Reminiscing Adeyanju Badmos, mother and educationist par excellence

For an educational institution to become a full-fledged learning institute, it requires keen teachers with good virtues to nurture and contribute to total wellbeing of a child. That was what my late mum and founder of May Day School, Isolo Lagos, Esther Adeyanju Badmos (nee Sanwoolu) was noted for.

A quintessential teacher and renowned educationist, whose competence in the teaching profession transformed and shaped lives. She served Lagos State Government in various capacities in the Education Ministry; first as a teacher and later inspector in the Inspectorate Division for over 25 years.

Today marks four years she transited to the earth beyond. The history of Nigerian education cannot be complete without stating her contributions. It was during her work of inspecting schools that she realised there was a gap in some areas in Lagos State and decided to start her school in Isolo area of the state.

Her dream was realised when she established May Day Kidyland School in April 1980.  The primary school started about six years after she set up the primary, now May Day School.

My mum was a woman who loved with her entire heart. She had a very interesting way of showing it, because she was very strict. What she really stood for was a strong values system. Yes, she was a teacher, but many who were not even her children will describe her as their mother. I grew up with many other people’s children in my house, because when it comes to teaching and discipline, everyone had profound trust in her.

She just loved wholeheartedly and ensured that we were all brought up with sound values. So it’s no surprise that teaching came naturally to her. It was like her calling. The career she ventured into at the age of 18 till she passed away.

She taught at various schools in Lagos among them is Ahmadiya College and Government College, Eric Moore Street Surulere. A well accomplished French and English teacher. She spoke French flawlessly, having gone on an exchange programme in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

She was ever so proud of her profession and would boast that she started teaching from the age of 18.  She was so confident in her school that when her first set of grandchildren arrived, she saw no reason why they wouldn’t attend her school, and so May Day School became a family school and all our kids and relatives that passed through the school are doing well in their various fields.

Late Mrs. Badmos never suffered fools gladly, with the parents particularly you either shape in or out. For the children, the fear of Mrs. Badmos was the beginning of wisdom and behind the strict facade, was the genuineness of seeing that her children turned out right. The teachers had to be on their toes and I can say proudly that was the best ever teacher-training college!

Her legacy lives on, we are holding forth as evident in the result and progress of the school. She raised her children solidly to take on the responsibility and uphold her legacy. That is what every school owner should do to ensure the survival of his dream.