the Provost of the then Lagos State College of Education (LACOED) in 1985. He served two successful terms as provost of the college and returned to Lagos State University in March 1992 as an Associate Professor. Professor Oderinde attained the peak of his career as full Professor of Education in 1996.
Professor Oderinde served in numerous capacities and contributed to the advancement of the frontiers of knowledge. He served among others as
- Co-Ordinator of Academic Programmes, LASU
- Head of Department, LASU
- Dean of Faculty, LASU
- Head of Campus, LASU Epe.
- Member of University Senate, LASU
- Congregation, LASU
- Many Other Committees within LASU
He was the Editor-in-Chief for several International and Local Journals and equally wrote many novels. Professor Oderinde supervised countless number of undergraduate and post graduate students, many of whom have become Professors and are exceeding successful in Life. Worthy of note is the former Deputy Governor of Lagos State and the Current Senator in the Federal republic of Nigeria, Senator Dr. Idiat Oluranti Adebule.
Professor B.B. Oderinde retired from active service of the Lagos state University at the age of 65years on September 2010 but because of his robust knowledge, experience and exceptional pedagogy skills, he was re-engaged as a contract staff in 2011 to 2013.
Professor B.B. Oderinde was a sport lover (particularly in athletics, lawn tennis and swimming) and was an ardent fan of sakara music ( traditional local Yoruba music). Late Professor Oderinde was consulted to write speeches for eminent personalities in the society. He was a devoted Muslim and performed important membership role in several Islamic organizations such as Adbul-Azeez Islamic Foundation, Lagos State University Muslim Community and Arokoje Muslim Community. He was privilege to fulfil the 5th pillar of Islam, the Holy Pilgrimage to Holy Mecca, twice in his life time.
Professor Bashir Babatunde Oderinde was happily married to Alhaja Ganiyat Olaide Oderinde. The marriage is blessed with successful sons and daughters. Professor Oderinde died on Wednesday 23rd February, 2022 at the blessed age of 77 years.
