PROF. SOPHIE OLUWOLE, A MODEL TO THE NEW GENERATION, THE FIRST WOMAN TO EARN DOCTORATE DEGREE IN PHILOSOPHY
History provides a barometer to point the current generation to realities of accomplishment and the need to strive harder for higher accolades. While many female gender were denied access to education in a male dominated culture, Igbara-Oke , Ondo State woman, originally born in Edo State, Prof. Sophie Oluwole, became the first woman to bag doctorate degree in philosophy.
Prof. Mrs Oluwole studied History, Geography and Philosophy at University of Lagos (UNILAG) and was on graduation, employed as an Assistant Lecturer in 1972. She continued her studies while lecturing and bagged doctor of philosophy degree from University of Ibadan (UI).
While lecturing in UNILAG, she taught African on the Yoruba School of philosophical thought, discussing cultural and religious beliefs of Yoruba land.
Prof. Sophie Oluwole produced several books in the field of philosophy such as Ifa and Orunmila. Her objective was to correct the western perspectives and philosophies on Africans.
The professor who was popularly called by her admirers as Mamalawo (Female native doctor) was an activist and championed the drive for women in philosophy and education.
Prof. Sophie Oluwole died at the age of 83 years in her home in Ibafo, Ogun State. She set a standard for other women to rise to their full potentials not to be deterred in a masculine dominated society.
© Anthony Akalugo
Dolly Online News, 2023
