Prof. Chris Funke Ifeta: Celebrating a woman of substance, distinguished scholar at 70
pannigeriannews
2 min read
By Wale Oyebode
Prof. Chris Funke Ifeta is a woman whose name resonates with excellence, integrity and rare distinction. Admired by all and sundry, she is celebrated as a distinguished academic, accomplished artist and mentor of generations: a true professor of professors. Her life and career reflect an uncommon blend of intellectual depth, creative brilliance and moral strength, earning her a revered place in Nigeria’s academic and artistic history.
Now at 70 years, Prof. Chris Funke Ifeta retires from active service as a distinguished professor at Nigeria’s premier university of education, Tai Solarin University of Education (TASUED), Ijebu-Ode, Ogun State. Her retirement marks not merely the end of a professional journey, but the celebration of decades of outstanding service, trailblazing achievements and enduring impact.
Prof. Ifeta was born on December 10, 1955, in Kaduna, Kaduna State, into the family of Frederick Renner and Olaitan Renner (née Oyebode Oyewale). Though born in the North, her roots are deeply embedded in the South-West. Her father hailed from Iporo Ake, Abeokuta, Ogun State, her state of origin, while her mother was from Oolo family, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
Her academic record remains historic. In 1978, Prof. Chris Funke Ifeta graduated from Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria with a first class honours degree in sculpture. Remarkably, she remains the only female in Nigeria to have graduated with a first class degree in Sculpture, a feat that firmly positioned her as a pathfinder and role model in the creative arts.
Her professional career spans over four decades of dedicated service. She began at the Nigerian Geological Survey between 1973 and 1974. After her degree, she taught at Western Boys High School, Benin City from 1978 to 1979, before joining the College of Education, Iyaro/Ekiadolor, Benin, where she served from 1980 to 1989. Her influence later extended to The Polytechnic, Ibadan, where she worked from 1990 to 2006. In 2006, she joined Tai Solarin University of Education, where she spent nearly two decades shaping minds, mentoring academics and contributing to institutional growth until her retirement today.
Beyond the classroom and studio, Prof. Chris Funke Ifeta’s passion for sculpture, painting and film has produced numerous works enjoyed and recognised both in Nigeria and abroad. Her creative output mirrors the depth and discipline that define her scholarly life.
A devoted Christian, she draws guidance and strength from her faith. In 1977, she married Chief Emmanuel Akpo Ifeta, and their marriage is blessed with five children. Successfully balancing family life with an illustrious academic and artistic career, she exemplifies grace, resilience and purposeful living.
As Prof. Chris Funke Ifeta bows out of active service at 70, her legacy endures through the countless students she taught, the scholars she mentored, and the artistic and academic standards she upholds. She leaves behind a living testament of excellence, a woman of substance whose impact will continue to inspire generations to come.
…Wale Oyebode writes from Ogbomoso.
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