AKIN-TAIWO BOLANLE BUKOLA: A PASSIONATE EDUCATOR, CHILD PROTECTION ADVOCATE, AND VISIONARY LEADER
Akin-Taiwo Bolanle Bukola, a Special Education Specialist, and a Behaviour Technician (40 hours training completed) is a passionate child advocate, self-motivated achiever, and visionary leader dedicated to education, special needs advocacy, and community development. Born in 1978 into the family of Pastor and Pastor Mrs. J.O. Owa, she comes from a lineage of academic excellence and public service. Her late father, Pastor J.O. Owa, was a renowned educationist who made history as the first university graduate from his village in Ose Local Government, Ondo State, Nigeria. He served as the Director of Education in Ondo State in 1994 and later became the Chairman of the Board of Technical and Adult Education under Governor Adefarati’s administration. Her parents also established a Group of Schools in Akure in 1993, which has grown into a prominent educational institution.
Mrs. Akin-Taiwo holds a Higher National Diploma (HND) in Accounting from Rufus Giwa Polytechnic, Owo. She later advanced her studies at the University of Calabar, where she obtained a Postgraduate Diploma in Management and Accounting. Furthering her education and passion for academia, she earned a Postgraduate Diploma in Education (PGDE) from Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto, equipping her with the necessary skills in curriculum development and pedagogy. She completed her National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) in 2001/2002 at Union Bank Plc, Minna, Niger State. Her professional career began in 2003 at Standard Trust Bank (now United Bank for Africa – UBA), where she worked diligently before resigning in 2008 to pursue her passion for education.
Mrs. Akin-Taiwo is member of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and a graduate member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). She has undertaken numerous professional training courses and certifications, including:
- Master of Science in Business and Management (Merit) – Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen.United Kingdom .
- Chartered Management Institute (CMI) Level 7 Diploma in Strategic Management & Leadership,United Kingdom .
- Understanding Behavior That Challenges and Dignity in Care
- Stroke Awareness and Catheter Care
- Montessori Education and Phonics Instruction
- Customer Service Magic
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) Certification (In-Progress)United States.
She also worked with Solution2Care, Oldbury, Birmingham, UK . Solution2Care Services specializes in providing high-quality complex care services delivered in clients’ homes. Solution2Care Services provides care to children and adults with complex health difficulties on a one-to-one basis with a unique blend of kind-heartedness, sensitivity, professional and companionship services.
Her training in behavioral therapy, special education, and leadership positions her as a leading figure in child protection, inclusive education, and school administration. As the Visionary Leader and Proprietress of The Elect School, Ibadan, Mrs. Akin-Taiwo has dedicated herself to transforming education through innovative learning strategies, specialized curriculum development, and a strong focus on children with special needs. Established in 2014, The Elect School has become a trailblazer in providing inclusive, high-quality education. Under her leadership, the school has:
- Developed an integrated learning model that combines therapy services with academic instruction for children with disabilities.
- Participated in prestigious national and international programs, such as the National Spell Battle of Champions and International Day of the African Child.
- Expanded partnerships with healthcare providers, advocacy groups, and educational organizations to enhance student support and learning outcomes.
She is currently working on expanding her impact by establishing an inclusive elementary school in Dallas, Texas, which will integrate education, therapy services, and specialized healthcare for children with learning and physical disabilities.
Beyond her work in education, Mrs. Akin-Taiwo is also a published author. She has written My Scar; My Star! a book that chronicles her journey, struggles, and triumphs in establishing The Elect School. The book serves as an inspiring account of her unwavering dedication to education and child advocacy, shedding light on the challenges and victories that have shaped her mission. Through this work, she shares valuable insights into the importance of perseverance, faith, and commitment to building a future where every child, regardless of background or ability, has access to quality education and care. Mrs. Akin-Taiwo is a dedicated Christian leader, actively serving as the President of the Good Women Fellowship at RCCG Emmanuel Sanctuary, Ashi/Bodija, Ibadan. Her commitment to faith, community service, and social entrepreneurship has earned her recognition and accolades.
She was recently honored with the “Commitment to Excellence Award” by Visage Women Foundation, recognizing her outstanding contributions to education, child protection, and community development. She is married to Mr. Akin-Taiwo Bankole, a Deputy Superintendent at the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC). Their union is blessed with wonderful children, and together, they remain committed to making a lasting impact in education, leadership, and child welfare.
Mrs. Akin-Taiwo Bolanle Bukola’s journey in education, finance, and child advocacy is a testament to resilience, excellence, and unwavering commitment to transforming lives. With her strong background in special education, behavioral therapy, school administration, and leadership, she continues to break barriers and create sustainable change in the education sector. As she expands her work into the United States through Elect Community Care, her vision remains clear, to provide a world where children, regardless of their disabilities, have access to quality education, specialized care, and a bright future.