SPED International Secondary School on Monday, 8 December 2025, held a colourful appreciation ceremony at its main auditorium in honour of its outgoing Principal, Dr Suliyat Ogungboyega, popularly known as Alhaja Jim Salaam, who was celebrated for her outstanding leadership, staff welfare initiatives, and remarkable achievements recorded during her two-year tenure (2024 – 2025). The event brought together teachers, students, parents, alumni, and community leaders, who paid glowing tributes to her for transforming the school through visionary and compassionate administration.
The occasion attracted a distinguished audience comprising staff, students, parents, alumni, and community leaders, all gathered to celebrate a woman whose leadership, compassion, and vision transformed the institution.
During her administration, Dr Ogungboyega earned widespread admiration for her unwavering commitment to staff welfare, described by many as the cornerstone of renewed harmony and motivation across the school. Teachers and staff attested that her leadership style fostered an atmosphere of professionalism, dedication, and mutual respect, resulting in steady academic and moral progress.
Her tenure recorded remarkable achievements in academics, discipline, and school development. Among her notable contributions were the establishment of a vocational skills acquisition centre, the construction of bus terminals for students, and the promotion of moral and character education.
In a chat with the media, Mrs Alim, former Principal of Emmanuel Alayande University of Education Model High School, Isokun, Oyo, commended Dr Ogungboyega for her transformational leadership, describing her as “a visionary administrator who balanced firmness with compassion while placing students at the heart of every decision.”
A particularly emotional highlight of the event came when Mrs Akinradewo A. A., a teacher, took the stage to share her heartfelt gratitude. Overcome with emotion, she rendered a touching song in honour of “Mama Jim Salaam,” a gesture that drew thunderous applause and captured the collective affection of the school community.
Similarly, Mrs Oyekunle S. O., head of the People with Special Needs Unit, expressed deep appreciation for the outgoing principal’s empathy and support for learners with special needs—an aspect many described as a defining hallmark of her tenure.
Students also poured out their admiration in moving tributes. Faith Orjieze of SSS 3E presented an evocative poem celebrating Dr Ogungboyega’s leadership, while Agboola Eniibukun and Salaam Bashirat of SS3 described her as the “Golden Fish Mama,” praising her firm discipline, warmth, and unwavering commitment to students’ success.
Former principal of Emmanuel Alayande College of Education Model (now University of Education Model), Mrs Aleem Rizqot, extolled Dr Ogungboyega as “energetic, focused, and resilient,” noting her outstanding record in promoting teachers’ welfare and driving the school to enviable heights.
Adding colour to the celebration was a lively “mimic and identify your staff” segment, which had staff and students laughing and cheering as they playfully impersonated one another—an activity that captured the joyous spirit of the day.
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 heartfelt ‘Thank You’ address, Dr Ogungboyega expressed deep gratitude to the Provost of the Federal College of Education (Special), the PTA, staff, and students for their collective support. She reflected on the notable milestones achieved under her leadership, attributing every success to teamwork and unity of purpose.
“As I hand over the baton, I urge everyone to sustain the culture of excellence, collaboration, and innovation we have built together,” she said, drawing another round of applause.
The colourful ceremony concluded with the presentation of gifts, goodwill messages, and prayers for Dr Ogungboyega as she embarks on a new chapter in her professional journey.
