World Teachers’ Day: Gov AbdulRazaq awards N120m to outstanding teachers
By Mosunmola Ayobami, Ilorin
Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq on Monday presented about N120 million in award prizes to outstanding teachers, head teachers and principals of basic and post-basic public and private schools across the state.
The awards, presented in different categories, saw 29 best principals and head teachers receive N29 million, while 119 outstanding teachers received N59.5 million. In addition, 11 serving and retired university dons received N22 million under the pioneer professorship recognition category, while three schools received N9 million for the Best Kept School Award.
AbdulRazaq also announced plans by his administration to purchase 10,000 shares in the Dangote Refinery initial public offering (IPO) for 10 female teachers in each of the outstanding public schools, saying the initiative was aimed at promoting a culture of investment among teachers.
The governor, who described teachers as major drivers of the education sector, said his administration would continue to prioritise their welfare, adding that the awards were intended to recognise their sacrifices and motivate them to do more.
He also highlighted the regular promotion of teachers and the implementation of the 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Specific Allowance by his administration, stressing that the welfare and recognition of teachers must remain a priority.
According to him, the government’s interventions in the education sector are already yielding results, citing the performance of Kwara pupils who have earned the state laurels at national and international competitions.
On the Dangote shares, AbdulRazaq disclosed that he had directed the Head of Service, Dr. Olufunke Mercy Shittu, to develop modalities for including outstanding retired female teachers in the initiative. The event was attended by government officials, representatives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, heads of educational institutions, APC leaders and labour union representatives.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr. Lawal Olohungbebe, said hard work deserved recognition and congratulated the awardees, urging them to sustain their performance. Earlier, the state NUT Chairman, Comrade Yusuf Wahab Agboola, commended the government for its investment in school infrastructure and teachers’ welfare and called for the adoption of the national harmonised retirement age for teachers, among other requests.
