Born on Tuesday, December 19, 1944, at the Children's Hospital on Mercy Street, Lagos Island, Dame Tinuade Abodurin Adedoyin began a journey rooted in faith, family, and service. The first of five children of Mr. Emmanuel Olufunmilayo Adedoyin, a pharmacist from Offa, Kwara State, and Mrs. Mariam Adewunmi Adedoyin (née Oke), a trader and seamstress from Abeokuta, Ogun State, Dame Tinuade grew up in Ebute Metta, Lagos, under the guidance of her parents, grandparents, and extended family.
Her mother (Mrs Mariam Adedoyin) was an active member of the Williams Memorial Methodist Church Ago Ijaiye. She sadly passed away, aged 42. Her parents’ frequent travels meant she was cared for by her grandparents, Mr Williams Adedoyin and Mrs Adeboun Adedoyin (nee Peters) in Lagos. When her grandma passed away, she lived with extended family including her grandmothers sister known as Mama Abeokuta, and her aunty, Mrs Alice Osinaike Mama Yejide Onasanya (nee Oworu).
During school holidays Dame Tinuade stayed with her maternal grandmother, Alice Jolade Oke who was a kolanut farmer in Agege. Here Dame Tinuade learnt how to process kolanuts, helped with picking agbalumo fruits, vegetables and peppers, took part in fetching water, peeling cassava and making garri. Evenings were spent in the company of cousins under the moonlight.
Church
Dame Tinuade was baptised at the Williams Memorial Methodist Chuch (previously Ago Ijaiye) and attended this church when in Ebute Metta.In 2008 Ago Ijaiye Methodist Chuch honoured Dame Tinuade Gbadamosi with the “Distinguished Ago-Ijaiye Daughter” award.
Early Education
Dame Tinuade education began at Oriel Girls school in Abule Nla, Apapa Road before she attended Lagos Anglican Girls Grammar School. A natural leader, she served as a prefect and chose to stay an extra year in secondary school to study science subjects introduced later in the curriculum.
She completed her secondary school in December 1963 and gained admission to Hussey College, Warri to study sciences. Dame Tinuade was one of only four girls taking A-level classes in her time. The journey to college was an adventure in itself. After a long truck, they would spend the night sleeping on their boxes in Benin. The next day, the trip continued through Sapele, where they crossed the River Ethiop on a Pontu boat, as bridges had yet to be constructed over the Sapele River.
Dame Tinuade went on to study Chemistry at the University of Lagos in September 1966 with some of her friends from Hussey College.
Residing at Moremi Hall, she formed lifelong friendships with Tokunbo Okupe (nee Dina), Sheri Adebiyi (nee Akanbi), Titi Ismail (nee Odutayo), Bunmi Babaniji and Mrs Ofuya (both nee Johnson) Jumoke Fasanu (nee Odusina), Late Femi Olusanya (nee Onayade) to mention a few.
Though not active in student politics, she enjoyed playing table tennis and supporting female candidates in elections. In June 1969, she graduated with Second Class Honours in Chemistry.
Teaching Career
Dame Tinuade never envisioned herself as a teacher, having aspired to work in a laboratory, analyzing and testing products. However, shortly after her graduation in 1969, her cousin, the late Mr. Niyi Coker, informed her of an urgent need for a Chemistry teacher at Methodist Boys High School, Broad Street, Lagos. Despite initial reservations from the Principal, Mr. Famoroti, about hiring a single woman, her strong academic results secured her the position. This marked the beginning of a fulfilling teaching career and a lasting friendship with Mr. Famoroti, whom she and her husband later visited in his hometown of Ifaki, Ekiti State.
From August 1969 to July 1975, Dame Tinuade taught Chemistry and General Science at the school, working under the guidance of the Head of Science, Mr. Ranti Soewu. Her dedication saw many students excel in their exams, with several going on to study medicine and engineering. Among her students were distinguished individuals such as Mr. Fola Adeola, Gbolahan Otiti, Kunle Uthman, Reverend Okunoren (now Principal of the school), and Oweh Lakenfa.
In 1975, she transitioned to Lagos State Government College, Eric Moore Road, Surulere, as the Head of the Science Department. The move allowed her to balance her professional duties with raising her children, who attended schools nearby. She worked closely with Mrs. Bioye Oki, Head of the Biology Department, fostering a professional relationship that remains strong to this day.
In 1979, she was asked to take a two-year leave of absence from teaching by Governor Jakande to work as an Electoral Commissioner for Lagos State, under the chairmanship of Alhaji Basuaalongside Alhaji Basua, Lawyer Ajao, Mr. Adeyemo, and Mr. Basorun. Although their task was to conduct local government elections, the process was interrupted by the military coup of General Buhari and General Idiagbon.
Administrative Career
In 1985, Dame Tinuade transitioned back into the Ministry of Education, taking up the role of Principal at Government College Maroko. Although her tenure there lasted only a few months, it was a stepping stone to her appointment as the pioneer Principal of the School of Basic Studies in Agidingbi, Ikeja. The school, still under construction at the time, was envisioned as a one-year remedial institution for students needing a second chance to improve their WAEC results. It was officially commissioned by the late military governor, Navy Captain Mike Akhigbe.
Drawing on her psychology training from her university days, Dame Tinuade sought to motivate the students, delivering inspiring pep talks during morning devotions. Her compassionate guidance encouraged many to regain confidence, with some earning university placements and others finding success in various endeavors.
From 1987 to 1989, Dame Tinuade served as Secretary of the Schools Management Committee for Lagos Island. She was later posted to Somolu before becoming Administrator of the Lagos Island Local Education District until 1992.
From October 1992 till February 1994 she ran the Somolu Local Education District and from March 1994 til January 1995 wshe as the Administrator of Eti-Osa Local Education District.
She retired from education in 1995 after her 50th birthday due to her personal commitment to principle and a growing dissatisfaction with declining standards in the education system
Marriage and Family Life
In August 1970, Dame Tinuade met her husband at a friend’s graduation party, coincidentally reconnecting with the Methodist Boys High School legacy, as he was an alumnus. They married in June 1971 and raised four children — Mrs. Morounkunbi Osinoiki, Mr. Oluwole Gbadamosi, Mr. Abimbola Gbadamosi, and Miss Morenike Gbadamosi. She was mother also to her husband’s nephew, Mr. Babatunde Gbadamosi, nurturing him during his formative years while his parents were abroad.
Her parents-in-law, Alhaja Rafatu Gbadamosi and Papa S.O. Gbadamosi, treated her with love and respect. She cherished her father-in-law’s fondness for her cooking and the familial bonds with his siblings, Justice Odesanya and Late Mama Layi.
As a mother, Dame Tinuade prioritized her children’s education and character. Weekdays were structured around academics, with leisure time on weekends balanced by lessons in weaker subjects. These foundational years were enriched by birthday celebrations, friendships, and family traditions.
Hobbies
Dame Tinuade cherished life’s simple joys, finding immense pleasure in playing table tennis, dancing, and singing. Her love for music extended to composing calming melodies for her grandchildren during their fussy moments. A lover of biographies, she admitted she was not a fast reader but demonstrated remarkable perseverance, staying with a book she enjoyed until the very last page. Her fondness for children was evident, as she took every opportunity to engage with them in playful and meaningful ways.
Looking Back
Reflecting on her life, Dame Tinuade is deeply grateful for the unwavering support of her parents, as well as her extended paternal and maternal family, who stood by her through every challenge. She cherished the friendships she has built, her husband, the obedience of her children, the laughter of her grandchildren, and the warmth of the large family she married into.
She expressed particular gratitude to the late Dr. B. Ajenufuja, her uncle-in-law, who was a pillar of support to her and her children throughout her married life. Dr. B. Kuti also held a special place in her heart for his steadfast care and concern for her well-being. She fondly remembers her cousin, Dr. Latunde Macaulay, and Dr. Folarin Olufunwa, for their generosity and medical care, especially during times abroad.
Dame Tinuade honored her father’s steadfast love and faithfulness, recalling how he remained devoted to her mother’s memory, never remarrying after her passing in 1967, until he went to be with the Lord in 1989.
Above all, she gives thanks to God Almighty for guiding her life with infinite mercy and grace. Her prayers are filled with hope for good health, long life marked by joy and fulfillment, and the abundant grace of God over her children, grandchildren, and all the members of her extended family.
“Thank You, Lord,” she often says with heartfelt sincerity, a sentiment that encapsulated her enduring faith and gratitude.