Why women must set their priorities right —Dr (Mrs) Oduntan

When you speak with her, her passion for making impact through education is readily evident. Dr (Mrs) Felicia Mayokun Oduntan, wife of Bishop Olukemi Oduntan of Ajayi Crowther Anglican Diocese, Iseyin, Oyo State, proprietress of Lord’s Schools, and president of the women organisation of the diocese, speaks with RITA OKONOBOH on Nigeria’s education sector, how women can create a balance between the home and workplace, and how she feels clocking 50.

HOW do you feel clocking the milestone age of 50?

My heart is full of joy and I am most grateful to God. Last year was a tough one for me because of what I passed through. It was as if last year would have been my last on earth, but God graciously spared my life. It is a great testimony to the glory of God and I am very glad that God has spared my life to witness this opportunity.

In 50 years, what would you say is your most memorable experience?

I have a lot of memorable experiences. One memorable experience was when I got married on August 20, 1994. That was the time of the June 12 crisis; things were tight during that period. It was as if the days were so long. However, we thank God for everything.

Would you say you have any regrets?

I have no regrets. When I look back at the course of my life, I have every reason to thank God. The greatest thing that happened to me was giving my life to Jesus Christ in 1986 and, ever since, that has been my motivation and life has never been the same. I have no regrets whatsoever. I never knew I would get to this level. I was a nobody; but God made me somebody.

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If you could change one thing about yourself so far, what would that be?

The only thing I can say I dislike about myself is my handwriting. Of my extended family members, I think I have the worst handwriting. I learnt that bad handwriting can be traced to teachers, and maybe it is so because I passed through many primary schools. I always tell my teachers to help their pupils and students in this regard. When people write beautifully, I love it.

At 50, you haven’t done badly for yourself. With your experience as a cleric’s wife, what’s your advice to women on being the best versions of themselves?

First, they should know the will of God for their lives; they should be patient; they should be contented; they should imbibe discipline. Lastly, they should follow their passion.

Last Thursday was International Women’s Day and today, in some parts of the world, it is Mothers’ Day. How would you advise women on creating a balance as wives, mothers, and work professionals?

They should know that the home is very important. If you refuse to create a peaceful atmosphere with your husband or impact your children positively or there is no peace at home, making headway in the workplace may be very difficult. If women set their priorities right and organise themselves, they will be fulfilled at home, in their ministry and in the workplace.

You’re an educator. Are you satisfied with Nigeria’s education system?

Not at all. There are many things we are not doing right. Take for instance, the curriculum. Civic Education was introduced into the school system. However, in some higher institutions, the subject is not counted during the admission process, and I have had parents complain that their children were denied admission and asked to take Government instead. Yet, Civic Education was made a part of the school curriculum. There should be harmony, especially with higher institutions. Aside that, the education system seems to prioritise certification, at the detriment of productivity. This has also encouraged examination malpractice because the students assume all they need to present is their certificates. This should not be. Many things are wrong. As much as we teach theory, the practical aspect should be just as important. Some graduates who seek employment perform woefully at job interviews because they cannot even explain in practical terms what they claim to have studied in school. Students too also seek shortcuts because they don’t want to work. We need a reorganisation of our education system so that productivity will be enhanced.