Gloria Laraba Shoda
Board Member
Born on November 16, 1955, in Kawo, Kaduna, she embodies dedication to service, leadership, and humanity.
A trained teacher, she holds a B.Ed from the University of Benin, an M.Ed from the University of Ibadan, and a Ph.D. from Ibadan Theological College, affiliated with Olabisi Onabanjo University. She is also an alumna of the prestigious National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru-Jos, earning the title mni.
Dr. Shoda began her career as a clerical officer with the Ministry of Health, Maiduguri, in 1974.
Following her National Youth Service at Government Secondary School, Jaji, she taught in Kaduna, Lagos, and Ogun States between 1982 and 1991. Her distinguished career in education and administration spanned over four decades, during which she developed a deep passion for improving children’s education. Upon retirement, she founded Great Scholars International Schools — both nursery/primary and secondary — as a model for quality education and moral excellence.
A silent achiever and disciplined leader, Dr. Shoda has served in several key positions including pioneer Chairman of the Governing Council of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic; President, Remo Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture; and later, Ogun State Chamber of Commerce, Mines and Agriculture. Her leadership journey also includes serving as the National President of the National Council for Women Societies (NCWS), Nigeria, where she championed women’s empowerment, advocacy against gender-based violence, and protection of minors.
On the international front, Dr. Shoda is President of the African Regional Council of Women (ARCW) and a Board Member of the International Council of Women (ICW), representing Africa. Through these roles, she continues to project Nigeria’s voice globally on issues affecting women, children, and youth.
A recipient of numerous awards, including an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities (LHD) and multiple Fellowships, she has also been decorated with traditional titles such as Yeye Moye of Remoland, Yeye Apesin of Iperu, Erelu Gbobaniyi of Makun, and Erelu of FCT, Abuja.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to national development and humanity, Dr. Gloria Laraba Shoda was conferred with the National Honour of Member of the Federal Republic (MFR) by President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.
She is happily married to a retired military officer and blessed with children, including a serving officer in the Nigerian Armed Forces.
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