Tribute to Dr. Omoleye Esan-Ojuri

This news item is from the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction.

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Omoleye ‘Omo’ Esan-Ojuri after a brief period of illness. She was a loving wife and mother, accomplished academic, mentor and brilliant lecturer at the Bartlett School of Sustainable Construction, UCL (BSSC).  

Omo has left an enduring legacy in construction management, women’s empowerment, and the built environment. 

A life dedicated to education and advocacy

A quantity surveyor by training, she earned her Master of Philosophy Degree from Yokohama National University, Japan, under the World Bank Graduate Scholarship Programme.

She later completed her PhD at BSSC supported by the Schlumberger Foundation. Education was really important to Omo who made huge sacrifices to study in Japan and UK when her children were young.  

Her first role after graduation was a lecturer at Federal University of Technology, Nigeria following which she moved on to be a senior Lecturer at Liverpool John Moores. She successfully completed her training towards being a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.  

As a lecturer in Construction Management at UCL, she was proud of the fact that she shaped the minds of future professionals. Her research and work reflected a deep commitment to innovation, sustainability in construction, and the development of a more equitable and compassionate society.  

Omo’s motivational book titled ‘Breaking Stiff Boundaries’ details her life journey - from a small village to pursuing her master’s in Japan and her PhD in London - highlighting themes of resilience and overcoming cultural challenges. 

Omo founded ‘The Fullexcellence Foundation for Women’ (FFfW), an initiative she led to advocate for and empower women. 

Her passing is a profound loss to the academic community, her students, and the many lives she touched through her mentorship and philanthropy. 

Her dedication to excellence, resilience, and uplifting others will continue to inspire those who had the privilege of knowing her. 

She leaves behind her mother, husband and three loving children and our thoughts are with the family.