In a historic moment for the Nigerian diaspora, Oluremi Morenikeji Atoyebi (née Okedun) has been named a Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in King Charles III’s 2026 New Year Honours list. Honored for her exceptional services to education, Atoyebi’s journey is a testament to the global impact of the Nigerian academic foundation.
The LASU Pioneer: 1984–1988
Long before she was a fixture in British education, Atoyebi was making history at home. She was part of the very first intake of students at Lagos State University (LASU) when the institution opened its gates in 1984. Enrolled in the Sociology department, she was a member of the “pioneer class” that laid the groundwork for the institution’s future. In 1988, she graduated as one of the university’s premier alumni, carrying with her the values of excellence that would later define her career in London.
A Visionary Career in Tower Hamlets
Atoyebi’s rise within the UK education system has been characterized by a deep commitment to the London Borough of Tower Hamlets where she has served for over two decades.
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Leadership at Osmani: Appointed as Headteacher of Osmani Primary School in 2006, she transformed the school into a beacon of high standards.
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Educational Philosophy: Her leadership is famously rooted in Carol Dweck’s “Growth Mindset” theory, encapsulated in the school motto, “Reach for the Stars”. This approach encourages both pupils and staff to view challenges as opportunities for innovation and adventure.
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National Influence: Beyond her school, Atoyebi is a member of the Department for Education (DfE) Primary Headteachers Reference Group, where she provides direct feedback to ministers on national education policy and implementation.
Strategic Impact and Achievements
Under her stewardship, Osmani Primary School has consistently outperformed regional and national benchmarks:
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Academic Performance: As of late 2023, 77% of Osmani pupils achieved higher standards in reading, writing, and mathematics at Key Stage 2, significantly exceeding the London average of 65.5%.
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Inclusivity and Safeguarding: She is a staunch advocate for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and pioneered the school’s involvement in Operation Encompass, a joint project with the Metropolitan Police to support children affected by domestic abuse.
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Innovation: Atoyebi oversaw the school’s digital transformation, transitioning to a completely serverless, energy-efficient Google Workspace environment to enhance flexible learning.
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Accreditations: The school has twice earned the prestigious NACE Challenge Award, recognizing its commitment to challenging and independent learning for more able students.
Professional Leadership and Governance
Atoyebi’s influence extends into corporate and community governance. She has served as a Director for E1 Schools Partnership Limited since 2013, facilitating collaboration across East London schools to improve student outcomes. Additionally, her past role as a Director for Spitalfields Festival Limited (2013–2019) highlights her commitment to integrating arts and culture into the local community.
A Legacy of “LASU Lokan”
Atoyebi’s MBE is more than a personal victory; it is a celebration for her alma mater, LASU. As she joins the ranks of other 2026 honorees, she remains a “trailblazer” whose Nigerian roots and British achievements have converged to create a lasting legacy in international education. For the LASU community, her success is a powerful validation of the “LASU Lokan” spirit—proof that a foundation laid in Ojo can reach the heights of Buckingham Palace.