Ambassador Francis Taiwo Solanke, recognized as Nigeria's best teacher three times, has renovated three classroom blocks at Ansar-Ud-Deen Main School 1 Primary School in Kemta-Ilawo, Abeokuta, Ogun State. The renovation was unveiled on September 21, 2026, by Evangelist Joshua Olamilekan Ifede, Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board. Solanke funded the project himself, showcasing his commitment to giving back to his community. The renovation includes replacement of worn-out ceiling sheets, plastering and painting of walls, and installation of new iron structures.
Solanke, who has been teaching at the school for nine years, expressed his gratitude to the school community for helping shape his journey as an educator. He received several awards, including the Overall National Best Teacher, Nigeria, 2025, President's Teachers and School Excellence Award, and the Best Performing Teacher, Basic Education South-West Zone, 2026. These recognitions motivated him to make a positive impact on his school. Solanke approached the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board with a request to renovate two classrooms, which was later extended to three.
The renovation project included comprehensive painting of the classrooms and external portions of the building. Solanke's intervention aimed to create a conducive learning environment, which he believes is essential for quality education. He emphasized that learners deserve classrooms that inspire them and communicate dignity, hope, and possibility. The project was initially conceived as a renovation of two classrooms but was extended to a third classroom.
Solanke's gesture has been described as "humility personified" by an on-the-scene observer. Many would have celebrated the achievement with loud publicity, but Solanke chose a low-key unveiling. He expressed appreciation to the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board, the Education Secretary, Abeokuta North Local Government Education Authority, and other stakeholders who supported the project.
The renovation project serves as a statement of gratitude from Solanke to his school community. He believes that recognition is not the end of service but a greater call to service. Solanke's contribution demonstrates that when an educator is empowered and recognized, that recognition can become a catalyst for transforming the environment in which other children learn.
Solanke's awards, including 11 recognitions at local, state, national, international, and institutional levels, have motivated him to do more. He was honored as the Best Performing Teacher, Basic Education South-West Zone, and Overall National Best Performing Teacher, 2026, at the Banquet Hall, Aso Rock, Abuja, on January 28, 2026. The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, made a pledge to undertake renovation work in the schools of the twelve beneficiaries of the National Teachers' Award.
Solanke's message to the learners of Ansar-Ud-Deen Main School 1 Primary School is that the renovated classrooms are for them, and he hopes they will inspire them to dream bigger, study harder, and become responsible citizens. He emphasized that the project is not about one person but about a school, a community, and a shared commitment to the future of their children. Solanke's intervention has set an example for others to follow.
Key points
- Ambassador Francis Taiwo Solanke renovated three classroom blocks at his former school, Ansar-Ud-Deen Main School 1 Primary School, using his own funds.
- Solanke, a three-time champion teacher, aims to create a conducive learning environment, essential for quality education.
- The renovation project serves as a statement of gratitude from Solanke to his school community, demonstrating the impact of recognition on service.
