One of Nigeria’s renowned educationists and former Permanent Secretary in Lagos State, Alhaji Shukrullah Babatunde Selem a.ka. Bob Selem will celebrate his 90th birthday today in Lagos.
According to a statement jointly signed by his daughter, Alhaja Morenike Umar Selem, and President, Ansar-Ud-Deen High School Old Students’ Association (AHOSA), Barr. Tunjib Sherif, a celebration of this committed educator who touched many lives during his illustrious career will be held in Lagos today by 10 am.
Born at Ita Akanni in Lagos on the 6th of August 1933 into an Ahmadiya Family, his father was the late Alfa Muhammed Olatunji Selem, an Ahmadiya Cleric. His mother was the late Alhaja Ayisat Agbeke Titilola, daughter of the late Buraimo Aduloju Baruwa Louis of Brazilian Quarters of Lagos.
He began his elementary education in 1942 at the United African School, Oyingbo, Lagos. In 1947, he attended the New High-Class School, Shitta, Lagos before proceeding to STM Ahmadiya High School Olushi, Lagos for his secondary school education in 1950.
He attended Government Teachers’ Training College, Ibadan, from 1955 to 1956 before proceeding to University College, Ibadan, from 1959 to 1962 to obtain a degree in Economics.
His quest for further education took him to England in 1968 for a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) at the University of London.
Resolute, industrious, and determined, this brilliant and exceptional man began his working career at Ahmadiya Primary School, Elegbata in1954.
He later joined Ahmadiya College Agege, Lagos from 1957 to 1959 before joining Ansar-Ud-Deen College, Isolo in 1962 where he remained a class teacher till 1964.
His administrative duties began in 1965 following his appointment as Principal of Ansar-Ud-Deen Secondary Commercial School, Surulere, Lagos.
In 1974, he moved over to the Government College Ojo, Lagos as the pioneer principal.
The late Selem made a mark by elevating the College to an enviable position of citadel of learning and excellence that could compare with long-established schools like King’s College, Lagos.
After over two decades as a teacher, he was appointed as Executive Secretary, Lagos State Schools Management Board. Again, he excelled, using his experience as an administrator to tackle educational problems at the statewide levels.
He was part of the free education of Alhaji Lateef Jakande, the then Governor of Lagos State.
In January 1983, he was appointed Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Governor’s office (Lagos State University project).
After an illustrious career in the civil service, he moved into the private sector and joined Eleganza Industries Nigeria Ltd. as Group General Manager where he served from 1985 to 1992.