Grace Adayilo Biography: Early Life, Education, Family, Career, Latest News, Age 2025

Grace Adayilo was more than just a name in Nigeria’s civil service; she was a story of courage, resilience, and quiet strength. Born in a small community in Dutse-Alhaji, she grew up with dreams that seemed bigger than her surroundings. Yet, through determination, hard work, and a deep sense of duty, she rose from being a young teacher to becoming the very first female and indigenous Head of Service of the Federal Capital Territory. Her journey was not simply about climbing the ranks; it was about breaking barriers, opening doors for others, and leaving behind a legacy of fairness and integrity. For every young girl who believes that limitations are set by society, Grace’s story proves that with passion and commitment, those limits can be shattered.

Grace Adayilo Early Life and Background

Grace Adayilo was a Nigerian woman whose life and career represented dedication, courage, and service to her people. She was a trailblazer in the civil service and the first female indigenous Head of Service of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja. Her journey from humble beginnings in a small community to becoming a respected leader in one of the most important offices in Nigeria is a story that inspires many.

Grace was born on December 24, 1968, in Dutse-Alhaji, a settlement that today is part of the Bwari Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). She grew up in an environment where education was not always easy to access, especially for young girls, but she developed a love for learning from an early age. Her family supported her, and she proved to be a determined and bright child.

Unfortunately, there is little public information about the names of her parents, siblings, or extended family, but it is clear that they played a significant role in shaping her character. Growing up in a supportive home, Grace learned the values of honesty, respect for others, and perseverance. These values later became the guiding principles of her career.

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Early Education

Grace began her education in 1973 at the Local Education Authority (LEA) Primary School in Dutse-Alhaji. She studied there until 1979, completing her basic education. Those early years gave her a foundation not just in academics but also in discipline and hard work. She was known to be serious with her studies and eager to contribute to her community even as a child.

After completing primary school, she proceeded to the Women Teachers’ College in Gulu, Niger State. She studied there from 1979 to 1984 and graduated with a Grade II Teachers’ Certificate. This qualification marked the beginning of her journey in education and teaching. At that time, becoming a teacher was one of the most respected professions in Nigeria, and Grace embraced it with pride.

Not satisfied with only the Grade II certificate, she decided to continue her education. In 1985, she enrolled in the College of Education, Minna, where she studied until 1987. Her passion for education and administration continued to grow. Years later, in 2001, she went on to earn a Bachelor’s degree in Administration and Planning from the University of Jos. This achievement expanded her knowledge and prepared her for higher leadership roles in the civil service.

Career in Civil Service

Grace Adayilo’s career in the civil service spanned decades and was filled with achievements. She started in education-related roles, where she quickly earned a reputation as a hardworking and innovative administrator.

Between 2001 and 2003, she worked as the Head of Units in Curriculum Development. This role allowed her to contribute to shaping the learning content for schools in her area. In 2004, she became the Head of the Department of Planning and Research Statistics, where she worked on data, research, and planning to improve the education sector.

One of her most notable roles came in 2005 when she was appointed the Education Secretary of the Local Education Authority (LEA), Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). She held this position for more than a decade, from 2005 to 2016. During this time, she made major reforms and improvements. She expanded office infrastructure, built recreational spaces for staff, improved welfare, and introduced computer systems to make salary payments more efficient. She also promoted inclusivity by building both a mosque and a chapel within the Secretariat, ensuring that staff members of different religions could worship freely.

After her years of service in AMAC, Grace moved on to higher responsibilities. She became a Deputy Director at the FCT Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB), where she oversaw School Services and later Community Relations. These roles made her more visible in the education sector and showed her ability to handle larger responsibilities.

Her career then shifted into broader administrative leadership. In September 2021, she was appointed the Director of the Gender Development Department under the Social Development Secretariat of the FCT Administration. In this role, she focused on policies and programs that empowered women and promoted gender equality. She worked to ensure that women in the FCT had better access to opportunities and resources.

Later, she rose even higher to the rank of Permanent Secretary at the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat. Here, she supervised agricultural programs, rural initiatives, and policies that supported food production and rural communities in the FCT.

Grace’s career reached its peak on October 6, 2024, when she was appointed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as the first female and indigenous Head of Service of the FCT. This was a historic achievement, not just for her personally but for women in Nigeria and for her community in Dutse-Alhaji. It was the first time an indigenous person from the FCT had held such a high position in the civil service.

As Head of Service, Grace Adayilo was responsible for coordinating the civil service of the entire Federal Capital Territory. She pledged to align her leadership with President Tinubu’s “Renewed Hope Agenda” and promised to deliver excellence in governance. Her appointment was widely celebrated as a victory for women, for the people of the FCT, and for Nigeria as a whole.

Achievements and Awards

Throughout her career, Grace received several awards and recognitions. Some of these include:

• Integrity Legacy of True Leadership Award (2014)
• Ambassador for Peace Merit Award (2015)
• Icon of Societal Transformation Award (2015)

She was also an active member of professional and civic organizations such as the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Ambassadors for the Millennium Development Goals, and Ambassadors for Peace. These memberships showed her commitment not only to her career but also to social progress and peacebuilding.

Her achievements were not just about the awards but also about the impact she left behind. She was known as a leader who valued unity, fairness, and honesty. She broke barriers and set an example for younger women and men who aspired to public service.

Personal Life

Public records do not provide details about Grace Adayilo’s husband, and children. She lived a private life when it came to her family, focusing more on her work and public service. What is known is that she was deeply respected by colleagues, friends, and community members. She was described as warm, approachable, and dedicated to her duties.

Net Worth

Her exact net worth was never made public, as she was a civil servant and not a businesswoman or celebrity. However, as a Permanent Secretary and later as the Head of Service of the FCT, she earned a high-ranking civil servant’s salary and benefits. While the figures are not publicly available, it is fair to say she lived a comfortable life, though she was not considered among Nigeria’s wealthy elite.

Death and Legacy

Sadly, Grace Adayilo passed away in the early hours of September 1, 2025. Her death came less than a year after her historic appointment as the FCT Head of Service. The news shocked many across Nigeria, as she was seen as a rising star in public administration and a role model for women.

Her death was confirmed by her media aide, though no official cause was immediately announced. Tributes poured in from across the country. The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, described her passing as a tragic loss and praised her as a remarkable leader who broke barriers. The Minister of State for FCT, Dr. Mariya Mahmoud, also mourned her, calling her a seasoned technocrat and a distinguished administrator. Even President Bola Tinubu sent his condolences, praying for her family and colleagues to find strength during the difficult period.

Grace Adayilo’s legacy remains powerful. She will be remembered as a woman who dedicated her life to public service, who worked for fairness, inclusion, and development, and who proved that women and indigenous people could rise to the highest offices in Nigeria’s civil service. Her story continues to inspire younger generations, especially girls who dream of leadership roles.

Conclusion

Grace Adayilo lived a life of purpose. From a little girl in Dutse-Alhaji to the Head of Service of the Federal Capital Territory, she walked a path that was not easy but filled with determination and impact. She was a teacher, an administrator, a reformer, and finally, a trailblazer at the top of her profession. Her passing left a deep void, but her memory continues to shine as a symbol of what dedication and integrity can achieve.