By Omobolaji Adekunle
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has described teachers as the foundational pillars of all professions and critical to national development, as the state joined the rest of the world to mark the 2025 World Teachers’ Day.
Speaking during the celebration held at the Cultural Centre, Kuto, Abeokuta, and themed “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborating Profession”, the governor emphasized the pivotal role of educators in shaping future generations and driving societal progress.
Represented by his deputy, Engr. Noimot Salako-Oyedele, the governor said the theme reflects the need to reposition teaching as a collaborative and supportive profession that thrives on teamwork, mentorship, shared learning, and strong community partnerships.
“Teaching is not an isolated endeavour but a collective mission that draws strength from cooperation—among teachers, parents, communities, and government,” Abiodun stated.
He reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to continuous investment in the education sector through its “Building Our Future Together” Agenda, stressing that education goes beyond classrooms to influence values, vision, and the vitality of entire generations.
Abiodun acknowledged the contributions of teachers’ unions in the state and noted that their dedication was a key reason for the government’s sustained investment in teacher welfare, digital competence, training, and infrastructure, all aligned with global best practices.
“The prosperity of Ogun State rests on your shoulders. We will continue to provide the tools, amenities, and enabling environment you need to thrive,” the governor said, assuring teachers that the future of the state’s children and the nation depends on their success.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, appreciated the efforts of teachers across the state, assuring them that the government remained committed to their welfare and professional development.
Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Apostle Abiodun Sanyaolu, and Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, congratulated teachers and urged them to remain united in delivering quality education.
They described teachers as “the backbone of the education system, torchbearers of civilisation, and silent architects of national progress.” Both officials assured that the state government would continue to support the teaching profession through sustained training, infrastructure, and welfare policies.
In separate addresses, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Sewakanu Oladipupo, and his counterpart in the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Comrade Felix Agbesanwa, commended the state government for fostering a productive relationship with the teaching community.
They lauded the administration’s strides in the education sector, including modern classroom infrastructure, digital learning tools, prompt payment of salaries and allowances, and continuous training programmes.
The union leaders, however, called on the government to introduce special incentives for teachers who died in service, create an Education Trust Fund for out of school children, and consider rolling out e-lesson notes for teachers in line with global trends.
