Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has rewarded Mr. Solanke Francis Taiwo, a primary school teacher at Ansar-Ud-Deen Main School I, Kemta Lawa, Abeokuta, with a brand new car for emerging as Nigeria’s Overall Best Primary School Teacher.
The governor presented the car keys to the award-winning teacher at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, in the presence of the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbagbu, and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Oloko.
Speaking at the presentation, Prof. Arigbagbu described the feat as a validation of the Abiodun administration’s sustained investment and reforms in the education sector.
“When you do things consistently and efficiently, you will continue to record results. We have been winning the Best Teacher Award back-to-back. This same teacher won in October and has now emerged as the overall best teacher in Nigeria,” he said.
The commissioner explained that the state’s Education Revitalisation Agenda, built on six strategic pillars, has been central to the transformation of the sector.
“This shows that once you put sound policies in place, such as the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda, which focuses on curriculum development, school management, technology and innovation, infrastructure, funding, and students’ and teachers’ welfare, you will see tangible outcomes,” he said.
“This administration has made significant progress across all the pillars.”
He noted that the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector paved the way for wide-ranging reforms aimed at strengthening teaching quality and improving learning outcomes.
“On each of these pillars, we have delivered effectively. That is why I am not surprised that our teachers and students continue to win awards at various levels,” Arigbagbu stated.
The commissioner said Mr. Solanke’s national recognition underscores the credibility of Ogun State’s education reforms.
“It shows that when we say someone has emerged as the best teacher, it is not cosmetic. It confirms that the entire education sector has truly been revitalised. Ogun State remains number one in education, and we cannot afford to go backwards,” he added.
Highlighting the state’s performance in external competitions, Arigbagbu recalled Ogun State’s dominance at the Junior Engineers, Technicians and Scientists (JETS) competitions.
“In one particular year, Ogun State students won 18 out of the 24 available awards, with one student claiming nine awards. That success is the result of sustained attention and investment in education over the past six years,” he said.
On technical and vocational education, the commissioner disclosed that several states are seeking to understudy Ogun’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) model and digitalisation initiatives.
“Five states have indicated interest in understudying our TVET framework and digitisation strategy. The Federal Government and the National Board for Technical Education have also commended our strides,” he noted.
Arigbagbu said the presentation of a car to the teacher was intended to motivate educators across the state.
“This reward is to encourage other teachers to continue giving their best. This administration is committed to recognising and rewarding excellence,” he said.
Governor Abiodun also reiterated his administration’s commitment to continuous teacher development.
“We will continue to train and retrain our teachers through workshops, seminars, digitisation initiatives, and AI-powered teaching platforms to ensure global best practices in our classrooms,” the governor said.
In his remarks, Solanke expressed gratitude to the governor for creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
“I feel excited and fulfilled. I want to appreciate our education-friendly governor for this great honour, for celebrating excellence, innovation, and transformational impact among teachers across the state,” he said.
He pledged to sustain his performance and contribute to the state’s educational advancement.
“I promise to continue to give my best to make Ogun State proud and to collaborate with fellow educators to ensure that our state maintains its reputation for educational excellence,” he stated.
Solanke also urged fellow teachers to remain committed to excellence in the classroom.
“Let us transform learning outcomes, rewrite the narratives of our students, and bring out the best in every learner entrusted to our care,” he said.
