Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has presented awards worth N120 million to outstanding teachers and head teachers/principals across the state. The awards, which are in different categories, were given to recognize the sacrifice and motivate the teachers to do more. The governor made the presentation at an event in Ilorin to commemorate the World Teachers' Day. He identified teachers as major drivers in the education sector and emphasized his government's commitment to prioritizing their welfare.
A breakdown of the awards shows that 29 best principals/head teachers received N29 million, while 119 outstanding teachers got N59.5 million. Additionally, 11 serving and retired university dons won pioneer professorship recognition awards with N22 million, and three schools received N9 million for the Best Kept School award. The governor also announced plans to buy 10,000 shares of the Dangote Refinery IPO for 10 female teachers in each of the outstanding public schools.
The governor's initiative aims to foster an investment culture among female teachers in the state. He directed the state Head of Service, Dr. Olufunke Mercy Shittu, to design modalities to capture outstanding retired female teachers under the Dangote Refinery IPO as well. This move is part of the government's efforts to promote financial inclusion and investment culture among women.
Governor AbdulRazaq emphasized that his government's objective is to build an education system that gives every child in Kwara a fair opportunity to learn, develop useful skills, and compete anywhere in the world. He noted that the quality of education provided today will determine the quality of Kwara tomorrow. The governor's administration has prioritized improving the education sector, including recruiting qualified teachers through a merit-based process.
The governor's administration has also strengthened continuous professional development, improved school infrastructure, and introduced technology and data into the management of basic education through KwaraLEARN. These interventions have yielded results, with school pupils earning the state many laurels at national and international competitions. The governor acknowledged the importance of prioritizing the welfare and honor of teachers at all times.
The administration has implemented the 27.5% Teachers' Specific Allowance (TSA) and ensured regular promotion of teachers. The governor's commitment to teachers' welfare is evident in the award presentation, which aims to recognize their sacrifice and motivate them to do more. The event was attended by notable dignitaries, including the state Head of Service and other education stakeholders.
The governor's efforts to improve the education sector have been commended by stakeholders, who see the award presentation as a demonstration of his commitment to prioritizing teachers' welfare. The event has also highlighted the importance of promoting investment culture among women and recognizing the role of teachers in shaping the future of Kwara State.
Key points
- The Kwara State government has awarded N120 million to outstanding teachers and head teachers/principals across the state.
- The governor plans to buy 10,000 shares of the Dangote Refinery IPO for 10 female teachers in each of the outstanding public schools.
- The administration has prioritized improving the education sector, including recruiting qualified teachers and introducing technology and data into basic education management.
