Grief as Renowned Educator Yinka Ogunde Dies in London, 'Forever in Our Hearts'
- Olayinka Adejoke Ogunde, a respected educator in Nigeria, passed away on April 5, 2026, in London, United Kingdom (UK)
- The deceased was credited with championing educational transformation and unity in Nigeria throughout her impactful career
- Tributes celebrate Ogunde's legacy, including her creation of the Concerned Parents and Education Network
Legit.ng journalist Ridwan Adeola Yusuf brings over nine years of experience reporting on education across Nigeria and Africa.
London, United Kingdom - The family of Olayinka Adejoke Ogunde has announced her passing, describing her as a devoted educator, a woman of faith, and a compassionate figure whose life positively impacted many within and beyond the education sector.
According to an official statement released by the family, and obtained by Legit.ng, Ogunde died on Easter Sunday, April 5, 2026, surrounded by her loved ones.
Source: Facebook
Yinka Ogunde dies in London
The statement, signed by Olawunmi Ogunde on behalf of the family, indicated that Yinka died at the Harley Street Clinic in London.
The late Ogunde, who was widely respected for her contributions to education and her commitment to national development, was remembered as a strong advocate for unity and progress in Nigeria, particularly in 'the transformation of the education system.'
The statement read:
“She was a loving and dedicated woman of God whose kindness, strength, and warmth touched the lives of all who knew her."
The family added:
“She was a strong believer in the unity and prosperity of Nigeria and the transformation of the education sector. Her memory will forever remain in our hearts.”
Tribute to Yinka Ogunde
Reacting, journalist and education specialist, Kofoworola Belo-Osagie, penned a moving tribute to the late Ogunde.
In a post shared on LinkedIn, Belo-Osagie described the late educator as “a passionate believer in Nigeria and education.”
Her post can be read in full below:
If I were to rank prominent Nigerians in terms of passion for and belief in Nigeria, Mrs.Olayinka Ajoke Ogunde would feature in the top tier.
In the course of my 17-year active journalism career, Mrs. Ogunde appeared a passionate, warm and friendly, person. Considering her comfortable background, she could afford to save her time for personal projects. Instead, she pursued the development of education in Nigeria to the best of her ability through her Edumark Consult.
Her passion was as contagious as her beautiful smile. You saw it in the twinkle in her eyes as she spoke about her vision for Nigeria - basically a country that works; a country where children from all backgrounds thrive in good learning spaces safeguarded by responsible adults. And to think she wasn't even trained as a teacher or administrator! Her foray into education branding from advertising needs to be studied.
She initiated so many successful ideas. Through the "We are the Future" project, she inspired young Nigerians of secondary school age to believe in Nigeria and provided a platform for them to come together and express their dreams for a vibrant nation they could be proud of. Through that programme, many students, especially from highbrow schools who would have thought little of their country, learnt patriotism.
Source: Facebook
Mrs. Ogunde's Total School Support Exhibition (TOSSE) brought together teachers, school leaders, policy makers, education products and service providers under one roof - providing an opportunity for learning, business and exchange of ideas. Teachers received training, schools got supplies, and parents purchased learning materials they could use at home.
She also founded the Concerned Parents and Education Network, CPE, before COVID. For me, it was the icing on the cake. It was her most impactful initiative. CPE spread beyond Lagos. The CPE group on Facebook grew to include hundreds of thousands of parents, teachers, and educators across Nigeria and beyond. CPE mobilised funds to support teachers going through hardship during the COVID shutdown.
I once joined CPE to visit private schools in some low-income parts of Lagos to pay fees for deprived children. The relief on the faces of weary parents who could not afford the meagre fees left me tearful. Mrs. Ogunde achieved much more than I can share in this piece. If the Almighty were to call me to testify about Mrs Ogunde's self-imposed stewardship in Nigeria's education space, I would say she excelled. As I mourn, I celebrate her great impact on Nigerian education. She will be sorely missed. May her soul rest in peace.
Nneka Uzoamaka Amaonyeaneze-Charles mourned on Facebook:
"It is with a very heavy heart that I received the news of the passing of Yinka Ogunde. Since I heard, I have honestly not been myself. I kept thinking about the day I looked forward to—meeting her again to proudly say, 'Ma, I am now a school owner.'
"I first encountered her years ago while I was a teacher at Rainbow College, Nigeria.
"She came to facilitate training, and that moment marked the beginning of a shift in my mindset as an educator. She was not just a facilitator—she was a force, a woman deeply committed to raising intentional teachers.
"She poured herself into teachers across the nation. Through her monthly publication, Edumark, and impactful platforms like Teachers of Secondary Schools Excellence (TOSSE), she created opportunities for growth and exposure."
Amaonyeaneze-Charles continued:
"What stood out for me was her heart—she ensured that even teachers who could not afford paid sessions still had access to free ones. No one was left behind.
"Through her, I discovered that teaching is not a dead-end profession.
"She opened my eyes to the possibilities—that teachers can earn well, grow, and become influential when they truly know their craft.
"That revelation ignited a passion in me that has carried me to where I am today as an intentional teacher and a proud owner of Nekcharles Montessori Schools.
"She loved teachers. She loved school owners. She loved parents. She lived for the advancement of education.
"Honestly, words fail me. Friends, let us take a moment—just one minute—to honor a woman who gave so much of herself to build others.
"Rest well, ma. Your legacy lives on in me, and in countless educators you have raised."
Sed Pee-Tee prayed on Facebook:
"Lord Jesus, our Redeemer, You willingly gave Yourself up to death so that all people might be saved and pass from death into a new life.
"Listen to our prayers; look with love on Your people who mourn and pray for their dead sister; Yinka Ogunde. Lord Jesus, You alone are holy and compassionate; forgive our sister her sins. By dying You opened the gates of life for those who believe in You; do not let Your sister be parted from You, but by Your glorious power give her light, joy, and peace in heaven where You live forever and ever. Amen."
Meanwhile, while funeral arrangements are yet to be announced, the family of the deceased expressed gratitude for the outpouring of love, support, and prayers during the mourning period.
Church leaders die in road crash
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that Evangelical Church Winning All (ECWA) mourned the loss of three members who died in a tragic motor accident involving a team returning from an EMS Saturation Outreach mission.
A statement signed by ECWA’s public relations officer, Danjuma Dickson Auta, disclosed that a bus carrying 14 participants from Zonzon DCC in Kaduna state was involved in a crash near the Lariski area of Bauchi State while returning from Taraba State.
The deceased were identified as Mama Deborah Bonat, a former ECWA Women Fellowship International leader; Rev. Habila Tagwai Kajan, former Zonzon DCC secretary; and Mama Lydia John.
Source: Legit.ng
