One of Nigeria’s renowned educationists and former Permanent Secretary in Lagos State, Alhaji Shukrullah Selem, popularly known as Bob Selem, will celebrate his 90th birthday on Sunday (today).
This was announced in a press release jointly signed by his daughter, Alhaja Morenike Selem, and the President of Ansar-Ud-Deen High School Old Students Association, Tunjib Sherif, to celebrate the educator in Lagos.
Described as resolute, industrious, and determined, Selem was appointed as the Executive Secretary of the Lagos State Schools Management Board and was also a part of the free education of the former Lagos State governor, Lateef Jakande.
The statement read partly, “Born at Ita Akanni in Lagos on the 6th of August 1933 into an Ahmadiya family, his father was 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.
“Selem began his elementary education in 1942 at United African School, Oyingbo Lagos, and in 1974, he moved over to Government College, Ojo as the pioneer principal.
“Alhaji 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 the Executive Secretary of Lagos State Schools Management Board. Again, he excelled, using his experience as an administrator to tackle educational problems at the state-wide levels and 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. His birthday celebration will be held in Lagos on today at 10 am.”
