Celebrating the Architects of Tomorrow: Ondo State Honours Teachers on World Teachers’ Day 2025
The Aquinas College Hall in Akure was aglow with pride, purpose, and celebration as the Ondo State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology joined the global community to commemorate World Teachers’ Day 2025 under the inspiring theme: “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”
The event, graced by educators, union leaders, students, parents, and key stakeholders in the education sector, served as a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who shape the minds and future of the nation.
Representing the Governor of Ondo State Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, Hon. Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, said each year, World Teachers’ Day provides us a moment to pause and reflect on the priceless contributions of teachers to society,” Mr. Akinduro said. “This year’s theme reminds us that education thrives when we work together — teachers with teachers, schools with communities, and educators with government.”
He highlighted several key achievements and ongoing interventions by the Ondo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Ayiedatiwa, aimed at supporting the teaching workforce. These include: Prompt payment of salaries and recruitment of teachers timely promotions and continuous career development, Training in digital literacy and innovative teaching methods. Enhanced welfare through health insurance and housing, renovation of schools and expanded digital platforms and recognition programmes celebrating outstanding educators
Representing the Hon. Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun, the Director of Studies, Mr. Ige Akinduro, delivered the commissioner’s address, warmly welcoming attendees and emphasizing the importance of teacher collaboration in building resilient education systems.
In a unique move this year, the Ministry partnered with sponsors to provide cash prizes and gift items for award-winning teachers — a testament to the value placed on educators and a reinforcement of the collaborative theme of the celebration.
A Call for Collaborative Transformation: ASUSS Chairman’s Powerful Address
Delivering a stirring keynote address, Comrade Tajudeen Olatunji Balogun, Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Ondo State, echoed the central message of the celebration:
“Teaching is no longer about the teacher as the sole source of knowledge, but about facilitating learning, nurturing creativity, and working with others to achieve shared goals,” he said.
Comrade Balogun called for stronger professional learning communities within schools and closer partnerships with parents, industries, and government. He urged policymakers to include teachers as co-creators of educational policies, not mere implementers.
He also issued a passionate appeal for improved working conditions, fair remuneration, adequate infrastructure, and sustained professional development.
Highlighting the union’s achievements, he commended the Governor for employing 1,100 new secondary school teachers and for constituting a new Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM) Board, with ASUSS as a member.
Voices of Solidarity: Goodwill Messages from Union Leaders and Stakeholders
Several union leaders and stakeholders also lent their voices in support of the teaching profession:
- Comrade Fatuase, Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), urged the government to elevate teachers’ representation in governance, calling for a Permanent Secretary position in TESCOM.
- Comrade Ayodele Sam Leke, Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Ondo State Wing, praised the prompt payment of salaries and promotions, while advocating for the payment of the Teachers’ Salary Structure (TSS) and the appointment of a Headmaster-General.
- Representing the Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), Pastor Adunbi, on behalf of Chairman Alhaji Abimbola Omoloja, expressed gratitude to teachers for their unwavering commitment.
- Comrade Victor Oladele Amoko, former Chairman of the NLC and NUT, emphasized that teachers must be celebrated as the “mothers and fathers of all professions,” and called for better societal placement and recognition.
He and others also called on the government to prioritize justice in the ongoing investigation into the mysterious disappearance of a Vice Principal from Ipele Community High School. They urged the formulation of policies to regulate NGO activities in schools for safety and accountability.
Shining Lights in Education: Teachers Honoured Across LGAs
A major highlight of the event was the Statewide Teacher Awards, which recognized outstanding educators from each Local Government Area for excellence in leadership, dedication, punctuality, learner performance, and school development.
State Awardees Include:
Ambassador Temitope Omobola Ojoge (Akure South) – Principal, Fiwasaye Girls’ Grammar School
Fagbote Kehinde Veronica (Akure North) – Head Teacher, Ajagunna Sade Abimbola (Akoko North West) – Teacher, Ogunsan Kayode (Irele) – Teacher, Adegbami Olurmilayo Mary (Odigbo) – Head Teacher and many more across the 18 LGAs.
Additionally, special recognitions were given in two distinguished categories: Excellence in Teaching Award: Kolawole Joseph Olugbenga (Primary School), Wahab Moshood Adeniran (Secondary School) and Aminu Gabriel Olugbenga – Principal for outstanding impact award.
Ambassador Temitope Ojoge, while speaking to The Democrat News Magazine, thanked God and the government for the recognition. She encouraged fellow teachers to remain committed, saying, “Your hard work will not go unnoticed. Work for your glorious days ahead.”
As the curtains fell on the celebration, a unifying message rang clear — teachers are not just conveyors of knowledge but builders of the future. The collaborative spirit championed in this year’s theme resonated strongly throughout the event, with calls for deeper partnerships across all levels of society.
Quoting the timeless words, “A teacher affects eternity; they can never tell where their influence stops,” the event ended with renewed hope, commitment, and pride in the teaching profession.