On Saturday, Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State demonstrated his commitment to educators by awarding a substantial total of N47.8 million to exemplary primary and secondary school teachers during the 2024 World Teachers’ Day celebration. Held at the Ekitikete Pavilion, the event brought together educators from various unions, including the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), as well as representatives from private institutions. The celebration was themed “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education,” underscoring the vital role teachers play in the educational landscape and society as a whole.
At the centerpiece of the awards were the top honorees in both public school categories. Mrs. Folayemi Modupe, representing the primary schools, and Mr. Joshua Oriloye from the secondary sector each received an impressive N6 million prize. The recognition extended to the first and second runners-up as well, with N2 million and N1.5 million awarded, respectively. In total, the ceremony recognized various categories of educators, including outstanding private school teachers and those specializing in digital skills and e-teaching, as well as teachers with disabilities. This comprehensive recognition aimed to celebrate not only traditional teaching roles but also advancements in educational methodologies and inclusivity in the teaching profession.
Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, who represented Governor Oyebanji at the event, emphasized the indispensable role of teachers in development. He reassured the audience that the current administration would continue to prioritize educators’ welfare to foster a conducive learning environment. This commitment aligns with Oyebanji’s goals for Ekiti State’s education system, highlighting the administration’s ongoing efforts to enhance both infrastructural and educational quality in schools across the state.
The Governor elaborated on his administration’s education-focused initiatives, revealing significant accomplishments that include the renovation of school facilities and the training of over 1,100 teachers in digital education. Oyebanji also underscored financial commitments made by the state, noting the payment of over N2.5 billion as counterpart funding for projects aligned with the Universal Basic Education Commission for 2022 and 2023. Such measures are part of a broader strategy to improve educational infrastructure and ensure that learning resources are distributed effectively to meet students’ needs.
In recognition of these advancements, Ekiti State NUT Chairman Olaitan Daodu commended Oyebanji’s dedication to enhancing education, specifically pointing to his efforts in providing free and compulsory education, addressing teacher misconduct, and issuing leave bonuses. However, Daodu also made a call for further action, urging for the payment of outstanding leave bonuses from 2018 due to secondary school teachers and advocating for a policy to raise the retirement age to 65 years or after 40 years of service—an approach that other states have implemented.
ASUSS State Chairman Sola Adigun echoed Daodu’s sentiments and similarly praised the governor’s contributions to teachers’ welfare. He advocated for elevating teacher salaries to Grade Level 17, reflecting the importance of adequately compensating educators for their crucial roles in shaping future generations. The collective voices of educators present at the event reinforced the need for sustained investment in the teaching profession and a concerted effort to further empower those dedicated to the education sector in Ekiti State.
