Dr Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa: A Life Built on Standards, Service, and Consistency

By Abdulbasit Abdusalam

Long before his name appeared in official announcements or government circulars, Dr Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa, or Sman as we call him, was already living the life of a public servant in the most ordinary way. As a child, I knew him first as a neighbour. He was the civil servant on the next street, leaving home early for work, Lagos State Government ID card hanging in his car. There was nothing special about it, but it left an impression. It showed routine, responsibility, and commitment. I admired him so much then because he lived a simple life and yet looked very passionate about his work.

In 2016, while waiting for university admission and having just resigned from my job as a primary school teacher, I went to him seeking work and he employed me as his Personal Assistant. That moment marked the beginning of a closer relationship, one that has allowed me to observe his character and ethics closely. Over the years, one trait has remained constant. Dr Ogunmuyiwa is deeply committed to human development and societal growth, and he believes strongly that progress only comes when things are done properly.

That belief has guided his entire career.

Dr Ogunmuyiwa began his professional journey within the Lagos State education system in 1995 as a Classroom teacher before his computer skills made him stand out and he was asked to act as the Personal Assistant to a Tutor-General in one of the state’s educational districts. It was a role that exposed him early to the inner workings of public administration, policy execution, and institutional responsibility. He learnt how systems function, why procedures matter, and how leadership affects outcomes on the ground.

From those early years, his career progressed steadily. Over more than 25 years in public service, he has built extensive experience in school evaluation, educational planning, and quality assurance. He has served as Head of Planning, Head of Education Quality Assurance Services, and most recently as Director of Private Education and Special Programmes at the Office of Education Quality Assurance. In these roles, he oversaw school accreditation, quality monitoring, and improvement initiatives that affected both public and private institutions across Lagos State.

His academic background reflects the seriousness with which he approaches his work. He holds a PhD in Educational Administration and Planning from the University of Abuja, two Master’s degrees in Educational Administration and in Guidance and Counselling, and a Bachelor’s degree in Education from the University of Lagos. These qualifications are not ornamental. They inform his decisions and shape his approach to policy and leadership.

What truly distinguishes him, however, is not only competence but character. He has a strong sense of integrity and a genuine concern for people. He cares about teachers, students, school owners, and civil servants, and this concern shows consistently in his actions. Colleagues often describe him as firm but fair, principled without being rigid, and deeply humane in how he relates with others.

Beyond formal duties, he has also earned respect as a mentor. He regularly guides young professionals and civil servants, offering practical advice grounded in experience. He has facilitated numerous training sessions for both government and private organisations, and young graduates, contributing significantly to capacity development within the education sector.

On Thursday, December 11, 2025, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, appointed Dr Sulaimon Ogunmuyiwa as the Director-General of the Office of Education Quality Assurance, and I couldn’t believe there is anyone better for that job. Few people understand the institution, its challenges, and its possibilities as thoroughly as he does.

For those who have known him over the years, this appointment feels less like a turning point and more like a continuation. Dr Ogunmuyiwa has always believed that systems matter, that standards matter, and that public service should be approached with seriousness and sincerity. He often says that things must be done the right way if progress is to be achieved. That conviction has shaped his career and now positions him to influence the education sector at an even higher level.

As he assumes office as Director-General, Lagos State places a critical institution in the hands of someone who understands both policy and people. His story is a reminder that leadership is built over time through discipline, consistency, and a genuine commitment to service. In an era where public trust is often strained, Sman represents a model of public service rooted in integrity and purpose.