Name: Olamitoyosi Babatunde

Title: Head of School

Organisation: Pampers Private School, Alaka

Olamitoyosi Babatunde is an author and a distinguished global education leader and a trailblazing educator with nearly two decades of impactful service in the education sector. Her robust academic foundation includes a Bachelor's degree in Foreign Languages and a second degree in Industrial and Personnel Relations, both from the prestigious University of Ibadan.

She further solidified her expertise with a Postgraduate Diploma from the National Teacher's Institute, Kaduna, and is a certified professional with the Teachers' Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN). Additionally, she is a UNESCO-recognized Digital Teacher, certified by the Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Education for Peace and Sustainable Development, and an accomplished author.

As a certified Montessori Directress, Olamitoyosi combines deep pedagogical knowledge with exceptional skills in nurturing children and empowering adults. With over 14 years of excellence in school leadership, she is renowned as a transformational mentor, sought-after speaker, facilitator, and trainer. Her expertise spans teaching diverse school subjects at the primary level and preparing students for English examinations under English, Nigerian, and American curricula frameworks.

A dedicated advocate for professional development, Olamitoyosi is a key member of *The Right Teacher Academy* and an alumna of the *Succeeding at School Leadership Course (SALLC)* under the Learning As I Teach Foundation, Africa—a renowned organization committed to advancing teacher training and leadership across the continent.

She has served as a classroom mentor for multiple cohorts, including Lagos State Quality Assurance officers and public school head teachers in Ogun State. In 2024, her exceptional contributions earned her the role of Dean at *The Right Teacher Academy*, a pivotal arm of the LAIT Foundation, Africa.

Olamitoyosi’s contributions to education innovation are exemplary. In 2021, she consulted on the digitization of lesson plans for primary schools in Ogun State, driving systemic improvement. With over a decade of experience as a head teacher and school leader, her results-driven leadership has left a legacy of excellence. In 2023, she was recognized among Nigeria's *Top 50 Inspirational Educators* and actively participated in global forums like the *Global Leadership Roundtable for Heads of Schools* by Clarity Global Inc., Australia.

Recently, she also lent her expertise as a consultant for the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB). Currently, Olamitoyosi serves as the Head of School for Pampers Private School, Alaska, where she continues to inspire academic excellence and nurture future leaders. Her leadership extends to national advocacy, as she was recently appointed Treasurer and Board Member of the *Association of International Schools and Educators in Nigeria (AISEN)*.

A passionate champion for academic excellence, leadership development, and personal growth, Olamitoyosi’s influence extends far beyond the classroom. As a dynamic conference speaker, panelist, and facilitator, she speaks extensively on education, innovation, and personal development. Balancing her illustrious career with a thriving family life, Olamitoyosi is happily married and blessed with children.

Thank you to the 2,000 leaders who’ve generously done the 7 Questions on Educational Leadership!

I hope Olamitoyosi's answers will encourage you in your leadership journey. Enjoy!

Cheers,

Jonno White

1. What have you found most challenging as an Educational Leader?

What I have found most challenging is dealing with stereotypes and fixed mindsets. From time to time, one encounters individuals who desire a different outcome without a change in practice and approach. In essence, they seem to love the idea of change more than making the change.

2. How did you become an Educational Leader? Can you please briefly tell the story?

Many years after I just finished college and then in my early days at the University, I taught English extra mural classes from my Father’s sitting room. My students were in terminal senior secondary classes. I often focused on Comprehension and Writing Skills and after a while, I noticed a pattern: many of the students struggled with foundational issues in the subject.

Also, our church had the time to start a Children’s Church and I was a member of the establishment committee. I had just returned from the one-year mandatory National Youth Service and was job hunting. I decided to teach for a while to gain formal experience in education as a way to do well in my role as a member of that committee. I thought I would do it for a year or two and hopefully ensure every learner I encountered had a solid foundation. I am still here almost two decades later.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I start my day Studying my Bible and talking to God. Sometimes, I start with a worship song and then read my Bible. I attend to my family and spend about 30 minutes commuting to work. I set weekly and daily goals that help me to stay on track. I also use e-calendars and e -e-reminders to structure my day.

At the close of work, my children and I return home together and the rest of the day is taken up with house chores, homework supervision and family time. The morning and evening commutes are spent reading books for personal development, engaging with my children, and listening to sermons or audiobooks.

Several evenings include facilitating online sessions, participating in an online Book Club for leaders and having movie nights with the family.

4. What's a recent lesson you've learned for the first time or been reminded of as an Educational Leader?

Always listen to all sides of a story. I am often reminded of this when handling conflicts. Whether it is a report from a parent, a child, or between staff, it is vital to give everyone the benefit of the doubt. Ask questions, dig deep, and read between the lines. Avoid hasty judgment or taking sides especially when you have not listened to all the parties involved.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your journey as an Educational Leader so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted you?

One book that has had a profound impact on my journey as a leader is Designed for Success by Dondi Scumaci. It was a gift from my husband early in my leadership journey and it was an answer to the questions that I didn't realise I had. In that book, there are 10 Commandments and looking back, I am glad to say that I live every commandment daily. Two important lessons from reading the book were to lead from my current position and to add value to everything I do. These form the core of how I grew and continue to grow.

6. If you could only give one piece of advice to a young educator who aspires to be an Educational Leader, what would you say to them?

Travel light: avoid picking offense as much as possible. When the offense does come, don't take it, that is forgive quickly. Instead, turn every problem and critique into a challenge to get better.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as an Educational Leader, so far?

It was during Covid and I had just finished moderating an Online session. It was intense and I had a few technical glitches resulting from low internet connectivity about twice during the event. As I ended the Zoom call, I thought to myself, that was very bad. As if on cue, two WhatsApp messages came in: one was from a member of my team and another was from one of our parents. Both messages commended me for a lovely and seamless event.

The parent added that they saw my hard work and wanted to show her appreciation for all I did. It was heartwarming, to say the least, and I learned a lesson that day that people are watching and they see more than one might think. I also learned that we don't have a true picture of how awesome we are because our critique of ourselves is louder.