It was at Queen’s College in Lagos, Nigeria that Aduke Sanni developed a passion for the nursing profession. The Muslim Elders in her state awarded her a scholarship to study Education in London, England, an offer that she politely declined, insisting on pursuing Nursing.
By the time Aduke Sanni arrived at McGill’s School for Graduate Nurses in 1961 as one of five Nigerian nurses awarded a Canadian Government Scholarship, she was a highly accomplished nurse, experienced in midwifery and the care of premature babies. A year later, with her McGill Bachelor of Nursing degree in hand, she returned to Nigeria, where she earned a reputation as a trailblazer in nursing education, serving as Principal of nursing schools in three states, inspiring generations of nurses in the process. Mrs. Sanni later was promoted to Chief Nurse Tutor, Ogun State, remaining in this position until 1984 when the state governor ordered senior nurses to retire. She then turned her attention to other pursuits, establishing a poultry farm and a supermarket in her home state of Ijebu-Ode. She passed away in March of this year at the age of 93.
Dr. Ahmed Olugbenga Sanni, one of Aduke Sanni’s children, recalled how his mother cherished her McGill experience. “We grew up with our mantlepiece emblazoned with McGill University newsletters and journals so much so McGill University is etched in our memories forever. We are happy she lived a good life and was able to impact positively on the lives of many, in particular of the nursing profession. Thank you for all McGill University and in particular the Ingram School of Nursing did in nurturing our mother.”