* Family, colleagues, friends honour retiring principal with prayers, tributes, and reception in Agege
The Government Girls Senior College Complex, Iyana Ipaja, Lagos, came alive on Wednesday, September 24, 2025, as dignitaries, colleagues, family, friends, and students gathered to celebrate the retirement of Alhaja Motunrayo Risqat Mumuni (née Ibrahim), Principal of Orile Agege Community Junior High School, who retired after 35 years of distinguished service in the Lagos State education sector.
The event, themed “35 Years of Meritorious Service in Lagos State”, was marked with special prayers, glowing tributes, the cutting of cake, and encomiums for a woman widely described as “a Muslim woman of substance, a pillar of support, and a trailblazer in educational leadership.”
Born on December 15, 1967, Alhaja Mumuni began her journey in education after obtaining an NCE in Secretarial/Business Studies from the Lagos State College of Education, Ijanikin (renamed Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education and now Lagos State University of Education), before proceeding to Olabisi Onabanjo University for a degree in Business Administration.
She joined the Lagos State teaching service on September 24, 1990, as a Master Grade III officer, rising through the ranks as teacher, vice principal, and principal.
Sheserved at several schools including Jibowu High School, Anwar-ul-Islam Girls’ High School, Meiran Community High School, Vetland Junior Grammar School, Fagba Junior Grammar School, Oyewole Junior High School, and Sango Senior Secondary School, before her final posting to Orile Agege Community Junior High School, where she served with distinction until retirement.
Mislim News gathered that her dedication earned her numerous commendation letters, the Lagos State Government Merit Award (2024) where she emerged as 1st runner-up Best Junior School Principal, and recognition from the Parents’ Forum, Agege Branch. In July 2024, she also received a car gift from the Lagos State Government.
She is a pillar of support, husband praises wife’s legacy
Alhaji Mikail Mumuni, veteran journalist and publisher of the Shield Online NG, gave gratitude to Allah for his wife’s successful career, describing her as his “pillar of support” and “a devoted mother whose 35-year career in the education sector was marked by unwavering dedication and grace.”
Speaking in an interview with Muslim News, the veteran journalist expressed profound admiration for his wife’s commitment to family and profession, highlighting her stabilizing presence at home while he traveled extensively for work.
“She was always there for the children — spiritually, mentally, and physically. She is my pillar of support,” he said.
Dr. Sherifah Yusuf celebrates friend’s calmness, leadership in education
Dr. Sherifah Yusuf, a retired Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary from Lagos State Government’s Education District VI, also paid glowing tribute to her childhood friend and colleague, praising her for her calmness, generosity, and outstanding administrative acumen.
Speaking with Muslim News during the retirement reception, Dr. Yusuf reflected on their four decades-long friendship which began at the former Lagos State College of Education, Ijanikin, where they both studied.
“Alhaja Mumuni was my junior in the college, and we shared the same room in the MSSN hostel”, she said, adding that the celebrant has remained a consistent and dependable figure ever since,”
The former Permanent Secretary said Alhaja Mumuni raised the bar of administration as a school leader.
“I was not surprised when people were chanting encomiums on her. That is the way we have trained her in “The Criterion.” She is a very strong member. We can say we started together and I am very proud.”
Beyond her career in education, Dr. Yusuf revealed that the celebrant is also a savvy entrepreneur. “She’s a very good businesswoman and has been active in online business for a long time — I’m even one of her customers. I once joked with her to get a physical shop to relieve herself, and I believe she might have done that.”
Offering retirement advice, the former Tutor-general of Lagos encouraged her friend to embrace rest, maintain an active lifestyle, and continue contributing to the Muslim community.
Colleague hails retiring Principal’s impact on students
A civil servant and colleague of the retiring principal, Mrs. Victoria Soyemi, described her as an exemplary leader whose humility, hard work, and commitment to students’ welfare set her apart in the education sector.
Mrs. Soyemi recalled working with the celebrant at Orile Agege Senior High School in 2023, where she was posted as a teacher under her leadership.
“She is so humble, generous, pleasant, and beautiful — both inside and out. She relates exceptionally well with both junior and senior colleagues and shows genuine love and care for the students,” she said.
NUT celebrates Alhaja Mumuni’s loyalty to union leadership
Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Agege branch, Comrade Ahmed Bolaji Ojedokun led members of the union to celebrate Alhaja Mumuni. He lauded her unwavering commitment to the union and her outstanding service as an educationist and administrator in Lagos State.
Comrade Ojedokun told Muslim News that the former school principal was a devoted unionist, compassionate leader, and a true professional who left an indelible mark in the teaching profession.
Daughter praises mother for inspiring career, unwavering support
The children of the celebrant were present to honour their mother’s remarkable journey in the education sector, describing her as a source of inspiration, strength, and compassion.
Speaking on behalf of other children, Aisha Lawal, the first daughter, reflected on her upbringing and the positive influence her mother’s teaching career had on her life and that of her siblings.
“I wasn’t even born when my mum started her teaching career in 1990. Growing up and watching her rise from a classroom teacher to a principal was amazing. My siblings and I are truly grateful to Allah for allowing us to witness her reach this level in her career,” she said.
Aisha Lawal, who is based in Australia with her family, credited her mother’s professional influence for shaping her own academic path. “My mum was a commercial department teacher in junior school, and through her, I developed an interest in business. That inspired me to study Business Administration at the university. She taught me everything I know about commerce and business.”
Celebrant beams with joy
The celebrant beamed with joy as she expressed heartfelt gratitude to everyone who played a pivotal role in her personal and professional growth.
In a heartfelt message, Alhaja Mumuni acknowledged the divine guidance that sustained her through the years. “First of all, I thank Almighty Allah who has taken me this far,” she said, reflecting on her career and life achievements.
She paid tribute to her late parents, describing them as the foundation of both her educational and Islamic upbringing. “I thank my parents, both of whom are now of blessed memory. May Allah continue to be pleased with their souls, for giving me a sound education and a strong Islamic background,” she noted.
Alhaja Mumuni also extended appreciation to her extended family, including siblings, nieces, nephews, aunts, and uncles, for their unwavering support and love throughout her journey. She particularly acknowledged the role of her immediate family, particularly “my husband, my children, and grandchildren for their love, support, and care. I also thank all my in-laws for their kindness and encouragement.”
Recognising her professional experience, she expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Government and education authorities for the opportunity to serve. She also appreciated her colleagues across the various schools where she served.
Alhaja Mumuni reserved special thanks for her fellow principals, the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the National Association of Teachers of Islamic Studies (NATAIS), and her sisters in The Criterion, – an Association of Muslim Women in Business and the Professions.
She concluded by acknowledging her students — both past and present — for being part of her impactful teaching journey.
“May Almighty Allah continue to be our guide and guard,” she prayed.
More about the celebrant
Beyond academics, Alhaja Mumuni is a respected member of professional and religious associations, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), All Nigeria Confederation of Principals (ANCOPs), Association of Commercial Subject Teachers, and The Criterion, an association of Muslim women in business and professions.
As she steps into retirement, attendees prayed for Allah’s guidance and strength for her to continue contributing to society. The event, attended by education stakeholders, union leaders, family, friends, and former students, ended on a celebratory note with cake cutting, music, and thanksgiving.
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