By Law Ibitoye
The Ekiti State Governor has rewarded outstanding teachers and schools with ₦70.5 million as part of activities marking the 2026 World Teachers’ Day, in recognition of their contributions to the development of education in the state.
The celebration, held on Monday at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado-Ekiti, had the theme, “Standing with Teachers: Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping Our Future.” It brought together teachers from public and private primary and secondary schools, education stakeholders, labour leaders and government officials.
A teacher from the SUBEB Model School emerged as the Best Teacher in Ekiti State, receiving a cash prize of ₦6 million, while other outstanding teachers and selected public and private schools were also honoured with cash awards and other forms of support.
Presenting the awards, Governor Biodun Oyebanji commended teachers for their dedication and sacrifices in educating children and contributing to the development of the state. He said his administration would continue to recognise excellence while implementing policies and programmes aimed at improving teachers’ welfare, working conditions and professional development.
Oyebanji also promised continued investment in school infrastructure and modern facilities, assuring teachers that their interests would remain a priority of his administration. He disclosed that the state library would be captured in the 2027 budget, while pledging sustained engagement with teachers and other stakeholders to address challenges confronting the education sector.
The governor appreciated teachers for their support for his administration, including their participation in the June 20 political victory, and urged them to sustain their commitment to raising the standard of education in Ekiti.
Chairman ,Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ekiti State, Mr Lawrence Egbeyemi and the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Bimpe Aderiye, have called for greater protection, professional development and improved welfare for teachers to enable them effectively shape the future of education in the state.
.The duo said protecting the teaching profession must include addressing challenges such as overcrowded classrooms, poor remuneration, insecurity and teacher burnout, while safeguarding teachers’ professional autonomy, safety and dignity.
The Commissioner for Education, Mrs Aderiye, said regular training and support provided to teachers had helped many of them become digitally proficient and compliant with the demands of 21st-century education
She commended the government for its interventions in school renovation, teachers recruitment, payment of salaries and allowances, running grants, digitalisation, infrastructure and welfare programmes.
The teachers in their thousands defied the morning downpour as they thronged the venue of the event , jubilating and fraternizing with one another.
Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, Secretary to the State Government Prof. Habibat Omolara Adubiaro, Head of Service Dr Folakemi Olomojobi, Commissioner for Information Taiwo Olatunbosun, SUBEB Chairman Prof. Femi Akinwumi, NUT and ASUSS leaders, as well as representatives of NLC, WAEC, NECO and other education stakeholders, all joined in the celebration .
