The Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji at 2023 World Teachers Day splashed N35 million on outstanding teachers and administrators in the state.
Presenting the Cheques at Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti, Governor Oyebanji felicitated the teachers for their commitment to duty by showcasing Ekiti state as fountain of knowledge.
While Speaking on the theme for 2023 World Teachers Day, “The teachers we need for the education we want, the global imperative to reverse the teachers’ shortage” the Governor averred that inadequate teachers in schools was a global challenge that needed strong determination to fix.
The Governor said his administration had recruited 1500 and 500 (2000) primary and secondary school teachers and over # 2billion has been spent on renovation of schools and upgrades across Ekiti State.
The outstanding teachers who were handsomely rewarded were : Osaranmaye Yetunde from Saint Marks Nursery & Primary School, Ilupeju Ekiti emerged the best Primary School teacher got #5million and Owoseeni Tolulope of Harding Memorial College, Ado Ekiti named the best Secondary school teacher also got #5million
Other awards includes N100,000 each for 26 Primary and secondary school teachers while the first runners-up got N1.5million and the second runners-up got N1 million each.
Also, N2million was given to 2 best administrators from primary and secondary schools in the state. Mrs Ogunruku Blessing Adebimpe of SUBEB Nursery & Primary School, Oye Ekiti and Oso Ebenezer Oluwarotimi of Christ School, Ado Ekiti.
In his welcome address, the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Teachers, Ekiti State Wing, Comrade Daodu Bamidele Olaitan advocated for the implementation of 65 years and 40 years of service retirement age for Ekiti state teachers
He said experience was needed to prepare the pupils/students for a brighter future, urging Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State to emulate states that have implemented the policy.
Comrade Daodu made the request at the 2023 World Teachers Day held at Ekiti State Pavilion, Ado Ekiti on Thursday, 5th October. The chairman who reiterated his commitement to having cordial working relationship with the state Government to attract more welfare packages for Ekiti State teachers which he said would boost their morale to discharge their duties seamlessly.
He said “though there is a change of hands in the top echelon level of Teachers Union (NUT), Ekiti State Wing but this does not create any vacuum in the hierarchy and activities of the union. Rather we now have a stronger and more committed NUT in Ekiti State. A Union that is free of misconduct, a Union that is better managed with accountability, a Union with right focus in all its activities.
With the new Leadership of our great Union in Ekiti State, we are sure of better and robust relationship with the State government and better welfare packages for our members across the State. We strongly believe that our relationship with the government will bring better development to education industry in this enviable State of ours” The chairman concluded.
The NUT Chairman further highlighted the needs of his members to include:
Regular Capacity building trainings,
Employment of more teachers to fill existing vacancies, letters to be given to Primary School teachers that ‘ve been promoted to grade Level 16, Extension of car and Housing loans to primary school teachers.
Inclusion of Tutors -General, Headmaster General in government protocol, roll of Honours and
Provision of motor-cycle loans to teachers in difficult to access areas.
Others are payment of outstanding salaries and Leave Bonus owed teachers by previous administrations and restoration of 27.5% teachers’ pecuniary allowance to teachers in Technical Colleges among other requests.
Earlier, Comrade Daodu had commended the giant strides of Governor Oyebanji on Education less than a year in office.
He said, “On behalf of Ekiti Teachers,1 wish to cheerfully appreciate the State Government, under the Leadership of His Excellency, Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji for the following achievements in the education sector as it affects Primary and Secondary schools, including Technical Colleges within his first year in the saddle:
Sustenance of free and compulsory education in Ekiti State at Primary and Secondary School levels as well as Technical Colleges that started during the last regime.
Employment of 1500 Primary School teachers and 500 Secondary School teachers.
Massive renovation of schools.
Curbing teachers’ molestation and child abuse.
Prompt payment of salaries, allowances and deductions as and when due.
Payment of year 2016 Leave Bonus to Primaiy School Teachers that were not paid by the previous regime.
Payment of year 2017 Leave Bonus.
Payment of running grants to schools.
Provision of infrastructures to schools to aid effective teaching and learning.
Free Bus Service for workers , teachers inclusive and pupils/students in the State capital
Improvement in the academic performance of pupils and students in both primary and secondary schools.
Promotion of teachers up to 2022 with financial backing.
Granting of Car and Housing loans to secondary school teachers.
Appointment of serving teachers as Education Secretaries in the 16 Local Government Areas with provision of Cars to the Education Secretaries.
Provision of Solar powered boreholes and three buses to Technical Colleges at Igbara Odo, Ijero and Otun Ekiti among others”
Also speaking at the event, Comrade Kayode Akosile, former Vice President, South West Zone who represented the national NUT president advocated subject teachers for Primary 4 upward saying, it was academically suicidal to have one teacher teaching all subjects. He called on Governor Oyebanji to urgently address the anomalies by recruiting more qualified teachers.
Others who lend their voices to the theme included: the SUBEB Chairman, Prof Femi Akinwumi represented by the Permanent Secretary Mr. Afolabi Adebiyi, ASUSS Chairman, Comrade Sola Adigun and Commissioner for Education, Dr Olabimpe Aderiye, represented by permanent Secretary of the Ministry all applauded Governor Oyebanji massive interventions on education sector.
Musical mastro, Yinka Ayefele electrified this year Workers Day as teachers both old and young danced to show their excitement and acceptance of the new NUT Chairman.
Dignitaries at the event includes:
the Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, Speaker, Ekiti State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adeoye Aribasoye; Oyo State soeaker, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin
Secretary to the State Government, Dr Habibat Adubiaro among others.
House of Assembly members members of State Executive Council, past leaders of NUT among others.