Media Talk Africa: Latest Headlines in Politics, Business, Sports, and More

Ekiti State Governor Awards N47.8 Million to Outstanding Teachers

In a move aimed at recognizing and rewarding outstanding educators, Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, presented N47.8 million to primary and secondary school teachers in the state. The awards ceremony took place during the 2024 World Teachers’ Day celebration, themed "Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education."

The best teachers in the public primary and secondary school categories, Mrs. Folayemi Modupe and Mr. Joshua Oriloye, received N6 million each. First runners-up were awarded N2 million each, while second runners-up received N1.5 million each. Additionally, the two best school administrators were rewarded with N2 million each. Other beneficiaries included the best private school teacher, distinguished teachers in digital skills and e-teaching, outstanding teachers with disabilities, and 26 teachers who received consolation prizes.

Governor Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, praised the pivotal role of teachers in human development, assuring that "this administration will continue to prioritise teachers’ welfare and ensure a more conducive learning environment in schools." The governor highlighted key achievements, including the renovation of school buildings across all primary and junior secondary schools, and the training of 1,103 teachers in digital education.

The Ekiti State NUT Chairman, Olaitan Daodu, praised Oyebanji’s efforts in advancing primary, secondary, and technical education, commending his commitment to free and compulsory education, tackling teacher misconduct, and paying leave bonuses. However, Daodu called for the payment of the 2018 leave bonus for secondary school teachers and the "immediate implementation of the 65 years of age or 40 years of service retirement policy," which has been adopted by several other states.

ASUSS State Chairman, Sola Adigun, also praised Oyebanji’s contributions to teachers’ welfare, advocating for the elevation of teachers to grade level 17.

The awards ceremony, which took place at Ekitikete Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, was attended by teachers under the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, and their counterparts from private schools. The event aimed to recognize and reward the outstanding contributions of teachers in Ekiti State, demonstrating the government’s commitment to education and teacher welfare.