A Lifetime Dedicated to Special Education
Prof. Mary M. Ayeleso is a distinguished educator, disability rights advocate, and the academic visionary behind RAIN-SPEN. As the wife of the late founder, Sir Oluremi Ayeleso, she carries forward not only his legacy, but also her own lifelong commitment to inclusive education.
Her journey into special education began not as a career move, but as a mission rooted in love, service, and justice. Today, she leads RAIN-SPEN with that same sense of calling, ensuring every student, regardless of ability, receives the education, care, and opportunity they deserve.
Educational & Professional Background
Prof. Ayeleso holds multiple qualifications in Special Education, including:
- A Diploma in Special Education
- A Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)
- A Master of Education (M.Ed.)
- A Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Special Education
These credentials are more than academic, they reflect her deep understanding of the diverse challenges faced by individuals living with disabilities, and how to craft personalized, empowering responses within an educational setting.
Affiliations & Global Engagement
Prof. Ayeleso is an active member of numerous professional bodies, both national and international:
- National Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (NTRCN)
- National Council for Exceptional Children (NCEC)
- Nigerian Association of Special Education Teachers (NASET)
- Reading Association of Nigeria (RAN)
- International Literacy Association (ILA)
- World Organization for Early Childhood Education (OMEP)
- Reading Association of South Africa (RASA)
- Special Olympics Nigeria (SON)
- Association of Women in Academic Careers (NAWACS)
- Through these affiliations, she stays at the forefront of global trends, research, and advocacy in special education.
A Visionary Leader at the Helm of RAIN-SPEN
As the Director of Academics, Prof. Ayeleso is responsible for:
- Designing inclusive curriculum strategies
- Ensuring TRCN-certified excellence across the teaching staff
- Integrating therapeutic and vocational components
- Upholding the values of compassion, empowerment, and integrity
Her leadership is not just strategic, it’s personal. Every policy she implements, every teacher she mentors, and every program she oversees is shaped by a genuine desire to see every child thrive, no matter their ability.
Her Ongoing Impact
Prof. Ayeleso is more than an administrator, she is a builder of futures. Under her direction, RAIN-SPEN continues to evolve as a model institution in Nigeria, setting standards for inclusive education, therapeutic support, and vocational empowerment.