Retirement, they say, is not the end of the road but an opportunity for greater things to happen in one’s life. According to the former President of the United States,Bill Clinton, “Retirement is a time to recharge, refocus, and rediscover”. On 3rd November, 2024 Dr Funmi Ajisegiri-Diyan retired from service of the National Examinations Council (NECO) as a Deputy Director A magnanimous and kind-hearted woman. I personally benefited from such dispositions in 2022.I was in Osogbo with my brother, Barrister Taofeeq Otan on an official assignment. We went round in search of a hotel where we can lodge. Unfortunately it was ahead of an election, so all hotels have been booked . That was how I put a call to Dr Funmi and immediately her husband came to pick us up. She treated and motioned us well . In fact, the hospitality was significant, because I won’t forget that in a hurry. The following day we proceeded with our journey to towns where we were supposed to Carry out our assignments. Apart from this magnanimous act from her, the first time I met her was in 2016 .She was there to monitor the SSCE Internal and she met me at a school ,where i was carrying out biometrics verification for students but the way she interacted with me that day would continue to linger in my mind. First impressions, they say, matter a lot and I think she is a master of that. But my own account about her personality can’t suffice in the absence of others, hence I had to reach out to other members of staff in the Council. Mr Oluwafemi Nathaniel Bolarinwa is an Assistant Director at the headquarters.He has this to say about Ajisegiri-Diyan:”Dr. Mrs Ajisejiri is a colleague, friend and mother.. She has been a source of inspiration to me and my family. Her outstanding performance as a colleague is a motivating factor in my career and the grace with which she relates effortlessly with loved ones teaches us how to show true love. On this occasion of her retirement, I wish her heaven’s best, praying that her future would be greater.” Mr Kunle Adelakun is also a staff member at the headquarters and he described her thus:”No one is perfect, but Dr Funmi is nice when it comes to the welfare of Staff under her. She would help you to address your challenges.” Mr Jibril Abdullahi Bala who is also staff member at the headquarters described Dr Funmi as a straight-forward personality with an impeccable character as she meant whatever she said. Mrs Adebanke Yinka Fatokun is a Deputy Director at the Osun State NECO office in Osogbo,her is her opinion on Dr Funmi: “She is very respectful, and a goal getter.Always willing to go the extra miles to address issues.To her, no official task is impossible or difficult to achieve.She would stand by her staff through thick and thin”. Similarly,Mrs Folashade Adetona,a member of staff, Osun State office described Dr Funmi in this way “To me, she is a very wonderful person. She is humble and respectful. Dr is caring. In fact, she is a very nice woman.” Mr Balogun Taiwo Olaseni,is a staff member at the Osun State office,he opined “Funmi Ajisegiri- Diyan is a respectful and passionate figure . She treats people accordingly, because she believes respect is reciprocal She is a woman that believes so much in human cognitive development and would always advise colleagues to return to school in order to further their study. She loves seeing people around her achieving progress in their daily lives and would always assist in any unpleasant situations any colleague finds himself or herself In a nutshell, Dr Funmi Ajisegiri-Diyan is a great thinker, an intellectual giant and a developer of human concepts”
Dr Damilola Sylvester ADESHEYOJU of Osun State NECO office also submitted, “Dr. (Mrs.) Ruth Olufunmilayo Ajisegiri is a visionary leader known for her integrity, diligence, and excellence in administration and academics. As the State Officer of NECO Osun State, she upheld the credibility of national examinations, earning the trust and respect of stakeholders. Beyond her administrative expertise, she is a warm, approachable, and highly respected leader with exceptional interpersonal skills. Her ability to foster strong, cordial relationships made her a mentor, confidante, and inspiration to colleagues and friends. She is admired for her kindness, wisdom, and resilient commitment to teamwork and collaboration.” Barrister Taofeeq Otan also described her as a special breed personality, “I can’t forget how nice she was to us the day she accommodated me and Dembo in Osogbo. This is a woman I have never met in my entire life until that day. May God reward her .I wish her the best in retirement.” Mrs Kudrat Mobolanle Olaiya, An Assistant Director at the Osun State office also asserts, “Generally she’s a good woman/ Boss always looking out for everyone and very respectful no matter the age difference” Furthermore, Mrs Adeola Omowunmi Matti is a Deputy Director at the Lagos office of the Council, she said: “Dr funmi is a nice person, diligent to work and has a listening ear to others challenges.She is like a mother.She takes her work seriously and she is a no – nonsense figure. On a personal level, she’s a darling sister from another mother. My problem is her problem and she won’t rest until a smile returns to my face.” Significantly, An Assistant Director at Lagos State NECO office Mrs Olayinka Aromire explained , “Dr Funmi Ajisegiri-Diyan is a nice personality.She encouraged us to further our education when she was at the Lagos State Office.” Engr. Ogonna Frances Anaebo is a staff member at Imo state office in Owerri .Here is her submission about Ajisegiri-Diyan: “As a seasoned administrator, Dr. Funmi Ajisegiri Diyan, is diligent, honest and humble, with a listening ear. This was evident during her tenure as Osun State NECO Co-ordinator. She created an environment where colleagues can air their views on matters arising without feeling judged or intimidated, irrespective of their rank or level in the Council. Hence, members of Staff were motivated, since their opinion counts, and she collects these ideas to make the best of decisions. Above all, she is a responsible woman. As a Christian she is not only religious, but also Spiritual and practical. She is very friendly ,easy going, forgiving and undaunted in her belief.” Tobi Ajisegiri has this to say about his mother: “My mom is a hardworking woman who is dedicated to her work at the service of National Examinations Council(NECO ).She is kindhearted, a team leader and a people person.” Most importantly, Mr Godwin Oludare Diyan, the crown (Olowo-ori) of the retiree of the moment described his wife thus: “She’s lovely created, a wife, a mother,a friend. When you need someone to teach you,to love you,to protect you,and to help you to be a better person, she’s a perfect match ,a beautiful and brilliant woman with a good heart” Dr Funmi Ajisegiri-Diyan has retired with prerequisites such as hard work, integrity and glamour that are required for one who has served without blemish. Wishing her the best in her future endeavours. It is imperative to discuss Dr Ajisegiri-Diyan’s educational sojourn. She attended Federal Government Girls’ College, Bauchi ,where she obtained her O Level- West African Examinations Council in 1982.She bagged Bachelor of Arts in Education (History/Political science) from University of Maiduguri in 1987. There after she did her youth service in Jos, Plateau State in 1988. Dr Ajisegiri-Diyan also bagged Post Graduate Diploma in Computer Science from Federal Universitumy of Technology, Minna .
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In a push to acquire more knowledge she proceeded to Germany to undergo Deutch Sparache language In IFC, Bonn in the year 2000.She also acquired Masters degree in Education with specialization in Administrative and planning from University of Calabar in 2008. In the same vein, She obtained another Master ‘s degree in Education with specialization in Tests and Measurements from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 2012 Interestingly, Dr Ajisegiri-Diyan bagged Doctor of Philosophy degree (PhD) in education (Test and Measurements) from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 2015. She is a member of the following Professional Bodies: International Association for Educational Assessment (IAEA) Association of Educational Researchers and Evaluators of Nigeria (ASSEREN) Association of Educational Researchers in Africa (AERA) By way of conclusion ,many of her works have been published in local journals of Education. She has co-authored some papers and books. She speaks Hausa, Yoruba, English and Dutch. Dr Funmi has three children.
