Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, celebrated World Teachers’ Day by announcing a series of initiatives aimed at improving education and rewarding teachers. On this special occasion, Governor Abiodun approved the immediate employment of 1,000 Ogun Teach Interns to address the pupil-teacher ratio and fill vacancies in public schools.
In addition, the governor granted employment to 2,000 new OGUNTEACh applicants, further bolstering the education workforce. To honor exceptional teachers, he also presented houses and cash prizes to those who had demonstrated exemplary dedication in their roles.
During the celebration, held at the Oba’s Complex in Abeokuta, Prince Abiodun emphasized his administration’s commitment to the welfare and wellbeing of teachers. He announced the upcoming education summit, where stakeholders will converge to exchange ideas and explore solutions for enhancing the state’s education sector.
To support these efforts, the governor will inaugurate an education trust fund to finance infrastructure across various levels of education. Additionally, a special committee dedicated to rehabilitating public schools will be established to complement the existing interventions.
Governor Abiodun underscored the achievements his administration has already made in the education sector. One notable accomplishment is the training of 750 science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) teachers in a new pedagogy called PSI-PMI. This innovative approach aims to enhance the teaching of STEM subjects.
Recognizing the importance of incentivizing teachers, Governor Abiodun announced the release of promotion letters for the current year and the payment of two months’ leave bonuses to public servants. In addition, all public servants and pensioners in the state will receive a payment of N10,000.00.
The governor also disclosed the government’s deployment of the Education Management Information System (EMIS) equipment and gadgets. These tools facilitate data collection, collation, and analysis in the education sector across all 20 Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs).
Prince Abiodun stressed the critical need to address the shortage of teachers in both Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa. Quoting data from UNESCO, he highlighted the requirement for millions of teachers to achieve universal basic education by 2030. Initiatives such as employing more teachers and improving their welfare are vital steps towards meeting these targets.
At the event, Professor Abayomi Arigbabu, the Special Adviser to the governor on Education, Science, and Technology, acknowledged the invaluable contributions of teachers in shaping young minds and maintaining the state’s educational standards.
Principals from various teachers’ unions also commended Governor Abiodun for his commitment to the teaching profession. They noted the implementation of five years of promotion in four years for state workers, the abolition of school levies, and the introduction of policies to enhance students’ higher education potential.
The celebration climaxed with the presentation of keys to 2-bedroom bungalows to Mr. Akeem Badru, the first African winner of the Cambridge Dedicated Teacher’s Award, and Mr. Togbe Ganiyu, the best overall teacher in public primary school from Egba Division. Additionally, cash prizes were awarded to outstanding teachers and school administrators in various categories.
The Ogun State government’s concerted efforts to improve education and support teachers demonstrate their recognition of the pivotal role teachers play in shaping the future. By investing in education and providing incentives for teachers, the state aims to develop a productive and competitive generation capable of excelling on the global stage.
