Remi Ayeleso International School for Special Needs (RAIN-SPEN) was born from compassion, not as a business, but as a mission. The story begins with Sir Oluremi Ayeleso, a quiet but resolute humanitarian who opened his own home to children rejected, misunderstood, or abandoned because of their disabilities.
At a time when superstition, stigma, and fear surrounded disability in Nigeria, Sir Oluremi refused to look away. He transformed his living room into a classroom, offering not just lessons, but safety, dignity, and love.
Even from his hospital bed before his passing, he remained committed to this mission, urging his family to continue serving individuals with special needs. His last act of generosity? Willing his savings to support the cause he believed in.
“This mission was never about charity, it was about justice. These children deserve a future.”
– Sir Oluremi Ayeleso (KSM)
A Mission Forged in Compassion
Sir Oluremi wasn’t a man of empty words. He supported his wife’s decision to further her education in Special Education so she could better serve the children they welcomed. He launched yearly advocacy and awareness campaigns that spoke out against the superstitions and societal stigma surrounding disabilities, particularly those labeling disabled children as witches or burdens. These harmful beliefs were not only false but dangerous, leading to lifelong exclusion, trauma, and neglect.
In a powerful demonstration of his commitment, Sir Oluremi provided shelter, learning, and emotional care to children others had abandoned. Even while hospitalized near the end of his life, he remained focused on the mission. He urged his family not to let the dream die and he took it one step further: he willed his savings to ensure that the work would continue.
“This mission was never about charity — it was about justice. These children deserve a future.”
— Sir Oluremi Ayeleso (KSM)
Growth with Purpose
What began as a grassroots effort rooted in empathy has today evolved into RAIN-SPEN: a purpose-built institution located on a 10-acre inclusive campus in Gwagwalada, Abuja. Under the leadership of Prof. Mary M. Ayeleso, his wife and a renowned scholar in Special Education, RAIN-SPEN now serves as a beacon of hope and transformation for children and young adults living with disabilities.
But while the school has grown, the spirit remains the same.
- Every classroom is tailored to the unique needs of its students
- Every lesson is a reflection of the belief that learning should be accessible to all
- Every path, playground, garden, and pond is designed to remove barriers and spark discovery
The campus is a living ecosystem alive with laughter, curiosity, and confidence. From hands-on agricultural learning in our Garden Hub, to science lessons held beside our living pond, RAIN-SPEN is a place where students feel seen, safe, and celebrated.
Grassroot Efforts
The Legacy Lives On
Today, RAIN-SPEN continues to be a family-driven mission. The founder’s children have taken up the mantle, contributing their expertise in administration, education, and environmental health to further elevate the school’s impact.
From the remodeled Rainbow Campus to the internationally connected Liaison Officer Network, the work has grown, yet remains deeply personal. The same values that lived in Sir Oluremi’s living room now guide every decision made across the campus.
This isn’t just a school. It’s a movement, reshaping how we view ability, potential, and inclusion in Nigeria and beyond.
Where We’re Going
As the world evolves, so does RAIN-SPEN, continuously investing in:
Modern facilities tailored to children with special needs
Advanced vocational programs to empower independence
Therapy, speech, and life-skill support systems
A culture where every child is known by name, not by label
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