The Ekiti State Government has highlighted its achievements in the education sector over the past four years, recruiting 5,530 teachers into public primary and secondary schools. This includes 430 teachers in 2022, 500 in 2023/2024, 1,600 in 2025/2026, 1,500 in 2022/2023, and another 1,500 in 2026. These recruits were part of efforts to improve the state's education system.
On World Teachers' Day 2026, Governor Biodun Oyebanji awarded N70.5 million to outstanding teachers across the state's 16 local councils. The beneficiaries, recognized for their performance and commitment, came from public and private schools, as well as administrative cadres in the education sector. This gesture demonstrated the government's appreciation for teachers' contributions.
Governor Oyebanji revealed that all 203 public secondary schools now have ICT laboratories, Interactive Boards, and 5KVA inverters, while 125 schools have Internet facilities. Additionally, old school buildings were renovated, and perimeter fencing was provided for 54 public secondary schools. The government also installed CCTV cameras in 48 public secondary schools, with plans to equip 85 more schools with this technology.
The governor emphasized his administration's commitment to teachers' welfare, including regular salary payments and disbursement of car and housing loans for eligible secondary school teachers. He expressed gratitude to teachers for their support, acknowledging their central role in the education value chain. Oyebanji assured that his government would continue to prioritize teachers' welfare packages.
The state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lawrence Adedeji, and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS) representative, Austin Bamidele, praised Oyebanji for his commitment to teachers' welfare and education development. They appealed for the fulfillment of promises regarding outstanding emoluments and welfare packages, suggesting that teachers' appreciation should extend beyond a single day in October.
Meanwhile, Oyo State's All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Sharafadeen Alli, pledged to prioritize teachers' welfare and introduce education reforms within his first 100 days in office if elected in 2027. Alli promised improved welfare packages, faster promotion processes, better working conditions, and increased investment in school infrastructure, highlighting his commitment to the education sector.
Alli's proposed administration plans to introduce improved car and housing loans, rural hardship allowances, and a teachers' housing and mortgage scheme, prioritizing underserved areas. He also vowed to clear backlogs related to promotions and inter-zonal transfers. These pledges reflect his focus on enhancing the welfare and working conditions of teachers in Oyo State.
Key points
- Ekiti state government recruited 5,530 teachers into public schools over four years.
- Governor Oyebanji awarded N70.5 million to outstanding teachers.
- Oyo state's APC candidate Sharafadeen Alli vows to prioritize teachers' welfare if elected.
