Pastor (Mrs.) Florida Mobolanle Anike Esan (JP), nee Apoeso, is unarguably one of the few Nigerian women who have carved a niche for themselves in the nation’s education sector. An epitome of excellence and resourcefulness, she is a seasoned educationist, distinguished administrator, school proprietor and the Founder of Hosanna Private School, which is located at Orile Iganmu in Lagos.

Mrs. Esan’s personality profile is as formidable as it is impressive. She goes about her business of imparting knowledge with utmost belief in the power and grace of the Almighty God. Having served as a teacher and administrator in several public and private schools across the country, she carried her experience along to found Hosanna Private School.

Born on June 4, 1941 in Ilesa West Local Government Area of Osun State, Florida began her educational pursuit at the Apostolic Church School, Igbogi, Ilesa in 1949. Having obtained her West African School Certificate from Queens School, Ede in 1961, she proceeded to the Federal Emergency Science School, Lagos where she obtained her GCE “A” Level Certificate.

She subsequently gained admission into the University of Lagos and graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics. She obtained a Post Graduate Diploma in Education in June, 1975 from the same institution. In August 1998, she added yet another feather to her educational cap with a Diploma in Theology which she acquired from the Bible College of the Redeemed Christian Church of God.

Mrs. Esan cut her teeth in the teaching profession as far back as August 1964 as a class room teacher at Oniru College, Ikorodu, Lagos State. She worked in the same capacity in several other schools such as Ife Anglican Grammar School, Ile – Ife (1967 – 1968), Methodist Boys High School, Lagos (1968 – 1971), Queen Amina College, Kaduna (1971 – 1972) and Methodist Boys High School, Lagos (1972 – 1977).

Her appointment with the Lagos State Government led to her being posted to Lagos State Government College, Surulere in November, 1977. She proceeded to Girls Secondary Grammar School, Bariga in 1979. On April 8, 1980, she was appointed the Principal of Ojo High School, a position she successfully held until September, 1984, when she was posted to head Awori-Ajeromi Grammar School, Agboju.

She retired from active service on June 5, 1992 and six years later, precisely on September 8, 1998, she, in collaboration with her husband, Pastor (Engr.) Michael Esan, founded Hosanna Private School.

Hosanna Private School which is approved by the Lagos State Government boasts of an array of highly qualified and industrious teaching and non – teaching staff complemented by functional and high grade recreational and sporting facilities.

In 1984, her unrelenting commitment to service excellence was recognized when she received the award of Principal of the Year from Ojo School Management Committee. She became the 2nd Vice President of the Lagos State Branch of the All Nigeria Conference of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS) in 1986 and rose to the position of the 1st Vice President a year later.

In 1991, she was among the delegates at both the National Curriculum Review Conference in Kaduna and the International Conference of Education for Teaching held in Lagos.

Her broad view and experience ensured she functioned and served satisfactorily in distinguished positions at numerous professional and religious activities.

Mrs. Esan is a devout Christian. She was the Pastor-in-Charge at Era Foursquare Gospel Church from 2010 to 2011.

She is happily married to Pastor (Engr.) Michael Esan and they are blessed with four lovely children.

It is in recognition of her contribution to national development in the field of Education that Pastor (Mrs.) Florida Mobolanle Anike Esan is deemed worthy of the honour of the Woman of Merit Gold Award which is part of the 2017 PSR National Awards.