This paper is a biographical study of a Nigerian woman educationist, Wuraola Esan with special focus on her contribution to the promotion of female education. It locates the neglect of female education on socio-religious and cultural beliefs, and therefore conceives in general terms the activities of Mrs. Wuraola Esan (centred in Ibadan), and in particular, her efforts towards the social emancipation of the female gender. Based on original and primary sources, the paper highlights the role of private endeavour/initiatives, as exemplified by the subject of study, in Nigeria's educational development.