Three outstanding teachers hailing from Oyo State have recently been honored with accolades at the esteemed 2023 Presidential Teachers and School Excellence Awards. This exciting news was shared by Prof Abdulwaheed Adelabu, the State Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, during the commemoration of World Teachers’ Day in Ibadan.
The Commissioner, represented by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr Adeniyi Olusanjo, expressed his delight in announcing that the triumphant trio is among the esteemed group of winners chosen from both public and private primary and secondary schools nationwide. The awards were presented to the deserving recipients in a ceremony held in Abuja.
Among the celebrated awardees is Samson Babarinlo, the Head Teacher at Methodist Basic School in Iseyin, as well as Mr Joseph Amoo, the Principal of Government College, Ibadan. The third recipient of this prestigious recognition is Olatunde Odejayi, the Proprietor of Second Home College in Olodo, Ibadan.
Prof Adelabu took the opportunity to extend his heartfelt congratulations to the winners and emphasized the Oyo State Government’s unwavering commitment to educational reforms. These reforms include a focus on recruiting more teachers for the state’s primary school sector. He highlighted the strides made in addressing the issue of out-of-school children and underscored the state’s dedication to ensuring prompt payment of salaries and providing conducive working conditions for teachers.
The Commissioner commended the invaluable contributions of all teachers and acknowledged the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) as vital pillars of support for the present administration. He appealed to teachers in the state to reciprocate the government’s goodwill by delivering exceptional service to the education sector.
Pastor Akinade Alamu, Chairman of the Oyo State Teaching Service Commission, lauded Governor Seyi Makinde for his efforts in making the teaching profession more appealing in the state. While acknowledging the challenges that still persist, Alamu expressed optimism about the state government’s commitment to improving the lives of teachers.
In his address, Mr Oladimeji Raji, the state chairman of NUT, expressed gratitude to the state government for creating an enabling environment that allows teachers to showcase their talents. Raji further urged the Makinde administration to continue providing teachers in the state with the dividends of democracy they deserve.
