Folake Onayemi

Folake Oritsegbubemi Onayemi (4 October 1964 – 14 February 2024) was Professor of Classics and Head of the Department of Classics at the University of Ibadan in Nigeria. She was the first woman to be awarded a PhD in Classics in Nigeria and the first black woman to be Professor of Classics in sub-Saharan Africa. She was an expert on comparative Greco-Roman and Nigerian literature, cultures, and mythology, particularly relating to the roles and representations of women.

Quotes

• While studying the course, I realised that some of the things I had come across as a child were actually classical literature.
  • [1] Prof Folake speak on classical literature in 2022.
• That was what stirred my interest in literature. I got into UI through direct entry in 1983 and by the time I graduated in 1986, I did not want to study Law anymore.
  • [2] Prof Folake speak on her interest in Literature in 2022.
• My father was very vast. He taught both English and Mathematics. However, my mum took some time off teaching to nurture us (children).
  • [3] Prof folake speak on her parents in 2022.
• My husband passed on three years ago. He was older than me, and he wanted me to succeed at all cost. He believed I was very brilliant, and that I could do anything intellectual.
  • [4] Prof folake speak about her husband in 2022.
• I realised that African culture was more similar to the classical cultures, than even the western ones. Many classical creative works can fit in the context of many African cultures because of their similar sociological and mythological backgrounds.
  • [5] Prof Folake speak on African Culture.
• If I have to teach 400 level students Latin for a class of one hour, I might need to prepare for two or three hours before hand because my competence in Latin is not so high. I do not use the language every day, so I forget sometimes.
  • [6] Prof Folake speak on latin language.
• The Yoruba culture has many similarities with the ancient Greek culture; for example, the idea of paying back care to one’s parents when they are old.
  • [7] Prof Folake speak on Yoruba Culture.