Mrs. Maureen Idehen Ovabor has officially launched the Bosede Okoroma Idehen Foundation in honour of her late mother, Madam Bosede Idehen, the renowned educationist and founder of Springfield Private School and Bosede Idehen International Academy.
Eko Hot News reports that the foundation was established to preserve the values, vision and humanitarian legacy of Madam Bosede Okoroma Idehen, whose contribution to private education in Lagos has continued to impact thousands of lives for more than five decades.
Speaking during the unveiling, Mrs. Idehen Ovabor described her mother as a remarkable woman whose passion for education, compassion and selfless service laid the foundation for generations of successful students.
She said the Bosede Idehen Foundation was created to ensure that her mother’s commitment to accessible and quality education continues to benefit children and communities across Nigeria.
According to her, the foundation will focus on providing scholarships, educational materials, mentorship opportunities and humanitarian support for vulnerable children, widows and underserved families.
Reflecting on her personal journey, Mrs. Idehen Ovabor disclosed that she never envisioned herself leading the schools established by her mother despite growing up in an educational environment.
“As a pharmacist, I loved my profession and never imagined I would one day manage a school. Watching my mother build and sustain an educational institution came with enormous sacrifices, and I initially felt that path was not for me,” she said.
She explained, however, that taking over the administration of Springfield Private School and Bosede Idehen International Academy eventually became a divine responsibility.
“Education is not simply a profession or a business. It is a calling that requires faith, resilience and an unwavering commitment to shaping lives,” she added.
Mrs. Idehen Ovabor noted that Springfield Private School has remained operational for over 50 years without depending on bank loans or external financial support, describing it as a testament to the values of integrity, prudent management and God’s faithfulness.
She said the institution has always prioritised impact over profit, ensuring that children from different backgrounds have access to quality education.
Recalling her mother’s bold decision to relocate Springfield Private School from Ikeja to Abule Egba in 1975, she said many people doubted the move because the area was still developing at the time.
Despite the criticism, Madam Bosede Idehen remained convinced that quality education should be available to every community, regardless of location.
Today, Springfield Private School stands as one of the most respected educational institutions in the area, having produced thousands of graduates who continue to excel in various professions.
Mrs. Idehen Ovabor described her late mother as a disciplined, compassionate and visionary leader who consistently extended scholarships and financial assistance to families facing economic hardship.
“My mother believed that no child should be denied quality education because of financial challenges. That philosophy will continue to guide everything we do through the Bosede Idehen Foundation,” she said.
She explained that the foundation will implement programmes focused on education, youth empowerment, community development, support for widows, and humanitarian interventions that improve lives.
“The Bosede Idehen Foundation exists to preserve my mother’s legacy of excellence, compassion and service while creating opportunities for future generations to thrive,” she added.
Late Madam Bosede Idehen is widely recognised as one of Lagos’ foremost pioneers of private education. Through Springfield Private School, established in 1975, and Bosede Idehen International Academy, she built an enduring legacy that continues to shape lives and strengthen the educational landscape in Lagos and beyond.
With the launch of the Bosede Okoroma Idehen Foundation, that legacy enters a new chapter, one dedicated to educating, empowering and elevating communities across Nigeria.
