ForeverMissed
Large image
This memorial website was created in memory of our loved one, Joyce Aluko, 86 years old, born on September 20, 1934, and passed away on March 5, 2021. We will remember her forever.
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Official Statement Of The Aluko Family On The Passing Away Of Mrs. Joyce Anomoghan Aluko.
We announce, with a deep sense of loss but great gratitude to our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ for a full and Christian life well-lived, the death of our saintly mother, grandmother and great-grandmother,  social worker, foremost university administrator and defender of women's rights,  Mrs Joyce Anomoghan Aluko, at 5.40 pm (Nigerian time) on Friday March 5, 2021, at Akure, Ondo-State, Nigeria.  She died peacefully, exiting at age 86,  survived by all her six children Mobolaji, Olufemi, Morenike, Gbenga, Olubunmi and Adeyemi,  twenty-four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and other family members.
Born at Ekpoma, Edo State on September 20, 1934,  to Pa John Willie Ofuya of Ikoro (Olodiama Ijaw clan) and Madam Ruth Agbisi Ofuya of Arokho (Owan West LGA), both of present-day Edo State,  she attended St. Andrew’s Anglican Primary School, Ekpoma (1941-48),  and secondary school at Queen’s College Lagos/Queen’s School Ede (1949-1953).  She got engaged to (now late Professor) Samuel Adepoju  Aluko – who she had first met in 1947 at Ekpoma -  in August 1954, and they were married in Lagos on Valentine’s Day 1955.  Joyce proceeded abroad for university education to join her husband  at the London School of Economics, where she earned a Certificate in Social Science and Administration (1958),  as well as at the  London School of Medical Social Work (Certificate in MSW, 1959).  After returning to Nigeria, she attended the University of Ife (Bachelors in Economics, 1965) – graduating with honours in the same department where her husband taught - and then proceeded again to the University of Birmingham (Masters in Social Work, 1974) during a sabbatical year of her husband at the same university.  
She worked as a draughtsman at the Federal School of Survey (1954), and  a teacher at St. Andrew’s Primary School at Ekpoma (1955-1956).  She then worked as a Medical Social Worker at the University College Hospital (UCH) from 1959-1962, Administrative Officer in the Dean’s Office at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1965-67), and then did top administrative duties at the University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) from 1967 to 1979, rising from an Administrative Officer to Deputy Registrar/Director of Planning, Budgeting and Monitoring.  She transferred her service to the University of Benin, where, from 1979 to 1981, she was the Director of Academic Planning, from where she retired with meritorious service honors. 
Upon retirement, she formed Academic Planning Consultants APC  with Prof. Sam Aluko, doing consultancy services for many Universities in Nigeria.  She was Chairperson of Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO delegation for fifteen years (1993-2008),  and a delegate to the Beijing Women’s Conference in September 1995.
Ever since family and friends have learnt of her passing, we have been overwhelmed by stories about her impact on many lives. We thank everybody for their messages of condolence.  Even in transition to the  glorious arms of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, we hope and trust that fond memories of her illustrious life will continue to inspire  people.
Our now late Matriarch lived as simple a life as her late husband, and so her burial will be kept also simple and dignified.  She will be interned at a grave-site next to our late father at Ode-Ekiti.  Further details of activities (Service of Songs, Commendation Service, Funeral Service and Internment)  will be released in the coming days. In the meantime, we urge you to pray for us all as we plan these details; that as we mourn with dignity as Christians with hope, God in His mercy will grant all of us strength.    
During this pandemic period, rather than travel to physically witness our Matriarch’s final celebrations here on Earth, we encourage as many people as possible to join these activities via Zoom, as seating will be very limited in venues to close family and friends to comply strictly with Covid-19 guidelines.
Also, those who may wish to offer tributes to or share stories about her life, should kindly do so here.
Best wishes all.
Signed:  Professor Mobolaji E. Aluko
On behalf of the Family
March 12, 2021
September 20, 2023
September 20, 2023
Remember our darling mummy today and always. Our thoughts over the last two years have been loving. You sowed into each one of us and this has allowed us to continue from where daddy and you left. Rest on mummy, peacefully. Amen
April 7, 2022
April 7, 2022
I met the Great and humble Professor Sam Aluko through Senator (Dr.) Jim Nwobodo and his wife Pat Nwobodo. Prof. Aluko was interim Chairman of Savannah Bank of Nigeria Plc where I served as Chief Finance Officer (CFO).
Through the above relationship I met Mama Joyce Aluko. But I must say that she is an exceptional person. After Prof. Aluko passed in Feb 2012, she continued religiously to send Christmas and New year cards to me as the late great Professor did. I found that quite touching and it is a testimony to the close relationship she enjoyed with the great Prof. Sam Aluko.
May her very carting soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen
March 27, 2022
March 27, 2022
I am a paternal cousin of Mama Joyce, now residing in the United States of America. I had the privilege of meeting Mama, when I came to Nigerian Law School in Lagos from University of Maiduguri and was badly looking for a place to live. She single handedly pursuad the family to let me live at the family hotel, Hotel Astoria in Lagos. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. She will always remain a roll model to those of us who knew her.
Barrister Kennedy Amughan Esq.
623-202-9583. Arizona.
April 16, 2021
April 16, 2021
I received immense support from aunty Joyce when, after the civil war, I registered as a student in Universty of Ife. I was a married student with a baby! She made my stay comfortable. May her gentle Soul Rest in Peace.
April 4, 2021
April 4, 2021
Mama,You are a Gem to many,Your Legacy will live on ,We love you but God loves you more.We are consoled by this and that you are resting in his Bossom.Rest In Peace.
March 25, 2021
March 25, 2021
I had the blessing and pleasure of knowing Mrs Joyce Amonoghan ALUKO as a fellow Director of Academic Planning in the Nigerian university system for very many years and-much later-as the chairperson of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO when I was Ambassador to the international organization. I vividly recall her spontaneous delight in my election to various positions.
She was also very much enthused about my post- UNESCO assignments by ADEA and the Commonwealth Secretariat. 
 In various scenarios and capacities, I found her insightful, industrious, illustrious, consistently focused, patriotic, sisterly, frank, and patriotic. 
Her ideals were obviously predicated upon her faith-which she would often describe as: “looking unto JESUS , the author and finisher of my faith “

Indeed, we have lost a rare gem !!!
May her soul rest in perfect peace.
May her entire family -and we all-be divinely comforted Amen.

Dr . Emmanuel Oluwasegun Akinluyi
March 21, 2021
May Mama's soul rest in peace. She has gone where the elders go. May the Aluko family be comforted and strengthened to bear the huge loss. Be encouraged by the beautiful memories of her time here on this side of eternity. Be inspired by her distinguished record. She left a strong legacy of excellence and dedication to humanity. Take comfort in her having fought the good fight and won the race. God bless you all.
March 14, 2021
March 14, 2021
An Appreciation
Mama Joyce Anomoghan Aluko was a blessing to mankind, certainly to Nigeria and to me. She was Chairperson of the Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO when General Abacha invited me to serve on the Commission in 1994. She was there at my election as Chairman of the Education Sector of her Commission, and she sat in to endorse the choice.
As a strong woman she was not going to allow herself to be pushed around and we then had difficult times as she was uncomfortable whenever we were directed to tow Government line without any critical consideration. Mama was not such person as she enjoyed being independent. She was also highly principled. Her husband used to write me when I served in Paris, to remind me that his wife was my ana, an in-law, as she married an Ekiti man, like myself from Ipoti-Ekiti, and that she therefore was entitled to being given special treatment by me and my Delegation. Her contribution was always informed and profitable. She was a team player and she defended all proposals from Nigeria with passion and courage and she got approvals for her submission.
We have all been left poorer by her withdrawal of services as she advanced in age and now by her death. I was blessed by her life and her example of diligence and commitment to highest ideals of governance and service at all her postings. We thank the Lord for the fruits of her womb in different callings of life, including her daughter who works with dedication with the African Mission unit of the Redeemed Christian Church of God. I pray that the Almighty God will continue to give her sweet rest until the Resurrection morning in Jesus name.
Emeritus Professor Michael Omolewa, University of Ibadan, and Babcock University
March 14, 2021
March 14, 2021
What a testimony! Mama really lived. She's not dead but changed position and all her legacies,lives she has touched keep her living forever! Rest on beautiful Mama. You came, you saw and you conquered. Sweet is the sleep of the righteous. My sincere condolence to the whole family.
March 13, 2021
March 13, 2021
May Mama's soul rest in peace. Mama lived a dignified, joyful life, filled with love and respect for all and sundry.
March 13, 2021
March 13, 2021
We thank God for Mama's life. May she rest in peace. She lives on...
March 13, 2021
March 13, 2021
A brilliant, assiduous, thoughtful, focused, dedicated, nurturing wife, mother, grandmother, and aunt, Auntie Joyce was and still is loved by many. She was one of the earliest Nigerian women to rise to a top university administrative position. At University of Ife in the 60s and 70s, she did not compromise her principles on admission policies or any other policies. She was well grounded in administrative and academic procedures that people knew not to mess with her. She was a Ms. Ofuya, related to Professor Chris Ofuya, my childhood friend and classmate( 63-67 Xt’s School)- the Ofuya family well known for brilliance and charisma .
The last time l heard your voice was when l called Bolaji years ago and you referred to me as an “omo olopa”! This reminded me of our family visits to you at the Nigerian College of Arts, Ibadan.
Till we part no more, sleep well, beautiful Auntie, sleep well! Bolaji and all are already carrying on your beautiful legacies.
You are forever missed. Sleep on!!!
March 13, 2021
March 13, 2021
I join in offering special thanks and gratitude to our almighty God for the highly productive life of Mrs Joyce Aluko. Her loss is greatly felt by her families, Church family members, and friends. I pray for God's blessings of comfort, strength, love, and peace for all who were touched, and mourn the passing away of Mrs. Aluko. May the soul of Mrs. Aluko rest in the eternal abode of our God.
March 12, 2021
March 12, 2021
Mama Joyce Aluko served her creator and humanity well. She was a choirester at the Chapel of Announciation Archbishop Vining College Akure till death.Mama was always telling Baba Prof Sam Aluko, that I saw your boy from Ode that sings very well today and he sends greetings. A sincere lover of God,continue to rest at the right hand of your Creator.
From
Revd and Mrs Victor.O Familua
March 12, 2021
March 12, 2021
Saintly, unblemished, dignified, the sweet memories represent a never-ending reliving of life.
We should celebrate a good life.
My preference is amala and gbegiri--keep the pounded yam for the Ekiti people.
Keep well.

Leave a Tribute

Light a Candle
Lay a Flower
Leave a Note
 
Recent Tributes
September 20, 2023
September 20, 2023
Remember our darling mummy today and always. Our thoughts over the last two years have been loving. You sowed into each one of us and this has allowed us to continue from where daddy and you left. Rest on mummy, peacefully. Amen
April 7, 2022
April 7, 2022
I met the Great and humble Professor Sam Aluko through Senator (Dr.) Jim Nwobodo and his wife Pat Nwobodo. Prof. Aluko was interim Chairman of Savannah Bank of Nigeria Plc where I served as Chief Finance Officer (CFO).
Through the above relationship I met Mama Joyce Aluko. But I must say that she is an exceptional person. After Prof. Aluko passed in Feb 2012, she continued religiously to send Christmas and New year cards to me as the late great Professor did. I found that quite touching and it is a testimony to the close relationship she enjoyed with the great Prof. Sam Aluko.
May her very carting soul continue to rest in perfect peace. Amen
March 27, 2022
March 27, 2022
I am a paternal cousin of Mama Joyce, now residing in the United States of America. I had the privilege of meeting Mama, when I came to Nigerian Law School in Lagos from University of Maiduguri and was badly looking for a place to live. She single handedly pursuad the family to let me live at the family hotel, Hotel Astoria in Lagos. May her gentle soul rest in perfect peace. She will always remain a roll model to those of us who knew her.
Barrister Kennedy Amughan Esq.
623-202-9583. Arizona.
Her Life

A blessed life.

March 13, 2021
Mrs Joyce Anomoghan Aluko (nee Ofuya) was born at Ekpoma, Edo State on September 20, 1934,  to Pa John Willie Ofuya of Ikoro (Olodiama Ijaw clan) and Madam Ruth Agbisi Ofuya of Arokho (Owan West LGA), both of present-day Edo State,  she attended St. Andrew’s Anglican Primary School, Ekpoma (1941-48),  and secondary school at Queen’s College Lagos/Queen’s School Ede (1949-1953).  She got engaged to (now late Professor) Samuel Adepoju  Aluko – who she had first met in 1947 at Ekpoma -  in August 1954, and they were married in Lagos on Valentine’s Day 1955.  Joyce proceeded abroad for university education to join her husband  at the London School of Economics, where she earned a Certificate in Social Science and Administration (1958),  as well as at the  London School of Medical Social Work (Certificate in MSW, 1959).  After returning to Nigeria, she attended the University of Ife (Bachelors in Economics, 1965) – graduating with honours in the same department where her husband taught - and then proceeded again to the University of Birmingham (Masters in Social Work, 1974) during a sabbatical year of her husband at the same university.  
She worked as a draughtsman at the Federal School of Survey (1954), and  a teacher at St. Andrew’s Primary School at Ekpoma (1955-1956).  She then worked as a Medical Social Worker at the University College Hospital (UCH) from 1959-1962, Administrative Officer in the Dean’s Office at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (1965-67), and then did top administrative duties at the University of Ife, Ile-Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) from 1967 to 1979, rising from an Administrative Officer to Deputy Registrar/Director of Planning, Budgeting and Monitoring.  She transferred her service to the University of Benin, where, from 1979 to 1981, she was the Director of Academic Planning, from where she retired with meritorious service honors. 
Upon retirement, she formed Academic Planning Consultants APC  with Prof. Sam Aluko, doing consultancy services for many Universities in Nigeria.  She was Chairperson of Nigerian National Commission for UNESCO delegation for fifteen years (1993-2008),  and a delegate to the Beijing Women’s Conference in September 1995.     
Mrs Aluko was a dedicated mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, social worker, foremost university administrator and defender of women's rights until her passing unto glory at 5.40 pm (Nigerian time) on Friday March 5, 2021, at Akure, Ondo-State, Nigeria. Her passing was peaceful at a ripe age of 86,  survived by all her six children Mobolaji, Olufemi, Morenike, Gbenga, Olubunmi and Adeyemi,  twenty-four grandchildren, three great-grandchildren and other family members. She rests peacefully.
Recent stories

Tribute

March 12, 2021
You saw beauty in everything in life, you were a very simple-minded human being. You were the best person morally that I’ve ever known. You taught us how to live life to the fullest. You made everything so much fun as a kid growing up, and taught us how to face the world we were going to live in.
FROM
ENGR SEUN (LOCOASTER SON)

Invite others to Joyce's website:

Invite by email

Post to your timeline