It was a defining moment for teachers in the Lagos State Education family on Tuesday, March 30th as Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu presented handsome rewards to teachers adjudged to have made quality impacts in the State’s teaching service.
Thirteen (13) teachers and school administrators got a brand new car each from the Governor at the Year 2020 Teachers’ Merit Award organised by the Ministry of Education. The awardees were part of the finalists nominated for the grand prize by the Screening Committee led by the chairperson of Association of Private Educators in Nigeria, Mrs. Lai Koiki.
The merit award is an initiative of the Sanwo-Olu administration to reward teachers’ commitment and excellent service to boost delivery of quality education in the State.
Over 3,700 applications were reviewed by the screening committee; 23 teachers and school administrators made it to the final stage. They were adjudged to be passionate, visionary, and adept in modern teaching techniques.
Sanwo-Olu, while presenting the cars to the recipients, said; “Today, I celebrate the remarkable teachers who leave no stone unturned in molding lives, building character and preparing our students for a productive future. In Lagos State, teaching is not a thankless job and this annual Teachers’ Merit Award is a proof that Lagos will always reward excellent, committed, and diligent teachers.”
“We are cognizant of the essential role that teachers play in building a formidable society, which is why we are committed to rewarding exceptional teachers on a regular basis. This is one of the key strategies for the actualisation of the Education and Technology Pillar of our development agenda. We cannot thank our teachers enough for the passion they bring to the job and for inculcating in our children the values they require to excel as global citizens.”
“The award is a genuine way to promote merit and encourage healthy competition amongst our teaching staff in Lagos. Teachers should continue to uphold the ethics and standards of the profession. They should not relent in demonstrating uncommon sense of responsibility in discharging their duties.”
“We will not waiver in achieving the key goals of Education and Technology pillar. We provide holistic education that will enable children to excel and compete with their peers globally.”
“The Government’s commitment to capacity building in education is reflected in the periodic recruitment and training of highly qualified teachers. The State’s strategic investment in technology and provision of digital devices to support learning in basic schools have began to yield the desired results in terms of quality teaching.”
“We will continue to prioritise investment in education by improving the capacity, competence and welfare of our teachers, bridging the teacher-pupil ratio in our schools, making the education sector more ICT-compliant, exposing our teachers to international best practices as well as ensuring that our schools are conducive for teaching and learning with quality and modern infrastructure,” Sanwo-Olu said.
However, the Governor congratulated the recipients and urged them to serve as the State’s Ambassadors of Excellence.
Recipients of the grand prize of the brand new cars are nine primary and secondary school teachers, and three school administrators.
Meanwhile, Lagos State Commissioner for Education, Mrs. Folashade Adefisayo, said; “The merit award is an initiative by the Governor to raise the bar of excellence in public teaching service and inspire commitment of teachers.”
“The event is a testimony to the pledge by Sanwo-Olu to reward teachers for their contribution to education. The gesture has elevated education in the State.”
“In line with T.H.E.M.E.S. agenda to deploy education and technology to produce highly resourceful students, teachers must be equipped in 21st century skills to deliver this promise. Teachers’ welfare, training and development remain the focus of this administration.
“The awardees will be showcased and exposed to multiple opportunities in the course of the year. They will be our ambassadors to enhance our vision and showcase the possibilities for delivering quality education and restoring prestige back in teaching. This will encourage young people to consider teaching career.”