AYODELE OYEKANMI (Mrs.)
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, Taadel Private School
Ayodele Oyekanmi is a beacon of wisdom and experience in early Childhood Education. She holds B. Sc. Edu (Biology), M.Ed in Guidance and Counseling, Diploma in Montessori Education, Certification in EYFS, and Early Childhood Development Certification (USA)
Her passion for young children deserving quality education fueled her mission to contribute directly to the education sector by starting Taadel Private School in 1999, developing innovative ways to make Taadel a stimulating and learning environment where young minds blossom under her gentle motherly guidance. With over 25 years of experience in school administration and curriculum development with emphasis on Preschool and Primary education, she created practical solutions to elementary education, in line with the dictates of 21st-century education.
Her advocacy for young children’s education is fueled by her belief that every child has a right to quality education irrespective of sex, faith, and socio-economic status, which is guided by the principle of “Every Child Matters! Every Child Counts” that she holds to heart. This principle not only fueled her passion to care for Taadel children but also to contribute to uplifting the standard of education in elementary schools in general.
Ayodele possesses an innate ability to see the unique potential within each child, nurturing their curiosity with a blend of playful exploration and thoughtful engagement. Her passion for child development isn’t just a professional trait; it’s a deeply ingrained philosophy that informs her unapologetic approach to driving her colleagues and fellow young children educators to imbibe the 4Cs (Creativity, Communication, Collaboration, and Critical thinking) into child-centered pedagogy to facilitate learning and positive engagement of young children, providing them with an excellent foundation that will last a lifetime. This makes learning relevant to equip children with the needed skills to thrive both in their immediate environment and globally.
Mrs. Oyekanmi understands that fostering a love of learning begins with cultivating a sense of belonging and security. Therefore, at Taadel, the uniqueness of every child is encouraged and supported in an environment that breathes love and radiates care. Children feel safe to take risks, to express themselves fully, and to learn from both their triumphs and their stumbles, thereby discovering and maximizing their creativity and talents.
She isn’t just an educator; she’s a catalyst for growth, laying the foundation for a lifetime of compassionate learning. She is involved in the training and professional development of elementary educators in support of the advancement and growth of the entire teaching profession through an initiative that birthed Taadel Educational Consult (TEC) that organises free trainings, seminars, and workshops for teachers and other school owners, focusing on professional and school improvements, and learning strategies in the 21st century.
Ayodele embodies an open work environment where parents talk when they have concerns about issues they want to solve, teachers go to when they have a challenge that requires advice or guidance, and pupils reach out to when they are confused and in need of clarity, inspiration, and encouragement.
She is a member of the Association of Private Educators in Nigeria (APEN) and the Girl Guides Organisation. Ayodele has been recognized as a renowned educationist in Lagos state’s elementary education and has also been honoured at the local education district as one of the foremost elementary educators in Lagos state. She is happily married, blessed with four children and grandchildren.