*Photo L-R:Mrs. Margaret Idowu Omosule and Obafemi Awolowo University Deputy Vice Chancellor Admin, Prof. Akinfala*
It was a moment where institutional protocol gave way to raw honesty. The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) community, on Tuesday, gathered to honour one of its finest professional administrators, Mrs. Margaret Idowu Omosule, at the 6th Valedictory Lecture and Presentation organised by the Association of Nigerian University Professional Administrators (ANUPA), OAU Branch. Among those in attendance were Deputy Vice Chancellor Admin Prof. Akinfala (representing the Vice Chancellor), Deputy Vice Chancellor Research Prof. A.I. Akinyemi, Registrar Mr. K.A. Bakare, Bursar Mrs. O.I. Abogan, ANUPA Chairman Mr Ejiwunmi Kehinde, and Dr. Etiobong representing the University Governing Council.
The event, held on April 7, 2026, at 11 a.m., began with the National Anthem followed by the ‘Great Ife’ anthem. But by the time Mrs. Omosule stepped up to deliver her valedictory presentation, the atmosphere had shifted from ceremonial to confessional.
In his opening remarks, the Chairman of ANUPA, Mr . Ejiwunmi Kehinde, set the tone for a celebration of character, not just career progression. “We are not just here to mark a retirement; we are here to celebrate a template for administrative excellence,” Mr . Kehinde said.
The Vice Chancellor, represented by the Deputy Vice Chancellor (Administration), Prof. Akinfala, described Mrs. Omosule as “diligent, effective, efficient, responsive, and responsible.” In a personal reflection, Prof. Akinfala recalled their years together when he was a Head of Department. “I have watched her closely. God brought a woman like her to be part of OAU’s history. I see her as a virtuous woman – a wonderful woman,” he said.
The Registrar, Mr. K.A. Bakare, also delivered appreciative remarks about the retiring former Registrar , while the formal reading of the citation, titled “A Life of Purpose: Celebrating Mrs. Margaret Idowu Omosule,” was done by Mrs. B.F. Sofowora, a Director and former Registrar , Achievers University
But it was Mrs. Omosule’s valedictory address that turned the event into something far more significant than a routine retirement ceremony. She spoke about workplace bullying in unflinching terms. “I have seen colleagues reduced to tears in open offices. I have watched brilliant minds second-guess every memo they write because a superior enjoys the power of intimidation,” Mrs. Omosule told the gathering. “Bullying does not always wear the face of violence. Sometimes it wears a tie. Sometimes it carries a PhD. Sometimes it sits in the corner office and calls itself leadership.”
The hall fell silent. Senior officials shifted in their seats. Junior staff members exchanged glances.
She went further, addressing the toll on mental health that she said university administrations too often ignore. “We pretend that because we are academics and professionals, we are immune to depression, to anxiety, to the quiet breakdown that happens in a woman’s car before she walks into a meeting where she knows she will be belittled,” she said. “I am here to tell you that no certificate protects you from a hostile environment. And no title gives anyone the right to destroy another person’s spirit.”
Mrs. Omosule recalled her own battles. “There were days I asked myself if it was worth it. Days I prayed for the strength to simply walk through the gate. But I made a decision early in my career: I would not be broken. I would not become what they wanted me to become – quiet, small, afraid. I stood my ground. And standing my ground cost me promotions. It cost me favour. But it never cost me my integrity.”
Her words resonated deeply with many in the audience who had worked alongside her for years. Multiple sources who spoke with this reporter after the event described a woman who was legendary for refusing to be intimidated, even when it came at great personal cost.
One senior administrator, who requested anonymity to speak freely, said: “Mrs. Omosule was called to the office of a very senior figure many years ago. She was told to sign off on something irregular. She refused. She was threatened with transfer, with a poor evaluation, with being sidelined. She looked that person in the eye and said, ‘Do what you must. I will not sign.’ That was Margaret. She never folded.”
Another colleague, a junior staff member who asked not to be named, added: “She was the one you went to when you were being harassed by your supervisor. Not because she could wave a magic wand, but because she would listen. She would believe you. And she would walk with you to the Registrar’s office if that was what it took. “
Dr. Etiobong, speaking on behalf of the University Governing Council, seemed to validate the retiring administrator’s reputation. “Mrs. Omosule has affected my life positively. She is upright and true to herself. I say this on behalf of myself and the entire council,” Dr. Etiobong declared.
Mr V.C.. Ohallette ,the Director Personnel Affairs , on behalf of Registrar and ANUPA presented Mrs. Omosule with her certificate, of Valedictory Presentation bringing the valedictory ceremony to a close, after goodwill messages from Bursar, Mrs Abogan , Director , Health Centre and Medical Services of the University, Dr A.Olatunji and Chairman, SSANU , OAU Branch Mr Junaid .