By Rosiji Adeyemi
It was an atmosphere filled with joy, nostalgia, and gratitude on Wednesday as the management, staff, and students of St. Anne’s Schools, Molete, Ibadan, rolled out the drums to celebrate the retirement of their Principal, Dr. (Mrs.) Olasunmbo Savage, marking the end of a distinguished 35-year career in education and public service.
The colourful ceremony, held at the school’s main hall, drew dignitaries, educationists, colleagues, and former students who gathered to honour Dr. Savage for her dedication, leadership, and immense contributions to human development through education.
In her goodwill message, Dr. (Mrs.) Christiana Aderibigbe, President of the Omituntun Initiative in Diaspora, commended Dr. Savage’s remarkable devotion to duty and humanity.
“This afternoon, we are celebrating your decades of service and devotion. Congratulations, Dr. (Mrs.) Olasunmbo Savage, on this well-deserved retirement,” she said.
Born on August 8, 1966, at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, to the late Alhaji Folarin and Alhaja Aduke Oduola, Dr. Savage began her academic journey early in life. She obtained the General Certificate in Education (Ordinary Level) in 1986.She earned her Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from the then Oyo State College of Education, Ilesa (1983–1986), and later obtained a Bachelor’s Degree in Guidance and Counselling/Political Science in 1995, a Master’s in Adult Education in 2002 and a Ph.D. in Education (2015) from the University of Ibadan.
Joining the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) in 1990, Dr. Savage served across various schools in the state, earning a reputation as a dedicated, disciplined, and innovative educator. Her meritorious service was recognised with several awards, including Best Teacher Award – Board of Governors, Eleyele Secondary School, Ibadan (1994); Best Article on Leadership – Exclusive Motivation (2016); Letter of Commendation – Oyo State Commissioner for Education (2022); Queen’s International Essay Competition Recognition, among others. A prolific scholar, Dr. Savage has authored and contributed to numerous academic journals and publications, both locally and internationally.
In her farewell address, she expressed deep gratitude to the management, staff, and students of St. Anne’s Schools for their support throughout her tenure.
“As I often tell my students, you must read diligently, work hard, and above all, pray fervently,” she advised.
The event featured heartfelt tributes, musical renditions, and presentation of gifts, all celebrating a woman whose dedication and passion have left an indelible mark on the educational landscape of Oyo State.
