The Governor of Ekiti State, His Excellency, Mr Biodun Oyebanji today presented seventy million, five hundred thousand naira to best teachers in the state to mark the teachers’ world day in Ekiti State.
While addressing teachers at the Ekiti parapo pavilion in Ado Ekiti where the programme was held on Monday, Oyebanji also reaffirmed the commitment of the State Government to improving teachers’ welfare, upgrading school infrastructure and strengthening the education sector as the state joined the rest of the world to commemorate the 2026 World Teachers’ Day.
The celebration which brought together teachers from public and private primary and secondary schools across the state, as well as government officials, education stakeholders, labour leaders and other dignitaries was well attended amidst funfair and glamour.
Speaking under the theme, “Standing with Teachers: Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping Our Future,” Governor Biodun Oyebanji appreciated teachers for their support for his administration, particularly during the June 20 political victory.
He said the government recognized their contributions to the development of the state and assured them that his administration would continue to protect their interests and improve their working conditions.
Oyebanji also addressed concerns surrounding teachers’ welfare and career progression, promising that the government would continue to engage with the teachers on outstanding issues.
He said his administration would provide modern facilities for schools and disclosed that the state library would be captured in the 2027 budget, while assuring teachers that his government remained committed to regular engagement with them.
The governor further announced that the state presented awards and financial support worth ₦70.5 million to outstanding teachers and selected private and public schools. A teacher from the SUBEB Model School emerged as the best teacher in Ekiti State and received a ₦6 million prize.
The Commissioner for Education, Dr, Mrs Olabimpe Olubisi Aderiye, commended the governor for his commitment to the education sector, noting that the government had invested billions of naira in public schools.
She highlighted the State Government’s interventions including school renovation, employment of teachers, payment of salaries and allowances, running grants, digitalisation, provision of infrastructure, and welfare initiatives such as car and housing loans for teachers.
The leadership of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) also used the occasion to acknowledge government interventions while calling for further improvements.
ASUSS Chairman, Comrade Austin Bamidele, urged the government to provide more technical equipment and modern technology in schools, while stressing the need for continued professional development and better compensation for teachers.
NUT representative, Comrade Lawrence Egbeyemi Adedeji, also called for the implementation of the harmonised retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service, whichever comes first, saying the policy would help retain experienced teachers and reduce brain drain.
Others present were the 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 and NECO.
