Funke Akinrinmade is a distinguished education leader with a remarkable career of over 25 years in the field. Her journey in education began in 1996, starting with a teaching role at the Shell Petroleum Development School in Muscat, Sultanate of Oman. She later transitioned to teach English as a Foreign Language at the British Council in Muscat. These formative experiences laid the bedrock for her unwavering dedication and passion for nurturing and educating young minds.

Upon returning to Nigeria in 2004, she established Kiddies Pride Creche and Nursery School in Port Harcourt, with a focus on nurturing and educating children during their formative years following the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. This endeavour evolved into Cedarwood School in 2006, under her visionary leadership, providing top-tier education, care, and support and setting a benchmark in Nigeria’s educational landscape.

Continuing her mission to make a profound impact, Funke founded Cassia School Lekki in 2019 which is dedicated to cultivating global citizens who recognize education as a catalyst for world-changing initiatives, emphasizing the development of strong character as the foundation for sustaining global transformation. A firm believer in Nelson Mandela’s words, “Education is the only weapon with which we can change the world,” Funke Akinrinmade is steadfast in her commitment to imparting knowledge, fostering an environment for high achievers, and championing transformative education.

She holds a first degree in International Studies from Ahmadu Bello University Zaria (1991) and a Post Graduate Diploma in Education from Usmanu Danfodiyo University Sokoto (2008). Continuously seeking to expand her expertise, she has pursued additional learning through short courses and certifications from prestigious institutions, including the Pan Atlantic University and the Harvard Business School.

Passionate about catalyzing positive change in the educational sector, Funke contributes by providing extensive teacher training, fostering platforms for emerging educators to flourish, and encouraging them to take charge of their professional development. She excels as a parenting coach and a mentor to numerous individuals, serving on the board of Curia Regis School in Lagos and Steering for Greatness, a non-profit organization dedicated to democratizing access to quality education.

An astute leader, Funke Akinrinmade advocates for ethical and compliant teaching methods, particularly in early childhood education, recognizing the pivotal role they play in shaping young minds.

She is happily married and cherishes her role as a parent to three wonderful children, embodying her dedication to both her professional and personal life.

Funke Akinrinmade’s legacy in the education sector is characterized by an unwavering commitment to excellence, a visionary approach, and an enduring passion for shaping the future through education.

It is in recognition of her contribution to national development in the sphere of Development, Management and Delivery of Quality Education that Mrs. Funke Akinrinmade was deemed worthy to be conferred with the Woman of Merit Gold Award which is part of the PSR National Awards.