- Wesley Girls’ teacher, Mr. Oyewole Wasiu Abioye, won a brand-new car as Best Teacher (Senior School Category).
- Hon. Adebola Shabi and TESCOM Chairperson Mrs. Peregrino praised TG/PS Mr. Olusegun Osinaike’s leadership.
- Students, principals, vice-principals, and staff across categories were honoured with prizes and recognition.
The auditorium of Government Senior College, Eric Moore, Surulere, brimmed with excitement on Tuesday as Education District IV rolled out the red carpet for its 2025 Merit Awards, themed “Unlocking the 21st Century Educators.”
Eko Hot Blog reports that the annual event, dedicated to recognising outstanding teachers, principals, students, and education staff, became a celebration of resilience, passion, and innovation in Lagos State’s public schools.
The star of the evening was Mr. Oyewole Wasiu Abioye of Wesley Girls Senior Secondary School, who drove away in a brand-new car after being crowned Best Teacher in the Senior School Category.
His recognition drew thunderous applause from colleagues and students alike, underscoring the district’s commitment to rewarding excellence in education.
The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary (TG/PS), Mr. Olusegun Osinaike, was at the centre of the accolades, receiving praise from dignitaries for his visionary leadership. Hon. Adebola Rasheed Shabi, Lagos State House of Assembly Member representing Lagos Mainland Constituency II, commended Osinaike’s consistent push for quality education.
“This is not just about awards,” Shabi said. “It is about recognising those who go the extra mile to transform lives in the classroom.”
He also celebrated the district’s top students in the 2025 BECE and WASSCE, gifting them cash prizes and tablets, but firmly cautioned: “These funds are strictly for academic use and must not be diverted.”
The Chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), Mrs. Victoria Mopelola Peregrino, in her keynote address, reminded all that teachers are the custodians of values and knowledge.
“When we celebrate teachers, we are celebrating the future. The classroom remains the heartbeat of national development,” she noted.
Guest speaker, Pastor Adebayo Adeyemo, urged educators and students to see the recognition as a call to greater service. “Hard work, commitment, and passion never go unnoticed,” he said.
Other awardees included Mr. Ogundeji Adewale Olubusayo of New Era Girls Junior Secondary School (Best Teacher, Junior School), Miss Alfred Ojone Immaculate of Randle Junior Secondary School (Best BECE Student), and Miss Amaram Joy Chiamaka of Sari-Iganmu Senior Secondary School (Best WASSCE Student).
Principals, vice-principals, staff, and non-teaching staff across categories also went home with honours.
Reaffirming the district’s vision, Mr. Osinaike said: “We are committed to ensuring that every child thrives, and every teacher is empowered to lead the future, in line with Lagos State’s education agenda.”
The ceremony, attended by senior government officials including Mr. Opeyemi Eniola, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, and Mr. Aluko Akintunde representing SUBEB’s Executive Chairman, closed on a resounding note that teachers remain the heartbeat of progress, and education the pathway to sustainable development.
