World Teachers’ Day: Group Hails Oyebanji for Prioritising Ekiti Teachers’ Welfare.

World Teachers’ Day: Group Hails Oyebanji for Prioritising Ekiti Teachers’ Welfare.

A grassroots mobilisation group, Oyebanji Street Vanguard (OSV), has commended the Governor of Ekiti State, Biodun Oyebanji, for what it described as his unwavering commitment to the welfare of teachers and the overall development of the education sector in the state.

The group made this known in a statement issued in Ado-Ekiti on Sunday in celebration of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day, where it praised the governor’s “remarkable strides” in improving the lives of teachers across the state.

According to OSV, Governor Oyebanji’s administration has demonstrated an uncommon dedication to the teaching profession through several landmark initiatives. These include the sustenance of free and compulsory education, the appointment of retired teachers as political office holders, massive renovation of public schools, and the approval of career progression for graduate teachers.

The governor was also lauded for the upward review of gratuities for retired teachers, the employment of 1,500 primary school teachers and 2,500 secondary school teachers, and the extension of the retirement age for teachers from 60 to 65 years, alongside an increase in service years from 35 to 40.

In commemoration of this year’s Teachers’ Day, the state government reportedly disbursed N46 million in cash rewards to outstanding teachers across various categories. Governor Oyebanji also approved the upward review of allowances for Science Teachers and Heads of Departments, and ordered the immediate payment of the 2019 leave bonus arrears to further boost morale in the education sector.

“The governor has shown, yet again, that the welfare of teachers is not an afterthought but a cornerstone of his administration,” the statement read in part.

OSV further described the Governor as a “true friend of the education sector,” noting his deep personal connection to the profession as “a product of a teacher, husband of a teacher, and child of a civil servant.”

Quoting the governor's remarks during the Teachers’ Day celebration, the group recalled: “It will always get better. I am resolutely committed to my pact with you and all Ekiti workers.”

The group urged all teachers and civil servants in the state to support the continuity of the present administration, which it said has brought stability and progressive reforms to the state.

“Governor Oyebanji’s governance has continued to position Ekiti as a model for others, and we are proud of the milestones being recorded under his leadership,” the statement concluded.