Ogun Governor celebrates excellence as award-winning teacher’s feat underscores sweeping education reforms in the state.

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has rewarded Mr. Solanke Francis Taiwo—Nigeria’s Overall Best Primary School Teacher—with a brand new car, in a move aimed at celebrating excellence and motivating educators across the state.

Mr. Solanke, a teacher at Ansa-Ur-Deen Main School I, Kemta Lawa, Abeokuta, received the car keys from the governor at the Oke-Mosan Government House, Abeokuta. The presentation was witnessed by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbagbu, and the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mr. Oloko.

Speaking at the presentation, Prof. Arigbagbu described the award as a clear validation of Governor Abiodun’s sustained investment and reforms in the education sector. He noted that Ogun State has consistently produced award-winning teachers, adding that Mr. Solanke had earlier won the Best Teacher Award in October before clinching the national title.

“When policies are consistent and well implemented, results will follow. This administration introduced the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda built on six pillars, with strong emphasis on teachers’ and students’ welfare. The outcomes are now evident,” the commissioner said.

He explained that the declaration of a state of emergency in education laid the foundation for far-reaching reforms covering curriculum development, school administration, infrastructure, technology and innovation, funding, and welfare.

According to him, Ogun State’s repeated successes at both state and national levels confirm that the reforms are yielding tangible results. He added that the teacher’s emergence as national best in Abuja further proves that the state’s claims of excellence are not cosmetic but grounded in measurable progress.

Prof. Arigbagbu also highlighted Ogun State’s dominance in external competitions, recalling a year the state won 18 out of 24 awards at the JETS competition, with a single student clinching nine prizes. He said such achievements reflect six years of sustained focus and investment in education.

On technical and vocational education, the commissioner disclosed that at least five states are seeking to understudy Ogun’s Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) model, alongside its education digitisation drive, which has earned commendation from the Federal Government and the National Board for Technical Education.

He stressed that the car gift is part of the administration’s strategy to motivate teachers and promote a culture of excellence, assuring that the state will continue to train and retrain educators through workshops, seminars, digital platforms, and AI-powered teaching tools.

In his response, Mr. Solanke expressed gratitude to Governor Abiodun for creating a supportive environment for teaching and learning, noting that the reforms and investments in the sector are clearly reflected in improved student and teacher performance.

“I feel excited and fulfilled. I sincerely thank our education-friendly governor for celebrating excellence, innovation, and transformational impact among teachers. I promise to continue giving my best to make Ogun State proud,” he said.

He also encouraged fellow teachers to remain committed to excellence, urging them to transform learning outcomes, inspire their students, and help sustain Ogun State’s reputation as a leading hub of educational excellence in Nigeria.