Elder Mary Oladunni Aboyade graced this world on the 12th of August 1954 in the serene town of Isemi-Ile, nestled within the Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State, Nigeria.

Born to the esteemed union of the late Pa Enoch Ojesanmi and Ma Grace Gbadejo Ojesanmi, she was the radiant second child among a lovingly large family.

Elder Mary began her schooling at the Bishop Akinyele Memorial Primary School, Oke-Ado, Ibadan and continued to secondary school at Irepo Grammar School, Igboho from 1967 to 1971. Alongside cherished companions like Sarah Ayanlowo nee Diekade, her other school mates include Alhaji Bayo Lawal, the current Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Alhaja Joke Fausa Sanni, the Oyo state Commissioner for Women Affairs and other notable names such as Ambassador 'Layi Iyanda, Mr Femi Adeyanju, Mrs. Gbonju Olaleye, Mr Femi Adeyanju, Alhaji Layi Lawal, Serifatu Haruna Nee Oyagbile, Mrs Peju, Aderibigbe, to mention a few. These friends remember her as an excellent student, gifted in maths and with a love for singing and drama.

Upon completing her secondary education, Elder Mary embraced her calling as a mathematics teacher for the Oyo State Local Schools Board from 1972. Fate led her to Ogboro, where she met her soulmate, the late Tola Aboyade. Their union blossomed, welcoming their firstborn, Oluwole, in 1973. Life's journey took her to Oyo and later to the Ansar-Ud-Deen Teacher's Training College in Ota, where she pursued her Grade 2 teacher's certificate in 1975. Despite the challenges, including a teaching stint in Okeho, she persisted, and her dedication bore fruit as she moved to Ilesha in 1977 to complete her teacher training studies just after having her second child, Akinwale.

The narrative of Elder Aboyade's life continued to unfold in chapters of love and growth. She relocated to Lagos in 1978, where her family expanded with the arrival of two more children, the late Olusola Aboyade (1978-1999) and Opeyemi Aboyade (1981). The Aboyade family journeyed through Makurdi, Benue State, and Warri, Delta State, as her husband's job postings dictated. In 2001, upon her husband's retirement, they settled in Ota, Ogun State, a place she called home until her peaceful passing.

Elder Mary Aboyade was a beacon of inspiration, driven by ambition and an unwavering belief in self-improvement. Passionate about education, she pursued a bachelor's degree in Mathematics at the University of Lagos, graduating with first-class honors despite having four children at the time. Her thirst for knowledge led her to postgraduate studies in computer science, a transition that marked her shift from teaching to becoming a respected figure in computer administration.

Joining Covenant University in 2002 as a pioneer staff member, Elder Mary made an indelible impact. She held various roles, including Deputy Director of the Centre for Systems and Information Services, Acting Registrar, and ultimately Chief Academic Planning Officer until her last breath. Her dedication and contributions earned her the respect and admiration of the Covenant University community. She was also the pioneer Registrar for Landmark University, Omu-aran, between 2011 and 2014.

Beyond her professional accomplishments, Elder Mary was a beloved mother to Oluwole, Akinwale, and Opeyemi Aboyade, and a cherished grandmother to Ayomide, Bella, Temitayo, and Jordan. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her biological family, embracing countless others as her own. Taiye Agboro, the late Funke Ojesanmi, Kehinde Oladipo, Kehinde Ojesanmi, late Tunde Ojesanmi, Kehinde Ayandele, Sola Ipadeola, Adeola Ipadeola, Lanre Ogunleke, Siju Ojesanmi, Chioma Ojesanmi and Pelumi Ojesanmi were all her children in every way that matters. There are so many more who call her “mummy”, too many to mention. There are also those she inspired and impacted in other ways, as sister, friend, colleague, advisor and mentor.

In the tapestry of Elder Mary Aboyade's life, every thread was woven with resilience, kindness, and an unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on those she encountered.

Until her home call, she was an Icon in so many ways. No doubt the saying that she was amiable, energetic, proactive, goal-oriented and resourceful. She was a mentor and a role model per excellence. May her legacy continue to inspire and uplift us all..