How many female surveyors have you come across in your lifetime? Do you even think we could have a position as prestigious as Surveyor-General headed by a woman? In the annals of Nigerian history, certain names shine like beacons, illuminating paths for generations to follow. One such luminary is Mrs. Olayinka Omolabake Adekoya, affectionately known as “Yinka” to her friends and colleagues, and celebrated as “SUPER GIRL” in professional circles. Her remarkable journey from a young girl in Ilesha to becoming Nigeria’s first and only female Surveyor-General, the only woman to hold this position in Africa, and the first in the Commonwealth, stands as a testament to the power of determination, excellence, and unwavering commitment to breaking through barriers that society deemed impenetrable.
Roots of Excellence: Early Life and Family Foundation
Born on February 27, 1945, in Ilesha, Osun State, Yinka’s story begins in the heart of Southwest Nigeria. She was the daughter of Late Samuel and Grace Lasebikan, whose hometown was Ijero-Ekiti in Ekiti State.
From her earliest days, the Lasebikan household was one where excellence was not just encouraged but expected. The values instilled by Mr and Mrs Lasebikan created an environment where young Yinka could dream beyond the conventional limitations placed on women of her era. In a time when society largely confined women to domestic roles, her parents recognized and nurtured her exceptional potential, laying the foundation for what would become a groundbreaking career.
The Southwest region of Nigeria, with its rich tradition of education and progressive thinking, provided the perfect backdrop for Yinka’s formative years. For a region long known for producing trailblazers and intellectuals, Yinka would prove to be no exception. Her early life in this culturally rich environment instilled in her the confidence and resilience that would later enable her to navigate and conquer a male-dominated profession.
Academic Excellence: The Making of a Scholar
Yinka’s educational journey began at Queens School, Ede, where her exceptional abilities quickly became evident. Even as a secondary school student, she distinguished herself among her peers, earning the outstanding student’s award – a recognition that would become a recurring theme throughout her academic career. This early achievement was not merely about academic performance; it reflected her discipline, dedication, and the kind of meticulous attention to detail that would later define her professional work in surveying.
Her pursuit of excellence continued at the prestigious Queens College in Lagos, where she undertook her advanced level qualifications. Here, in the bustling commercial capital of Nigeria, Yinka’s mathematical prowess truly shone. When she graduated in 1964, she received the outstanding student’s award in Mathematics – a subject that would prove fundamental to her future career in surveying. This achievement was particularly significant as it demonstrated her mastery of a field traditionally dominated by male students.
The choice of mathematics was not accidental. In an era when women were often steered away from the sciences, Yinka’s excellence in mathematics represented a quiet rebellion against societal expectations. She was proving that intellectual capability knew no gender boundaries, setting the stage for her entry into the equally challenging field of surveying.
Professional Genesis: Taking the Leap
In 1964, immediately after completing her advanced level education, Yinka made a bold decision that would change the trajectory of her life forever. She joined the Federal Surveys Nigeria as an Assistant Technical Officer-In-Training. This move was revolutionary for several reasons: surveying was an almost exclusively male profession, and for a young woman to enter this field required enormous courage and conviction.
The surveying profession, as described in the document, involves “measuring horizontal and vertical distances between objects, measuring angles between lines, determining the direction of lines, and establishing points by predetermined angular and linear measurements.” It was technical, demanding, and required extensive fieldwork – all aspects that society had traditionally deemed unsuitable for women. Yet Yinka embraced these challenges with characteristic determination.
Her entry into Federal Surveys was not just a personal milestone; it was a crack in the glass ceiling that had kept women out of this crucial profession. Surveying forms the foundation of all development – from railroads to skyscrapers, from property boundaries to urban planning. By entering this field, Yinka was positioning herself at the very heart of Nigeria’s development trajectory.
International Recognition and Academic Triumph
The year 1965 marked another pivotal moment in Yinka’s journey when she was awarded a scholarship by the Canadian International Development Agency to study at the University of New Brunswick, Canada. This opportunity was a testament to her exceptional abilities and the recognition of her potential on an international stage.
At the University of New Brunswick, Yinka pursued a Bachelor’s degree in Survey Engineering, a field that combined her mathematical excellence with practical applications in land measurement and mapping. Her performance was nothing short of spectacular – she graduated with first-class honors and received the prestigious Malex Gold Medal for Distinction. This achievement placed her among the very best graduates in the program’s history.
Her exceptional qualities were recognized not just through formal awards but also by her peers and faculty. UNB President Emeritus John McLaughlin, a classmate of Mrs. Adekoya, reflects on her remarkable presence:
“Yinka was in my class of 1969. The majority of our class was from Nigeria, sent right out of high school on government scholarships. Yinka was truly outstanding. She stood out intellectually, but more than that, she was a natural leader and star. When she went back to Nigeria she rose quickly and was recognized internationally. She made a huge impact.”
This testament from a fellow student who later became university president speaks volumes about Yinka’s exceptional character and the lasting impression she made on everyone around her.
The lasting impact of her achievements was further recognized when she was posthumously inducted into the UNB Wall of Fame in 2023, nearly three decades after her passing. This honor acknowledges not only her academic excellence during her time at the university but also her groundbreaking career that brought honor to her alma mater and inspired countless individuals worldwide.
Not content with just undergraduate success, Yinka continued her academic pursuits, obtaining a master’s degree in Photogrammetry. This specialization in the science of making measurements from photographs, especially for recovering the exact positions of surface points, would prove invaluable in her future career. Photogrammetry was an emerging field that required both technical precision and innovative thinking – qualities that Yinka possessed in abundance.
Her eight years in Canada were transformative. She worked at the Department of Energy and Mines in Ottawa and later as a research assistant at the University of New Brunswick. These experiences exposed her to cutting-edge surveying technologies and methodologies, knowledge that she would later bring back to Nigeria to revolutionize surveying practices in her home country.
Professional Ascendancy: Building a Legacy
Returning to Nigeria in 1973, Yinka was absorbed into the professional-management cadre of Federal Surveys, Nigeria. Her international education and experience immediately set her apart, and she was entrusted with several photogrammetric mapping projects at a period of Nigerianization of all sectors previously foreign dominated. Her responsibilities extended to cartography and reproduction services, areas where her technical expertise and attention to detail proved invaluable.
The 1980s marked a period of significant professional growth for Yinka. She briefly attended the International Institute for Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation (ITC) in Enschede, Netherlands, for a course in Data Processing, further enhancing her technical capabilities. This continuous pursuit of knowledge and skill development exemplified her commitment to excellence and professional growth.
In 1987, Yinka was appointed head of the Federal Survey School in Oyo, Nigeria. This position was particularly significant as it placed her in charge of training the next generation of surveyors. In this role, she directly influenced the profession’s future, ensuring that high standards and best practices were maintained while also serving as a role model for aspiring female surveyors.
Her tenure at the Federal Survey School was brief but impactful. In 1988, she was recalled to serve as Deputy Surveyor-General responsible for the Planning Division. This appointment positioned her as the second-highest-ranking official in Nigeria’s surveying hierarchy, a remarkable achievement that reflected her exceptional competence and leadership abilities.
The Historic Pinnacle: First Female Surveyor-General
The crowning achievement of Yinka’s illustrious career came in 1994 when she was appointed to the position of Surveyor-General of Nigeria. This appointment was historic – she became not only the first woman to hold this prestigious position in Nigeria, but also the only woman to hold the position of Surveyor-General in Africa, and the first in the Commonwealth. According to the University of New Brunswick, as the only woman to achieve this distinction across these vast regions, she worked tirelessly to inspire women across the industry and her country. In a nation where women were grossly under-represented in top positions in government, education, and industry, Yinka’s appointment sent shockwaves of inspiration not just across Nigeria, but throughout Africa and the Commonwealth nations.
As Surveyor-General, Yinka faced the enormous challenge of improving surveying services in Nigeria during difficult economic and political circumstances. The 1990s were particularly challenging for Nigeria, with economic instability and political transitions creating an uncertain environment. Yet Yinka brought her characteristic dynamic leadership to bear on these challenges, working tirelessly to modernize and improve Nigeria’s surveying infrastructure.
Her contributions to the profession extended beyond national boundaries. She was actively involved in various professional organizations, particularly the Nigerian Institution of Surveyors (NIS) and the International Society for Photogrammetry and Remote Sensing (ISPRS). Her election as Chairman of Commission VI of the ISPRS from 1984-88, dealing with education and professional matters, demonstrated her international recognition and influence.
A Legacy Cut Short but Never Forgotten
Tragically, Yinka’s remarkable journey was cut short when she passed away on June 28, 1995, after a severe asthma attack. Her death at the age of 50 shocked the nation and the international surveying community. She had held the position of Surveyor-General for just one year, but her impact on the profession and on women’s aspirations was immeasurable.
The Nigerian Institution of Surveyors honoured her with the Gold Medal Award for service and professionalism, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the profession. She was also added to the she was posthumously inducted into the University of New Brunswick, Canada Wall of Fame in 2023. Beyond her professional achievements, Yinka was also deeply involved in community service and religious activities, serving as the pioneer Chairperson of the ‘Street Children Rehabilitation Ministry’ and being an active member of various women’s organizations.
A Beacon for Southwest Women: Lessons and Inspiration
Today, as we reflect on Yinka’s remarkable journey, her story offers profound lessons for every girl, lady, and woman in Southwest Nigeria and beyond. Her life demonstrates that excellence knows no gender, and that with determination, hard work, and unwavering commitment to quality, any barrier can be broken.
For the young girls in Osun, Oyo, Ogun, Ondo, Ekiti, and Lagos states, Yinka’s story shows that your dreams need not be limited by societal expectations. Just as she excelled in mathematics when it was considered a male domain, you too can excel in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Her academic achievements from Queens School, Ede, to Queens College, Lagos, and finally to international recognition in Canada, demonstrate that excellence is a journey that requires consistent effort and dedication.
For the ladies currently pursuing higher education, Yinka’s international academic success shows the importance of seizing opportunities for advancement. And for women already in their careers, Yinka’s professional journey illustrates the importance of continuous learning and skill development. Her additional training in the Netherlands and her active participation in professional organizations show that career growth requires lifelong learning and professional engagement.
Perhaps most importantly, Yinka’s story teaches us that breaking barriers is not just about personal achievement – it’s about opening doors for others. As the first female Surveyor-General, she didn’t just achieve personal success; she proved that women could excel in leadership positions in traditionally male-dominated fields, paving the way for future generations.
The Call to Excellence
As Southwest women, we must embrace Yinka’s legacy by pursuing excellence in all our endeavors. Whether in the sciences, arts, business, or public service, we must strive to be outstanding, just as she was throughout her academic and professional career. Her life reminds us that excellence is not an accident but the result of dedicated effort, continuous learning, and unwavering commitment to quality.
The surveying profession, like many others, still needs more women. The Women in Surveying (WIS) organization in Nigeria has only about 250 members – a clear indication that there’s still much work to be done in encouraging more women to enter this critical profession. Yinka’s legacy challenges us to not only excel in whatever fields we choose but also to actively encourage and mentor other women to follow in our footsteps.
Mrs. Olayinka Omolabake Adekoya’s journey from Ilesha to the pinnacle of Nigeria’s surveying profession is more than just an inspiring story – it’s a roadmap for excellence and a testament to the unlimited potential that lies within every woman in the Southwest region and Nigeria as a whole. Her legacy continues to inspire, challenge, and encourage us to reach for the stars, break through barriers, and achieve excellence in all our endeavors.
Let us honour her memory by embracing her spirit of excellence, determination, and trailblazing courage. In doing so, we not only celebrate her remarkable life but also ensure that her legacy continues to inspire generations of women to come.