Ogun, Federal Governments Reward Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher With House, Car, Cash Gifts
Written by News Desk on February 20, 2026
Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has rewarded Mr. Solanke Francis Taiwo, a primary school teacher at Ansa-Ur-Deen Main School I, Kemta, Abeokuta, with a two-bedroom bungalow for emerging as Nigeria’s Overall Best Primary School Teacher for 2025/2026.
The governor also presented him with the keys to a brand-new car donated by the Federal Government, in addition to the ₦50 million cash award earlier presented to him at the National Teachers’ Summit in Abuja in recognition of his outstanding performance and dedication to the teaching profession.
Governor Abiodun handed over the car keys to the award-winning teacher at his office in Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, in the presence of the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbagbu, and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Mr. Oloko.
The Governor disclosed that the two-bedroom bungalow would be allocated to Mr. Solanke in any location of his choice under the State Housing Scheme, describing the honour as well-deserved and a reflection of the state’s unwavering commitment to rewarding excellence in the education sector.
He reiterated his administration’s resolve to sustain continuous training and retraining of teachers through workshops, seminars, digitisation initiatives, and AI-powered teaching platforms to keep Ogun ahead in educational development.
Speaking with journalists, Prof. Arigbagbu described the feat as further validation of the state government’s sustained investment in education and the impact of ongoing reforms.
“When you do things consistently and efficiently, you will definitely continue to get results. We have been winning the Best Teacher Award back-to-back. This same teacher won in October and has now emerged as the overall best teacher in Nigeria,” he said.
The commissioner attributed the achievement to the Ogun State Education Revitalisation Agenda, built on six pillars, with the last pillar focusing on the welfare of students and teachers.
He noted that the declaration of emergency in the education sector led to far-reaching reforms spanning curriculum development, school management, technology and innovation, infrastructure, funding, and improved welfare.
According to him, the consistent national recognition of Ogun teachers and students is clear evidence that the reforms are yielding measurable results.
“It shows that when we say someone has emerged as the best teacher, it is not by chance or manipulation. It confirms that the entire education sector has been revitalised.
“We will continue on this path until the end of this administration. Ogun State is number one in education, and we cannot afford to go backwards,” he said.
Highlighting the state’s performance in external competitions, the commissioner recalled Ogun’s dominance in the JETS competitions, where students won 18 out of 24 available awards in one year, with a single student clinching nine awards.
On the Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) sub-sector, he revealed that five states have indicated interest in understudying Ogun’s model, particularly in TVET and the digitisation of education, adding that the Federal Government and the National Board for Technical Education have commended the state’s achievements.
He explained that the car gift was meant to inspire other teachers to strive for excellence, assuring that outstanding performance would always receive due recognition.
In his remarks, Mr. Solanke expressed gratitude to the governor for creating a conducive environment for teachers and learners, noting that the state’s heavy investment in education was clearly yielding positive outcomes.
“I feel excited and fulfilled. I appreciate our education-friendly governor for this great honour and for celebrating excellence, innovation, and transformational impact among teachers across the state.
“I promise to continue giving my best to make Ogun State proud and to collaborate with fellow educators to sustain the standard of excellence for which the state is known,” he said.
He urged fellow teachers to remain committed to rewriting the narratives of their learners and bringing out the best in every child entrusted to their care.
