Lagos honours educators with excellence awards

The Lagos State Government has presented awards of excellence to educators in Education District VI, aimed at motivating proactive learning and teaching practices.

Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr Tolani Alli-Balogun, stated this during the 19th Annual Merit Award Ceremony 2025 at Ikeja Senior Grammar School, Oshodi.

Education District VI comprises Ikeja, Mushin, and Oshodi-Isolo Local Government Areas. The ceremony, themed Rewarding Excellence, recognised outstanding educators, schools, students, and non-teaching staff.

Alli-Balogun said the awards encouraged teachers and students to strive harder, knowing their efforts were being observed, monitored, and rewarded by the state government.

He explained that categories included best principal, teacher, school, student, non-teaching staff, quality assurance officer, district officer, and head of department, among others.

“The award acknowledges educators who integrate technology in teaching. Their creativity and dedication advance Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s T.H.E.M.E.S Plus agenda,” Alli-Balogun said.

The commissioner commended the Education District VI workforce, stressing the importance of celebrating achievements to foster motivation and professional excellence across the state.

District Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Mrs Mojisola Yusuff, said 42 students and staff across 106 schools were recognised for academic and extracurricular accomplishments.

She added that the event celebrated diligence, professionalism, and a collective commitment to uplifting educational standards in Lagos State.

“Teaching is more than a profession. It is service, sacrifice, and inspiration. Whether honoured today or not, teachers remain the torchbearers of knowledge,” Yusuff said.

She congratulated awardees, describing them as shining examples of vision and wholehearted commitment, praying the honour motivates them to raise the bar of excellence further.

Earlier, Chairman of the occasion, Mr Daniel Ayokanmi, said the event recognised top achievers promoting academic excellence, urging awardees to sustain their efforts.

Best Teacher (Senior Secondary), Mr Adebowale Yekinni of Opebi Senior Grammar School, said the honour would inspire him to greater service to students and school.

Best Student, Miss Barakat Lawal of Isolo Grammar School, attributed her success in the 2025 WASSCE to God’s grace, teacher guidance, and family support.

Lawal said the recognition made her feel blessed and inspired. “God’s grace enabled me to study beyond what my teachers taught me,” she added.

A pupil, Samuel Olabode of Oshodi Comprehensive Junior High School, who recorded 10 distinctions in BECE, thanked his family and advised peers to remain diligent.

The ceremony’s highlight was the presentation of awards to outstanding teachers across various categories, drawing applause from guests and participants.