Success comes through consistency and perseverance – UNILAG Professor, Otinwa

 

Grace Otinwa is a distinguished professor of Exercise Physiology in the Department of Human Kinetics and Health Education, University of Lagos, with over 35 years of teaching, research and academic leadership experience. A former director of Quality Assurance and SERVICOM at UNILAG, she has served in numerous national and international leadership roles and is recognised for her contributions to education, sports science and institutional development. Beyond the academia, she is a committed Christian leader, mentor and advocate for children’s ministry, combining professional excellence with a lifelong dedication to faith, service and nation-building. She spoke with LYDIA ENYIDIYA EKE. Excerpts:

Prof, you have excelled as an academic, administrator and Christian leader. Looking back, how did your journey with Christ begin?

My journey with Christ began in February 1977 while I was in Form Two at the Women’s Teachers College, Zaria. During an altar call organised through the Hope for the Blind Ministry led by Bro. Bitrus Gabi, I surrendered my life to Jesus Christ. Although I did not grow spiritually immediately, God used my elder brother, Prof. Stephen Akinyemi Akintunde, Christian literature and the Fellowship of Christian Students to nurture my faith. That encounter laid the foundation for everything I have become today.

How has your faith influenced your academic and professional career spanning over three decades?

My faith has been my greatest compass. It has taught me integrity, diligence, humility and excellence. Every leadership position I have occupied, whether as Head of Department, Director of Quality Assurance and SERVICOM at the University of Lagos or in international organisations, all have been approached as opportunity to serve God by serving people faithfully.

You have held more than 80 leadership positions. What leadership philosophy has sustained you?

Leadership is stewardship. It is about serving others with integrity, building systems that outlive you and mentoring younger people to become even better leaders.

Can you merge this with excellence?

Excellence should never be compromised, but it must always be balanced with compassion.

You are a five-time Best Researcher award recipient. What has driven your passion for scholarship?

Scholarship is about solving problems and improving lives. Research allows us to generate knowledge that benefits society. I have always believed that every lecture delivered, every student supervised and every research publication should make a positive contribution to humanity.

Your ministry has consistently focused on children. Why is children’s evangelism so close to your heart as a female voice?

Children are tomorrow’s leaders. If they are grounded in Christ early, the society will reap the benefits in the future. From my days as a Children’s Sunday School teacher to my Child Evangelism Ministry training, I have remained passionate about nurturing children in God’s Word.

Beyond the classroom, you have served in church, missions and humanitarian outreach. Why is service so important?

Serving God is one of most important aspect of our Christian faith and Christianity is practical. We cannot preach Christ without demonstrating His love through service. Supporting missionaries, participating in missions to places like Burkina Faso, serving in church ministries and mentoring others are all expressions of our faith in action.

You have attended leadership and professional development programmes across China, Spain, Kenya, the United Kingdom and the United States. How have these international experiences shaped your outlook?

They have broadened my perspective. I learned that while cultures differ, excellence, accountability and servant leadership are universal values. They also have also strengthened my commitment to improving education and quality assurance in Nigeria.

Many women aspire to become professors and university administrators. What advice would you give them?

Believe in yourself, work diligently, remain teachable and never stop learning. Build your competence, maintain your integrity and trust God throughout the journey. Success comes through consistency and perseverance.

You have successfully balanced family life, ministry and a demanding academic career. How did you achieve that balance?

It takes God’s grace, supportive family members, proper planning and knowing your priorities. I have always recognised that every role is important, and I strive to give my best in each season.

What legacy would you like to leave behind?

I want to be remembered as someone who loved God wholeheartedly, served people faithfully, mentored others intentionally and contributed meaningfully to education, leadership and nation-building.

What message would you like to leave for young Nigerians?

Put God first. Pursue excellence with integrity. Develop yourself continuously. Be disciplined, diligent and committed to making the society better. Never underestimate what God can accomplish through a life that is fully surrendered to Him. Whatever you do, do all for the glory of the Lord.