Born: 1978
Biography:
Francisca Onaolapo Oladipo is a distinguished Nigerian Professor of Computer Science, administrator, and author. Born on January 15, 1978, she has made significant contributions to the field of computer science while also breaking barriers as a pioneering woman in academia. As of 2022, Oladipo holds the prestigious position of Vice-Chancellor at Thomas Adewumi University in Nigeria.
Prior to her appointment at Thomas Adewumi University, Oladipo served as the Director of Quality Assurance at Federal University in Lokoja, Kogi State, Nigeria. During her tenure at the university, she left an indelible mark as the first woman to serve as a member of the Governing Council. Additionally, she made history as the first female Head of the Department of Computer Science at the institution, setting an inspiring precedent for future generations of women in academia.
Oladipo’s academic journey commenced at Nnamdi Azikiwe University in Nigeria, where she obtained her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Computer Science. Her dedication to furthering her knowledge led her to pursue a Doctoral Degree in Computer Science, which she successfully earned in 2010 from the same university.
In 2014, Oladipo had the opportunity to expand her expertise through a postdoctoral fellowship at the renowned Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). During this fellowship, she participated in the TOTAL-MIT Empowering the Teachers Initiative, further honing her skills and enriching her understanding of the field.
An influential figure in computer science education, Oladipo introduced the Python programming language into the academic program at Federal University in Lokoja. In order to foster and promote the learning of this powerful programming language, she founded the PyFUL group. Through this initiative, she has empowered countless students and helped them develop proficiency in Python programming.
Oladipo’s contributions have not gone unnoticed within the academic community. She has presented her groundbreaking work on Python programming at PyCon, a major conference for Python enthusiasts. Furthermore, her work on Python has been acknowledged and cited by fellow scholars and researchers, solidifying her reputation as an authority in the field.
Beyond her academic pursuits, Oladipo has become a vocal advocate for the importance of open data during the COVID-19 pandemic. She has shared her insights and expertise on this critical topic through peer-reviewed publications and as a distinguished panelist at the United States’ National Academy of Sciences 2021 meeting on the COVID-19 pandemic and Big Data. Her dedication to the accessible and transparent sharing of data has helped shape the global discourse surrounding the pandemic response.
Awards and honors have further recognized Oladipo’s immense contributions and talents. She was honored as a Grace Hopper Faculty Scholar, a notable distinction that highlights her exceptional achievements in the field. In 2016, her project aimed at teaching adolescent girls about reproductive health and self-esteem through an educational mobile application garnered significant recognition.
In 2020, Oladipo’s remarkable contributions to the field of computer science and her impact on society led to her selection as one of 18 professional fellows of the Nigerian Computer Society. This prestigious recognition further solidifies her standing as a trailblazer and a role model for aspiring computer scientists, particularly women.
Francisca Oladipo’s groundbreaking work in computer science, her passion for education, and her commitment to open data have left an indelible mark on society. Her remarkable achievements, together with her continuous efforts to empower and inspire others, position her as an influential figure in women’s history and a beacon of excellence in the field of computer science.