Governor Abiodun Gifts Car To Solanke Taiwo After Emerging Nigeria’s Best Teacher

Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun, has gifted a new car to Mr. Solanke Taiwo, a teacher at Ansa-Ur-Deen Main School I in Kemta Lawa, Abeokuta, after he emerged as Nigeria’s Overall Best Primary School Teacher.

The presentation took place at the governor’s 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 at the ceremony, Prof. Arigbagbu said the award reflects the government’s steady efforts to improve education, noting that the administration’s reforms and investments are beginning to show clear results.

“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.

The commissioner explained that the state’s Education Revitalisation Agenda, built on six key areas, has driven the changes in the sector.

These focus on curriculum updates, school administration, technology and innovation, improved infrastructure, better funding, and the welfare of students and teachers. He said the declaration of a state of emergency in education helped push these reforms forward.

“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.

“It shows that when we say someone has emerged as the best teacher, it is not cosmetic. It confirms that the entire education sector has truly been revitalised. Ogun State remains number one in education, and we cannot afford to go backwards,” he said.

He also highlighted the state’s strong performance in external competitions, including the JETS contest, where Ogun students won the majority of available awards in one edition.

According to him, such achievements are the result of continuous attention and investment over the years.

On technical and vocational education, the commissioner revealed that several states are studying Ogun’s model, particularly in areas such as digital learning and skills training, stressing that both the Federal Government and the National Board for Technical Education have praised the state’s efforts.

He explained that the car gift is meant to encourage other teachers to strive for excellence. He assured that the government will continue to support educators through regular training, workshops, seminars, digital tools, and AI-based teaching platforms.

In his response, Mr. Solanke thanked the governor for supporting the education sector and recognising teachers’ hard work. He said the improvements in schools across the state have produced 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.

“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 encouraged fellow teachers to stay committed to improving learning outcomes and helping every child reach their full potential.

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KanyiDaily recalls that Kayode Adewale, a Mathematics teacher at Imagbon/Imaka Comprehensive High School in Ogun State, was named one of the 50 finalists for the 2025 Global Teacher Prize.