Abiodun gifts car to Nigeria’s best teacher

The Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has rewarded a primary school teacher at Ansa-Ur-Deen Main School I, Kemta Lawa, Abeokuta, Mr Solanke Taiwo, with a brand new car for emerging as Nigeria’s Overall Best Primary School Teacher.

According to a statement issued on Friday, the governor presented the car keys to Solanke at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, in the presence of the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Abayomi Arigbagbu, and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr Oloko.

Speaking on the development, Arigbagbu described the teacher’s achievement as validation of the administration’s sustained investment in the education sector and the reforms introduced to revitalise it.

“When you do things consistently and efficiently, you will continue to record results. We have been winning the Best Teacher Award back-to-back. This same teacher won in October and has now emerged as the overall best teacher in Nigeria.

“This shows that once you put sound policies in place—such as the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda, which is built on six pillars, with the last pillar focusing on students’ and teachers’ welfare—you will see tangible outcomes. This administration has made significant progress across all the pillars,” he said.

He explained that the declaration of a state of emergency in the education sector paved the way for wide-ranging reforms under the Revitalisation Agenda, focusing on curriculum development, school management, technology and innovation, infrastructure, funding and revenue generation, as well as students’ and teachers’ welfare.

While acknowledging the success of the reforms, the commissioner noted that the state’s consistent achievements at both state and national levels are proof of meaningful transformation in the sector.

“On each of these pillars, we have delivered effectively. That is why I am not surprised that our teachers and students continue to win awards at various levels,” he added.

He further stated that beyond emerging as the best in the state, Mr Solanke went on to clinch the national title in Abuja, describing it as evidence of genuine progress in the education system.

He maintained that the presentation of a car to the award-winning teacher was aimed at motivating others to continue giving their best, noting that the administration remains committed to recognising and rewarding excellence.

Abiodun also assured that the state would continue to train and retrain teachers through workshops, seminars, digitisation initiatives and AI-powered teaching platforms.

In his remarks, Solanke expressed appreciation to the governor for creating a conducive environment for teaching and learning, stating that the investments and reforms in the sector have yielded visible results at both state and national levels.

“I feel excited and fulfilled. I want to appreciate our education-friendly governor for this great honour—for celebrating excellence, innovation and transformational impact among teachers across the state.

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“I promise to continue to give my best to make the state proud and to collaborate with fellow educators to ensure that Ogun State maintains its reputation for educational excellence,” he said.

He also urged fellow teachers to remain committed to excellence by transforming learning outcomes and bringing out the best in every learner entrusted to their care.