Ogun employs over 7,000 teachers, earmarks N24bn for school infrastructure

The governor commended teachers and education administrators in Ogun for distinguishing themselves nationally and internationally, noting that some representatives from the state were in Abuja receiving national recognition in the categories of Best Teacher, Best Administrator and Best School.

He said the recognition demonstrated the commitment of educators in the state and reinforced the need to create an environment in which teachers could perform their duties effectively.

The government also earmarked N24 billion through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) for the provision and rehabilitation of critical education infrastructure.

Outstanding Teachers, Schools Receive Awards

The celebration featured the presentation of cash prizes to outstanding teachers, administrators and schools in public and private school categories.

Winners in the Best Teacher categories received N2.5 million for first place, N1.5 million for second place and N1 million for third place.

In the public primary school category, Mr Rasaq Babatunde emerged first, followed by Mrs Ayedun Oluwakemi in second place and Mrs Ajayi Fatimo Bisola in third.

In the junior public school category, Mr Soleye Olugbemi, Mrs Akande Abosede and Mrs Kuye Funmilayo emerged first, second and third, respectively.

For the senior public school category, Mr Adebayo Oluwaseun took first place, followed by Mrs Akomolafe Beatrice and Ajaae Aderibigbe in second and third positions.

In the private teachers’ category, Mrs Akanni Ayaka of Breakthrough Academy, Akute, emerged first, while Mr Kehinde Olusegun of Anglican High School, Quarry, came second.

For Best Administrator in the public category, Mr Sodipo Raymond of Muslim Primary School, Ago-Oko, Abeokuta, won first prize. Mrs Bankole Oluranti of African Church Primary School 1, Ayetoro, came second, while Mrs Olakitan Silifat of Abeokuta South Local Government Nursery/Primary School, Ijemo, Abeokuta, placed third.

Community Nursery and Primary School, Mike II, and Christ Apostolic Grammar School, Iperu, received N10 million each after emerging as the Best Schools in the primary and junior secondary school categories, respectively.

The event also featured the presentation of the Award of Distinguished Leadership in Technology-Driven Education and Innovation to Abiodun in recognition of his administration’s efforts to advance technology-driven education in Ogun.

NUT Commends Recruitment, Promotion of Teachers

Speaking on the theme of the celebration, “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping Our Future,” the Ogun State Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Sewakanu Noah Oladipupo, described the theme as a policy-oriented call for improved recognition, professional status and welfare for teachers.

Oladipupo commended the Abiodun administration for recruiting more than 6,000 teachers through the OgunTEACh platform, noting that the state had experienced an eight-year period without teacher recruitment before the administration assumed office.

He also praised the government for approving and implementing teachers’ promotions covering 2016 to 2024, adding that approval had been granted for the implementation of promotions for 2025 and 2026.

The NUT chairman particularly welcomed the removal of the longstanding ceiling that prevented primary school teachers from progressing beyond Grade Level 16.

He said the development had restored parity, hope and dignity to the primary school sector.

The union leader’s remarks underscored the importance of recruitment, career progression and professional recognition in strengthening the teaching workforce.

Newly Appointed Teachers Promise Commitment

Speaking on behalf of the newly appointed teachers, Miss Olasoji Tobiloba expressed appreciation to the governor for absorbing the OgunTEACh interns into the mainstream civil service.

She assured the government that the beneficiaries would reciprocate the gesture through greater diligence, commitment and dedication to their responsibilities.

The celebration brought together government officials, education administrators, teachers, union leaders, school proprietors and other stakeholders to recognise the contribution of teachers to the development of Ogun State and Nigeria.

The government said it would continue investing in teachers, infrastructure and education reforms as part of its efforts to improve teaching and learning across the state.