Gov Abiodun commended for honouring Nigeria’s best teacher

2026-02-24 - 17:46

By James Ogunnaike An Ogun State-based legal practitioner, Moruff Balogun, has applauded the federal and Ogun State governments for recognising Nigeria’s best teacher with significant rewards, describing the gesture as a strong statement on the value of education. Recall that the federal government recently gifted the award-winning teacher, Mr. Solanke Francis Taiwo, a primary school teacher at Ansa-Ur-Deen Main School I, Kemta Lawa, Abeokuta, a car and N50m cash, while the Ogun State government, under the leadership of Governor Dapo Abiodun, complemented the honour with a two-bedroom bungalow and a cash award of ₦2.5 million. Balogun said the combined gestures go beyond ceremonial celebration and reflect a commitment to promoting excellence within the education sector. “Gratitude is not merely a virtue; it is a culture that sustains excellence. When hard work and dedication are acknowledged, society sends a powerful message that diligence is not in vain,” he stated. According to him, while it is often said that the reward of teachers is in heaven, the recent recognition demonstrates that such rewards can and should begin on earth. “Recognition, appreciation and tangible support affirm that educators are not taken for granted. Teachers are the silent architects of our future. They mould character, ignite curiosity and lay the intellectual foundation upon which every profession stands, including law, medicine, engineering and governance,” he added. The lawyer, however, appealed to the government to extend similar recognition to outstanding students across academic institutions. He expressed concern about what he described as a disparity in some tertiary institutions, where the best graduating students receive modest prizes, while winners of campus beauty pageants often enjoy more substantial rewards and visibility. While acknowledging the place of extracurricular activities in campus life, Balogun stressed that academic excellence must not appear secondary within institutions designed primarily to promote intellectual development. “This disparity risks sending a troubling message to hardworking students and may create a culture where outward display appears more lucratively rewarded than scholarship and discipline,” he said. Balogun maintained that beyond celebrating individual achievements, governments at all levels must institutionalise policies that consistently dignify teachers and motivate students. He called on both the Federal and Ogun State governments to deepen reforms aimed at strengthening the education sector, urging other states and stakeholders to emulate the example. “When excellence in education is honoured at every level — for teachers and students alike — society progresses with clarity and purpose,” he said. Vanguard News