United Nations Recognizes Dr. Damilola Oshin for Volunteerism, Educational Philanthropy at National Conference in Ondo
By Dupson Collins, 24th October,2026
The United Nations Volunteers Programme, in partnership with the Ondo State Government, has honoured the Proprietress of Mummy’s Place International School and Emplace College, Akure, Dr. Damilola Oshin, with a Special Recognition Award for her outstanding contributions to education, child development and community volunteerism.
Dr. Oshin was honoured at the 2026 National Volunteer Conference held at the Dr. Olusegun Mimiko Event Centre, Akure, alongside Ondo State Governor, Hon. Lucky Aiyedatiwa and other dignitaries, at an event supported by UN agencies including UNDP, UNFPA, WHO and NDE to commemorate the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development.
The award, presented during the high-level conference which had in attendance Governors of Ondo, Osun and Benue States, United Nations agencies, National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Yakubu Gowon University and other stakeholders, was in recognition of her selfless service and commitment to volunteerism as a tool for educational advancement and community development.
Presenting the award, the organisers described Dr. Oshin as a passionate educationist, mother, mentor and community builder whose schools have become models of academic excellence, moral upbringing and child-centered learning in Ondo State. They noted that her investment in education and consistent support for community development initiatives align with the core values of volunteerism and sustainable development.
Speaking with the PATH,, an elated Dr. Damilola Oshin expressed gratitude to Ondo State Government and Ondo State Volunteer Service led by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Volunteer Services, Hon. Charles Adeolu Iwakun, and the United Nations Volunteers Programme for finding her worthy of the honour.
“I am deeply humbled and grateful for this Special Recognition. This award is not just for me, but for every teacher who volunteers extra time to build a child, every parent who partners with us to raise responsible children, and every child who inspires us to do more,” she said.
Dr. Oshin, a renowned educationist and proprietress, emphasized that education itself is volunteerism in action, noting that true teaching goes beyond salary to selfless service, mentorship and sacrifice.
“Volunteerism builds character, leadership and community. As educationists, we are natural volunteers. We volunteer our time, our knowledge, our love and our resources to shape the future of our children and our state. If we must achieve the Sustainable Development Goals, we must inculcate the spirit of volunteerism in our children from the nursery and primary school level,” she added.
She called on government, private school owners, and stakeholders to create structured volunteering opportunities for young people in schools, stressing that children must be taught to serve their communities early.
Dr. Oshin also commended Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa for institutionalizing volunteer service in Ondo State and for mobilizing over 2,000 volunteers for health, education and skills development, describing it as visionary leadership.
She pledged to continue to support the Ondo State Volunteer Service and to open up Mummy’s Place International School as a hub for educational volunteerism and youth mentorship.
The 2026 National Volunteer Conference was held to commemorate the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development and brought together representatives from federal and state governments, UN agencies, WHO, UNFPA, civil society and the private sector to advocate a national framework for volunteerism.
