Encomiums rain as Dr Ogungboyega is celebrated at SPED International Secondary School

By Bukola Hameed

It was a day of heartfelt appreciation and warm encomiums as Dr Suliyat Ogungboyega (Jim Salaam), the outgoing Principal of SPED International Secondary School, is celebrated after two impactful years of service spanning 2024 and 2025.

A special appreciation ceremony was held in her honour at the school’s main auditorium on Monday, 8 December 2025, drawing staff, students, parents, and community leaders.

Throughout her tenure, Dr Ogungboyega was widely applauded for her unwavering prioritisation of staff welfare, which many described as the anchor of the renewed harmony, motivation, and steady academic progress in the school. Teachers testified that her leadership created a supportive atmosphere where professionalism, dedication, and mutual respect flourished.

Her administration also recorded unprecedented achievements, with significant strides in academic performance, student discipline, school organisation, and overall institutional development. The PTA and parents praised her transformational leadership, noting that she blended firmness with compassion and consistently placed students at the centre of every decision.

A deeply emotional moment unfolded when Mrs Akinradewo A. A., a teacher, was invited to give her testimony. Overwhelmed with gratitude, she broke into a heartfelt song for “Mama Jim Salaam,” drawing resounding applause and capturing the affection and admiration felt throughout the school community.

Similarly, Mrs Oyekunle S. O., who oversees the People with Special Needs Unit, expressed profound appreciation, thanking Mama Jim Salaam for her exceptional support, understanding, and special attention to learners with special needs — an aspect many described as a hallmark of her administration.

The students also paid glowing tributes. Faith Orjieze of SSS 3E delivered emotional poetic lines in honour of Dr Ogungboyega, beautifully articulating how her leadership and motherly guidance shaped the learners’ character, confidence, and moral discipline. Her performance left many in the hall visibly moved.

Adding to the outpour of love, Agboola Eniibukun (SSS 3) and Salaam Bashirat (SS3) rendered heartfelt speeches to the “Golden Fish Mama”, praising her unwavering discipline, her commitment to students’ progress, and the warmth with which she guided them. Their words reflected the genuine respect and admiration the learners have for her.

Also speaking, Mrs. Aleem Rizqot, former Principal of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education Model (EACOED Model) (now Emmanuel Alayande University of Education Model), eulogised Dr Ogungboyega’s resilience and dedication to service.  She showered encomiums on the outgoing principal, describing Ogungboyega as energetic, focused, and committed to success no matter the odds. She highlighted Mama Salaam’s remarkable dedication to teachers’ welfare and her resilience in leading the school to enviable heights.

Climax of the event was the staff and students’ lively “mimic and identify your staff” sessions, which had everyone laughing and celebrating the unique personalities and contributions of school personnel, making the occasion memorable and full of joy.

Dignitaries at the ceremony included Alhaja Fadheelat Adewole, Alhaja Ojo, Dr. Mrs. Opoola, Alhaji (Engr) Daud Oladosu (former HOD, Computer Engineering, The Polytechnic, Ibadan) and a host of other notable personalities.

In her “Thank You” speech, Dr Ogungboyeha expressed unlimited joy and gratitude for the conducive atmosphere provided by the Provost of Federal College of Education (Special), the PTA, staff, and the entire school community.

She highlighted the notable milestones achieved during her tenure and attributed every success to teamwork, unity, and shared commitment. She urged the school and her successive principal to sustain her legacy, ensuring that the culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation continues to thrive.

The colourful ceremony concluded with presentations of gifts, goodwill messages, and prayers for Dr Ogungboyega as she transitions to a new chapter in her professional journey.