Phabean Ogundipe: Left Brighter Grammar For Us

By Augustine Adah

Phabean Ogundipe who has died at the age of 92 was largely unknown by name or person for the years she lived among those who she influenced for good.

That was because her works overshadowed her person in the lives of the many Nigerians and foreigners who were tutored by her iconic works, Brighter Grammar and Practical English.

The two series published in various volumes for secondary schools from the seventies were handy manuscripts in shaping some of Nigeria’s most illustrious personalities of the present generation.

She left an indelible mark in the education sector, especially in the teaching and learning of the English Language.

Ogundipe also had an exceptional career as a civil servant in the Federal Ministry of Education rising through the ranks as a tutor to the top of the bureaucracy. She peaked as Deputy Chief Federal Adviser on Education, and acting director in the Federal Ministry.

The late author’s   contribution to the development of education in the country could explain why her demise on March 27 in Charlotte, North Carolina, United States at the age of 92, brought pain in the heart of many people in the country especially academicians.

President Muhammadu Buhari who led the national mourning for the deceased lamented that many Nigerians “drank from the fountain of knowledge of the endowed English teacher”.

The President expressed belief that Ogundipe’s life was defined by her passion for education and uncommon dedication to serve others.

Buhari further stressed that the late Ogundipe will be fondly remembered and honoured for the various roles and responsibilities in facilitating teaching, learning, assessment, research, curriculum development, and policy in the nation’s educational system.

Ogundipe who also co-authored Practical English was a recipient of the National Honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON) and other numerous awards for her works on education.

Besides the two volumes she was also a writer of short stories and following her relocation to the United States authored her biography Up-Country Girl: A Personal Journey and Truthful Portrayal of African Culture.

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