Professor Olubola Babalola is the first female professor of quantity surveying in Africa. As a pioneering Nigerian quantity surveyor and esteemed academic who has significantly contributed to her field and beyond, her career is marked by groundbreaking achievements, extensive research, and dedicated mentorship. Her life and work reflect her commitment to advancing the built environment and supporting future generations of professionals.

Early Life and Education

Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, Olubola Babalola’s journey began with a solid educational foundation. She attended Sacred Heart Convent School for her primary education and Jericho High School for her secondary education, both in her hometown. Her parents, Alhaji Ganiyu Olulere and Alhaja Asanat Taiwo Iyanda, were liberal and supportive, encouraging her to pursue her chosen career path.

Following her primary and secondary education, Olubola enrolled at the University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University, OAU) in Ile-Ife. Here, she earned a Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying as the only female in her set with best graduating result, followed by a Master’s degree in Construction Management from the same institution. Her academic prowess and dedication laid the groundwork for her illustrious career.

Academic Pursuits and Career Milestones

In 1993, she joined the Department of Quantity Surveying as a graduate assistant and was the first female with a doctoral degree in Quantity Survey in West Africa. Her academic career at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) has been distinguished by her extensive research and numerous publications in reputable journals. Her work spans various aspects of the built environment, with a focus on improving industry practices and enhancing the role of quantity surveyors. In 2012 she achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first female professor of quantity surveying in Africa. This groundbreaking accomplishment set the stage for a career marked by excellence and innovation. Professor Olubola Babalola has been a key figure in the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management, serving as the first female Dean and significantly influencing the faculty’s direction and policies.

Research Contributions

Professor Olubola Babalola’s research spans various critical areas in the built environment, including construction management, risk management, health and safety, and the integration of technology like Building Information Modeling (BIM) into quantity surveying. Her work is widely recognized and published in reputable academic journals. Some of her notable research publications include:

• “Analysis of the drivers and benefits of BIM incorporation into quantity surveying profession: Academia and students’ perspectives”: This paper explores the integration of BIM into the quantity surveying profession, highlighting its benefits and challenges.
• “Employment structure of informal construction workers/artisans in Nigeria”: This study examines the employment patterns and conditions of informal construction workers in Nigeria.
• “Survey of the risk management methods, techniques and software used most frequently in occupational health and safety”: This research focuses on the tools and techniques used in managing occupational health and safety risks.
• “A study of the core competencies of quantity surveyors in managing electrical and engineering services sub-contract”: This paper investigates the essential skills required by quantity surveyors in handling electrical and engineering services.
• “Effect of knowledge and compliance of health and safety information on construction sites workers’ safety in Nigeria”: This study assesses the impact of health and safety knowledge on the safety practices of construction workers.

These publications highlight her extensive research in improving practices within the construction industry and enhancing the role of quantity surveyors.

Leadership and Mentorship

Professor Olubola Babalola has held several key administrative positions at Obafemi Awolowo University. She served as the Head of the Department of Quantity Surveying, a two-term Vice Dean, and became the first female Dean of the Faculty of Environmental Design and Management. Currently, she holds the position of Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academics) at the university.

In these roles, Professor Olubola Babalola has significantly influenced the faculty’s direction and policies, contributing to the development and implementation of academic programs and research initiatives. Her leadership extends beyond administration; she is a dedicated mentor who has supervised numerous Ph.D. and Master’s students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers in academia and industry.

Professor Olubola Babalola’s commitment to mentorship and capacity building is particularly evident in her support of young academics and professionals, with a strong focus on women in quantity surveying. As the Chairperson of the Women Association of Quantity Surveyors of Nigeria (WAQSN) and a leader in various other professional bodies, she has created a lasting impact on both the profession and academia. Her efforts in nurturing future leaders, especially women in the field, have not only advanced individual careers but also contributed to the broader goal of gender diversity in quantity surveying and related disciplines.

Further demonstrating her dedication to student development, Professor Olubola Babalola serves as the pioneer Patroness of the National Association of Quantity Surveying Students for both the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Chapter and the College of Technology, Esa-Oke Chapter. Her influence extends to national educational standards as well, as she is a member of several prestigious accreditation teams, including those of the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board of Technical Education (NBTE), Quantity Surveyors Registration of Nigeria (QSRBN), and the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS).

Awards and Recognitions

Throughout her career, Professor Olubola Babalola has received several prestigious awards that highlight her contributions to her community and profession. She was honored with the Most Distinguished Ibadan Indigene award by the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, recognizing her significant impact on her hometown. Additionally, she received a Carnegie Fellowship from the Carnegie Corporation of New York, which supports female academics pursuing Ph.D. programs, underscoring her role in advancing academic excellence and research.

Her accolades also include national awards such as the Award of Excellence for Development of Quantity Surveying Training in Nigerian Higher Institutions by the Women Association of Quantity Surveyors of Nigeria, and the President’s Award for Excellence by the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors. These honors reflect her outstanding contributions to the development of quantity surveying education and her influence within the professional community in Nigeria.

Personal Life

Despite her demanding professional career, Professor Olubola Babalola has managed to balance her responsibilities with her family life. She is a mother whose children have pursued successful careers, with one becoming a Chartered Accountant and another a Software Engineer. Her ability to excel in both her professional and personal life serves as an inspiration to many.

Conclusion

Professor Olubola Babalola’s legacy is one of pioneering achievements, academic excellence, and dedicated mentorship. As the first female professor of quantity surveying in Africa, she has paved the way for future generations of women in the field. Her research contributions continue to influence practices within the construction industry, and her leadership roles have significantly shaped the academic programs and policies at OAU.