Gov. Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State on Monday distributed N70.5 million to outstanding teachers across the 16 Local Government Areas of the state as part of activities marking the 2026 World Teachers’ Day.
The celebration, held in Ado-Ekiti, had as its theme “Standing with Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing Its Status and Shaping Our Futures.”
The beneficiaries, recognised for outstanding performance, dedication and commitment to their responsibilities, were drawn from public primary and secondary schools, private schools and other administrative cadres in the education sector.
Oyebanji, while addressing the teachers, commended them for contributing to the development of the state’s education sector, and critical role in shaping the future of students.
He said his administration had, in almost four years, invested significantly in education at all levels, adding that the interventions had earned the state recognition from local and national organisations.
The governor assured the teachers of his administration’s continued commitment to their welfare and provision of a conducive working environment.
He promised that outstanding emoluments, particularly leave bonuses, would soon be paid.
Oyebanji disclosed that the state government would construct an ultra-modern state library, saying the project had been captured in the 2027 budget.
He added that all 203 public secondary schools now had ICT laboratories, interactive boards and 5KVA inverters, while 125 schools had internet facilities.
According to him, old school buildings have been renovated or rehabilitated across the schools.
He disclosed that perimeter fencing had been provided for 54 public secondary schools and CCTV cameras installed in 48 schools, with another 85 schools expected to benefit within the month.
The governor also disclosed that the administration had recruited 5, 530 teachers into public primary and secondary schools within four years.
Oyebanji said the government was committed to regular payment of salaries and the disbursement of revolving car and housing loans to eligible teachers, assuring them that their welfare would remain a priority.
He also appealed to the teachers to support the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, saying this would ensure continuity of the administration’s Shared Prosperity Agenda in Ekiti.
The state Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Lawrence Adedeji, and the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), represented by Austin Bamidele, appreciated the state government’s efforts.
