Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi
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| Born | 1910 Lagos, Nigeria
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| Died | 14 September 1971 (aged 60–61) |
| Nationality | Nigerian |
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| Occupation | Physician |
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Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi (born Akerele, 1910–1971) was a very important Nigerian doctor. She made history as the first woman to work as a doctor in Nigeria. She was also the first woman from West Africa to get a special medical license in Dublin, Ireland.
In 1938, Dr. Awoliyi became the second West African woman to become a fully trained doctor. Before her, Agnes Yewande Savage had finished medical school in 1929. Dr. Awoliyi also led the National Council of Women's Societies of Nigeria. She was their second president from 1964 until she passed away in 1971.
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Early Life and Education
Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi was born in Lagos, Nigeria. Her parents were David Evaristo and Rufina Akerele. Her family was part of the Aguda people.
She started her schooling at St. Mary's Catholic School in Lagos. After that, she went to Queen's College, Lagos. She then traveled to Ireland to study medicine. In 1938, she earned her medical degree from the University of Dublin, Cafreys College.
She was an excellent student. She graduated with top honors and even won a medal in Medicine. She also received a special award for her knowledge of Anatomy. She was the first West African woman to get a special license called a "licentiate of Royal Surgeon" in Dublin. She was also a member of important medical groups in the United Kingdom. These included the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists. She also had a special diploma in child health.
Medical Career
After finishing her studies, Dr. Awoliyi returned to Nigeria. She started working at Massey Street Hospital in Lagos. She was a junior medical officer and specialized in women's health (gynaecology).
Later, she became a chief consultant at the hospital. From 1960 to 1969, she was the Medical Director of Massey Street Hospital. This was a very important leadership role. In 1962, the Federal Ministry of Health appointed her as a senior specialist. She worked as a gynaecologist and obstetrician, helping women with pregnancy and childbirth.
Dr. Abimbola Awoliyi also had her own businesses. She owned a large poultry and orange farm in Agege, Lagos. She was also a director of a medical supply store in Lagos.
The Dr. Abimbola Awoliyi Memorial Hospital in Lagos Island, Nigeria, is named after her.
Helping Women and Community
Dr. Elizabeth Awoliyi was very active in helping women and her community. She was a leader in many groups.
National Council of Women's Societies
She was the first president of the Lagos branch of the National Council of Women's Societies (NCWS). This organization works to improve the lives of women. She helped create many policies and activities for women. In 1964, she became the second national president of the NCWS. She took over from Kofo Ademola.
Leadership and Philanthropy
Dr. Awoliyi used her leadership skills to help many causes:
- She was the first president of the Holy Cross Parish Women Council at Holy Cross Cathedral Lagos.
- She was involved with the Motherless Babies Home Governing Council.
- She was the president of the Business and Professional Women's Association.
- She led the Child Care Voluntary Association as its president.
- She was also part of the Lagos Colony Red Cross.
Awards and Family Life
Dr. Elizabeth Awoliyi received many important awards and honors for her work:
- She was made a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE). This is a special award from the United Kingdom.
- She was given the traditional titles of Iya Abiye of Lagos and Iyalaje of Oyo. These are important titles that show respect in Nigerian culture.
- She received a Nigerian National Honor: Officer of the Order of the Federal Republic (OFR).
She was married to another doctor, Dr. S. O. Awoliyi. They had two children, a son and a daughter. Her husband passed away in 1965. Dr. Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi died on September 14, 1971, when she was 61 years old.
Her son, Tunji Awoliyi, dedicated his novel Return to Life to her. She is also mentioned in a book called Nigerian heroes and heroines by Godwin Chukwuemeka Ezeh.
See also
In Spanish: Elizabeth Abimbola Awoliyi para niños
