In a bid to commemorate this year’s Teachers’ Day, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has declared Monday, October 6, 2024, a work-free day for all teachers across the state.
This announcement was made during the celebration event held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta.
Governor Abiodun also revealed plans to construct 12 blocks of 900 smart classrooms in selected schools across the state’s zones.
The schools set to benefit include Abeokuta Grammar School, Idi-Aba; Ijebu-Ode Grammar School; Remo Secondary School, Sagamu; and Yewa College, Ilaro.
In addition, the governor announced the permanent employment of 1,000 OgunTeach interns, further boosting the workforce in the state’s education sector. “This brings the total number of OgunTeach recruits to 5,000 since the inception of this administration,”
Governor Abiodun emphasized, highlighting his administration’s commitment to improving education in the state.
Addressing the gathering, Abiodun praised the contributions of teachers in shaping future generations, noting that his administration has taken steps to reposition the education sector for greater efficiency.
“Teachers play an integral role in the development of our nation, and their dedication to molding our children is invaluable. That is why we are prioritizing their welfare and the quality of education in Ogun State,” he said.
The governor further shared that the government has approved renovations for all special schools and an increase in the feeding allowance for students in these institutions, ensuring inclusivity in education.
Moreover, in recognition of the transportation challenges faced by teachers, Abiodun announced that a transport allowance would be paid to all public school teachers, replacing the work-free days granted to other state workers.
Among other notable accomplishments, the governor mentioned the introduction of the Ogun Digitalized Multimedia Lesson Plan, designed to equip teachers with centralized resources, and the establishment of the Central Education Management Information System (EMIS) to enhance data gathering and analysis.
Concerning the 2020 UBEC (Universal Basic Education Commission) funds, Abiodun explained that his administration paused access to those funds to reassess the state of schools.
“We noticed that despite accessing UBEC funds, some schools remained in deplorable conditions. This is unacceptable. We have now revised our work plan, identifying the worst-hit schools, and I’m happy to inform you that the new plan has been approved. It addresses both the completion of abandoned projects from 2018-2019 and the 2020 plan.”
Commissioner for Education, Science, and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, in his remarks, expressed gratitude to teachers for their commitment and to the state government for its reforms in the education sector.
He noted that the theme of this year’s celebration aligns with the government’s vision of fostering a new social order in education.
Similarly, Comrade Felix Agbesanwa, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), lauded the government’s efforts to prioritize teachers’ welfare.
He noted that the administration has been diligent in paying salaries, promoting teachers, and facilitating both local and international training opportunities.
Meanwhile, Comrade Sewakanu Oladipupo, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), acknowledged the significance of the day in celebrating teachers’ contributions to nation-building.
“Despite the economic challenges, this administration has ensured that the welfare of teachers and the advancement of education remain at the forefront,” he said.
The Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Evang. Lekan Ifede, and Dr. Femi Majekodunmi of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), also commended Governor Abiodun for his sustained investment in education, which they noted has positively reflected in students’ performances.
The celebration was marked by awarding cash prizes to outstanding teachers, schools, and administrators for their exceptional performance in the previous academic year.
