Retired Headmistress Odunola Ayeni honoured at grand send-off ceremony in Ifon
By Isa Isawade
Tuesday, October 13, 2026, was a day of glory and celebration for Mrs. Odunola Arike Ayeni (JP), retired Headmistress and Chairperson of the Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), as dignitaries and well-wishers from all walks of life gathered at St. John’s R.C.M. Primary School, Ifon, Osun State, for a befitting retirement send-off ceremony in her honour.
The event served as a joyous reunion of Mrs. Ayeni’s childhood friends, family members, schoolmates, professional colleagues and associates from various spheres of life.
It was a day of spectacular gratitude to God as the crowd joined her in praise singing and dancing, celebrating a teaching career that ended well.
Early Life and Education
Born on December 25, 1965, into the family of Pa Theophilus Ilesanmi Omole and Ruth Omole, both of blessed memory, Mrs. Ayeni hails from Ijebu Ijesa in the then Obokun Local Government Area, now Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State.
She began her elementary education at CAC Primary School, Latona, Osogbo, between 1971 and 1977, before proceeding to CAC Modern School, Gbomni, Osogbo, from 1977 to 1978. She thereafter attended Baptist Girls’ High School for her secondary education from 1978 to 1983.
In her quest for higher education, she gained admission to Divisional Teachers’ Training College, Ijebu Ijesa, where she studied between 1984 and 1987, earning her Grade II certificate. She furthered her education at Oyo State Polytechnic, Iree, where she obtained the National Certificate in Education (NCE) in 1994. Determined to reach the pinnacle of her profession, she proceeded to Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago-Iwoye, Ogun State, in 1999 and graduated in 2003 with a B.A. Ed. in English.
Illustrious Career
Mrs. Ayeni began her teaching career in October 1990 and served in the following schools:
· AUD Primary School, Ifon-Osun (1990–1998)
· Baptist Primary School, Ifon-Osun (1998–2003)
· CAC Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2003–2006)
· St. John’s Anglican Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2006)
· CAC Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2006–2009)
· Eleesi Community Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2009–2015)
· St. John’s R.C.M. Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2015–2016)
She rose through the ranks to become Assistant Headmistress at Eleesi Community Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2016–2017), and St. John’s Anglican Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2017–2018).
She subsequently served as Headmistress in the following schools:
· Araromi Eesa Community Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2018)
· Molufon Community Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2018–2019)
· Baptist Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2019–2020)
· Odo-Oje Community Primary School, Ifon-Osun (2020–2022)
· AUD Primary School 2, Ifon-Osun (October 2022–April 2024)
· St. John’s R.C.M. Primary School, Ifon-Osun (April 2024–September 30, 2025)
She retired on September 30, 2025, after 35 years of meritorious service to the teaching profession.
Leadership and Union Activities
Mrs. Ayeni’s leadership qualities were evident in her active involvement in professional associations and unions. She served as Chairperson of the Association of Primary School Headteachers, Orolu Local Government Chapter, from April 2024 to September 2025; Chairperson, Orolu Primary School General Set-off (2019–2022); and Osogbo Zonal AOPSHON Chairman, covering Osogbo, Olorunda, Irepodun and Orolu Local Governments (2024–2025).
Her union activities include serving as Second-Term Branch Assistant Secretary for Orolu (1997–2005); First State Representative for Orolu (2005–2009); member of the State Social Committee (2010–2013); and Assistant State Coordinator, Nigeria Women in Education Network (NIWEN), from 2018 to 2025. She was also Assistant Secretary, Women’s Wing of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Osun State, between 2013 and 2017.
Church and Community Service
A devoted Christian, Mrs. Ayeni is a Deaconess and District Women’s Representative at Christ Apostolic Church, Olorun Kolasinnu, Osogbo, Osun State. She is Patron of Ina Olorun Tan and Treasurer of the church’s choir group.
In recognition of her exemplary character, she was bestowed with the “Virtuous Woman” award at Bethel Baptist Church, Iton-Osun, in 2016.
She is described as “a dedicated, hardworking and committed educationist who has contributed immensely to the development of education and the welfare of teachers throughout her years of service.”
She is also testified to as having “served diligently as AOPSHON Chairperson, Orolu Chapter and Osogbo Zone, where she demonstrated exemplary leadership, commitment and concern for the welfare of her colleagues.”
Family Life
Mrs. Odunola Arike Ayeni is happily married to Mr. Ayeni, a respected community leader, and the union is blessed with wonderful children. She successfully combined her responsibilities as a wife, mother, teacher and leader, demonstrating dedication, humility and perseverance throughout her career and family life.
After 35 years of distinguished service to the teaching profession, Mrs. Ayeni retired with honour and gratitude to God for His faithfulness, preservation and grace throughout her journey.