Ekiti State Governor, Biodun Oyebanji, on Saturday, disbursed a total of N47.8 million in cash awards to exemplary primary and secondary school teachers in recognition of their outstanding contributions to education. The initiative aimed not only to appreciate the efforts of these exceptional educators but also to motivate others in the profession to strive for excellence.
The awards were presented during the 2024 World Teachers’ Day celebration, themed “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education.” The event took place at the Ekitikete Pavilion, New Iyin Road, Ado Ekiti, and was attended by teachers from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), as well as representatives from private schools.
Among the top honorees were Mrs. Folayemi Modupe of St. Francis Nursery and Primary School, Igbara Odo Ekiti, and Mr. Joshua Oriloye of Notre Dame Grammar School, Usi Ekiti, who were recognized as the best teachers in the public primary and secondary school categories, respectively. Each of them received a reward of N6 million. The first runners-up in both categories were awarded N2 million each, while second runners-up received N1.5 million. Additionally, two outstanding school administrators were honored with N2 million each.
Other notable beneficiaries included the best private school teacher, distinguished teachers in digital skills and e-teaching, outstanding educators with disabilities, and 26 teachers who received consolation prizes, bringing the total prize amount to N47.8 million.
Governor Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Monisade Afuye, expressed his deep appreciation for the crucial role teachers play in shaping human development. He emphasized the government’s ongoing commitment to teachers’ welfare and pledged to continue fostering a conducive learning environment in schools.
Reaffirming his administration’s dedication to education, Oyebanji highlighted several key achievements, such as the renovation of school buildings across all primary and junior secondary schools in the state, as well as the training of 1,103 teachers in digital education to enhance their teaching skills.
