Speaking at the grand finale of the Y2020 Teachers Merit Awards held at the Sports Pavilion, Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Sanwo-Olu emphasised that the initiative is in line with the State Government’s commitment to using education as a weapon to change the world, adding that through education, which represents the third pillar of the present administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S agenda, a template was developed towards rewarding selflessness, dedication and diligence amongst teachers in the State.
While appreciating the feats achieved by teachers in the State, especially in national competitions, he declared that “Our teachers keep placing Lagos on national pedestal”.
Sanwo-Olu opined that if teachers have such exceptional qualities, pupils will not only excel in academics but will also exhibit innate sterling abilities in cognitive, psychomotor, affective and co-curricular areas of learning.
His words: “Our teachers must continue to uphold the ethics of the teaching profession and display an uncommon sense of responsibility and greater commitment to duty”.
The Governor affirmed that the group of awardees will serve as Lagos State Ambassadors of Excellence in Education for the next year, while advising the teachers not to see the initiative as a contest but a way to motivate them to continue to put in their best, believing that such commitment will one day be rewarded.
“We will continue the massive investment in the education sector by improving the capacity and welfare of our school personnel, making the sector more ICT-compliant, exposing our teachers to international best practices as well as ensuring that our schools become a destination for work and learning”, he asserted.
Earlier in her welcome address, the State Commissioner for Education, Mrs Folasade Adefisayo, stressed that the event is indeed a testament to a promise made and fulfilled. She highlighted that the committee received over 3200 applications and through stringent evaluation criteria, they were able to select the finalists.
Mrs Adefisayo lauded the Governor for his passion towards rewarding excellence, most especially enhancing the welfare of teachers, which adds value to the growth of the education sector
The Commissioner informed that the finalists will be showcased and exposed to multiple opportunities which will enhance the vision of the State in restoring the prestige of the teaching profession and encourage the return of teaching as a career of choice for the youths.
Each of the winners of the Y2020 Award, which include Adesola Akindele, Temitope Gbadamosi, Temitope Ibiwunmi, Rasheed Odenike, Rebecca Oyinloye, Oluwaseun Balogun, Joshua Olasehinde, Abosede Padonu-Daniel, Ekundayo Ajiborisade, Tolulope Odusanya, Tawakalitu Akinleye and Ovinuyon Buhari, was presented with a car, tablets and plaques among other gifts by the State Government.
Responding on behalf of the awardees, an elated Mrs Ovinuyon Buhari expressed appreciation for the gesture by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, describing it as a dream come true.
Mrs Buhari applauded the State Government for its commitment towards supporting teachers and ensuring their welfare is given utmost priority, noting that the screening process was indeed intense but fulfilling as they were able to learn better ways of delivering service to their respective schools.
She, therefore, promised the Governor that all the awardees will not relent in ensuring qualitative teaching is enshrined in all Lagos Schools.
