Historic Transition of Leadership – GSSSOK Alumni
Sunday, January 18th, 2026 marked a significant milestone in the history of GSSSOK Alumni as the association witnessed a seamless transition of leadership from the inaugural executive to a new crop of capable and dedicated leaders poised to carry the vision forward.
At the ceremony, the Certificate of Return was formally presented to Dr. Gideon Tolufashe and his leadership team. The oath of office was administered by Engr. Dapo Bolufawi, Chairman of the Electoral Committee, in a process that was smooth, transparent, and rancour-free.
In his farewell speech, Ex-President Engr. Mike Bertola Ibitomihi reflected on the accomplishments of his two-term tenure, which spanned both infrastructure and human capital development. These achievements were firmly anchored on the association’s guiding motto: “Deep Roots, Strong Wings.”
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He expressed heartfelt appreciation to his Exco team, those who served with him in the first and second tenure, and to the entire Alumni community for their unwavering support, sacrifice, and commitment. His words underscored the collective spirit of service and resilience that has defined the Alumni body since inception.
The GSSSOK Alumni Association proudly acknowledges the dedicated service of the outgoing Executive Council, who have faithfully steered the association through two impactful tenures:
Engr. Mike Bertola Ibitomihi – President
Barrister Michelle Mayokun Owolagba – Vice President
Engr. Sunday Jimoh – General Secretary
Engr. Joseph Aiyemowa – Financial Secretary
Mr. Shegun Confidence Abejirin – Program Director
Mr. Amos Yinka Meseda – Treasurer
Mr. Samson LivingProof Ojo – Auditor
Mr. Jerry Dare Olarewaju – Publicity Secretary
Pastor Joseph Akerele – Ex-Officio
Ms. Maria Mowaju Folorunsho – Ex-Officio
With gratitude for their sacrifice and achievements, the baton of leadership has now been passed to a new team of capable and visionary leaders:
Dr. Gideon Tolufashe – President
Comfort Oluwaseyi Oye – Vice President Joash Oluwatimilehin – General Secretary
Owa Janet Ebunlomo – Financial Secretary
Ayika Stephen – Program Director
Engr. John Tosin Adekunle – Publicity Secretary
Pharm. Ojo Oluwatosin Joseph – Treasurer
Oloruntoba Emmanuel Sunday – Auditor
Engr. Mike Bertola Ibitomihi – Ex-Officio
Engr. Sunday Jimoh – Ex-Officio
This seamless transition reflects the maturity, unity, and continuity of vision within the Alumni body. The outgoing Exco leaves behind a legacy of sacrifice, integrity, and service, while the incoming leadership steps forward with renewed energy to advance the association’s motto: “Deep Roots, Strong Wings.”
The newly sworn President in his acceptance speech emphasized the goals of his executive team will be anchored on three broad pillars:
Personal development of all members
Fostering unity, collaboration, and love across careers and graduating sets
Giving back meaningfully to our beloved alma mata
He emphasized the pivotal role GSSSOK has played in shaping his journey, urging Alumni to remain steadfast in sustaining the excellence for which the school is renowned. He encouraged members to visit the school, to motivate and inspire current students, reminding us that our presence and stories can ignite hope and ambition in the next generation.
In a deeply personal moment, he shared how Engr. Mike Bertola Ibitomihi, then a guest speaker at a Millennium Club Program in 2005, inspired and motivated him to remain committed to his goals and dreams. That encounter became a defining spark in his life, and he testified that such gestures of mentorship and encouragement can leave indelible marks on young minds. His story stands as a call to all Alumni: to give back, to inspire, and to ensure that the legacy of GSSSOK continues to flourish.
Dr. Gideon Tolufashe Ph.D. (GSSSOK 2006 set) now assumes the mantle of leadership as President of GSSSOK Alumni, he is a computational chemist with expertise in theoretical chemistry and computer-aided drug design. He earned his Ph.D. in Pharmaceutical Chemistry from the University of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. He is currently a researcher at the Baruch S. Blumberg Institute in Pennsylvania, focusing on antiviral drug discovery and small-molecule therapeutic design. Dr. Tolufashe also has extensive teaching and mentoring experience and serves as an adjunct faculty member at DeSales University, Pennsylvania. He is passionate about mentoring and advancing education.
We wholeheartedly wish the new administration a successful and impactful tenure as they carry the Alumni body and GSSSOK forward. May their leadership be marked by wisdom, unity, and progress, and may the vision of Deep Roots, Strong Wings continue to flourish under their stewardship.
(DEMOCRACY NEWSLINE NEWSPAPER, JANUARY 21ST 2026)
