Tributes Flow As SPED International Secondary School Honours Dr. Ogungboyega
•By KAZEEM OYENIYI
IBADAN – IT was a day of heartfelt appreciation and glowing tributes as Dr. Suliyat Ogungboyega, popularly known as Mama Jim Salaam, was honoured for her outstanding two-year tenure as Principal of SPED International Secondary School, Ibadan.
The colourful event, held at the school’s main auditorium attracted staff, students, parents, dignitaries, and community leaders, all gathered to celebrate a leader widely praised for her transformational impact on the institution.
Throughout her stewardship from 2024 to 2025, Dr. Ogungboyega was applauded for prioritising staff welfare, which many described as the catalyst for renewed harmony, heightened motivation, and improved academic performance within the school. Teachers testified that her leadership fostered an atmosphere of professionalism, dedication, and mutual respect.
Her administration recorded notable achievements, including advancements in student discipline, academic excellence, school organisation, and overall institutional development. Parents, through the PTA, commended her for combining firmness with compassion and consistently placing students’ interests at the centre of policy decisions.
An emotional highlight of the ceremony came when a teacher, Mrs. Akinradewo A.A., broke into a heartfelt song dedicated to Mama Jim Salaam, drawing thunderous applause from the audience. Also, Mrs. Oyekunle S.O., head of the People with Special Needs Unit, expressed deep gratitude for the principal’s exceptional support for learners with special needs—an area many described as a hallmark of her administration.
Students also paid glowing tributes. Faith Orjieze of SSS 3E delivered a moving poem that captured how Dr. Ogungboyega’s leadership, guidance, and motherly disposition shaped their character and confidence.
In separate emotional speeches, Agboola Eniibukun (SSS 3) and Salaam Bashirat (SS 3) hailed her as the “Golden Fish Mama,” lauding her discipline, warmth, and unwavering commitment to students’ progress.
Speaking at the event, former Principal of EACOED Model School (now Emmanuel Alayande University of Education Model), Mrs. Aleem Rizqot, described Dr. Ogungboyega as energetic, focused, and committed to excellence.
She highlighted the outgoing principal’s resilience and outstanding dedication to staff welfare, which she said elevated the school to enviable heights.
A lively “mimic and identify your staff” segment added fun to the ceremony, with students and teachers celebrating the unique personalities within the school community.
Dignitaries present included Alhaja Fadheelat Adewole, Alhaja Ojo, Dr. Mrs. Opoola, and Alhaji (Engr.) Daud Oladosu, former Head of Department, Computer Engineering, The Polytechnic Ibadan, among others.
In her appreciation speech, Dr. Ogungboyega expressed profound gratitude to the Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), the PTA, staff, and the entire school community for providing a conducive atmosphere for her to succeed. She attributed the achievements recorded during her tenure to teamwork, unity, and shared vision.
She urged her successor and the entire school to sustain the culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation established under her leadership.
The ceremony concluded with gift presentations, goodwill messages, and prayers as Dr. Ogungboyega prepared to embark on a new phase in her professional journey.