“Ekiti Governor Oyebanji Rewards Top Teachers with N47.8m, Tackles Exam Malpractices”
“Governor Oyebanji Celebrates Best Teachers in Ekiti with N47.8 Million Gifts”
“Oyebanji Commits N47.8m to Best Teachers and Addresses Exam Fraud in Ekiti”
By SHEKWOPEYELO
Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Biodun Oyebanji, presented gifts worth 47.8 million naira to top teachers during the Teachers’ Day celebrations in Ado-Ekiti. The event honored educators who excelled in various categories.
The Governor emphasized his administration’s commitment to eliminating examination malpractices. He insisted on the need to maintain integrity within the educational sector.
During the World Teachers’ Day celebration at Ekito Parapo Pavilion, teachers expressed confidence in Oyebanji’s education policies. They endorsed him for re-election in 2026, citing the need for continuity in educational reforms.
The event carried the theme “Valuing Teachers’ Voices: Towards a New Social Contract for Education.” Mrs. Modupe Folayemi from Saint Francis’ Primary School and Mr. Odunayo Oriloye from Notre Dame Grammar School each received N6 million for being the best teachers in primary and secondary schools.
Additionally, two teachers earned N3 million each as first runners-up, while four received N1.5 million each as second runners-up. Twenty-six other teachers took home N200,000 as consolation prizes.
The venue transformed into a carnival, with teachers celebrating and praising the Governor’s policies. The Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ekiti, Com. Daodu Bamidele, announced that teachers appreciate Oyebanji’s efforts and support his re-election.
Bamidele urged the government to implement policies that will curb brain drain in education. He recommended raising the retirement age for teachers to 65 years for better job security.
“All the teachers in our state appreciate what the Governor has done. He has cleared some of the arrears owed by the past administration and launched new programs. We solidly back him for the 2026 election,” he stated.
Com. Sola Adigun from the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) advocated for secondary school teachers to have opportunities to advance to grade level 17 for better career progression.
Governor Oyebanji, represented by Deputy Governor Chief (Mrs.) Monisade Afuye, emphasized prompt salary payments and support for teachers through housing and vehicle loans. He praised teachers as vital to the education sector.
Addressing concerns about exam malpractices, Oyebanji warned against any unethical practices. He asserted that the government has zero tolerance for such behaviors.
“I will not tolerate examination malpractice. Investigations currently examine allegations of complicity among school managers,” he stated.
He added that Ekiti enjoys a reputation for scholarship and integrity, which they must uphold. Oyebanji outlined efforts to strengthen the education sector, including local and international training for teachers.
The administration has initiated loans for teachers, distributed laptops to public secondary schools, and improved facilities through the World Bank’s project.
“We have addressed career progression for graduate teachers by advancing them from grade level 15 to 16,” he concluded.
