The Kwara State Government has rewarded outstanding teachers, school administrators, academics and schools with a total of ₦119.5 million, as part of efforts to recognise excellence and strengthen the education sector.
The awards were presented during the state’s celebration of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day in Ilorin.
A total of 29 principals and head teachers received ₦29 million, while 119 outstanding teachers shared ₦59.5 million.
Another 11 serving and retired university academics received ₦22 million under the state’s pioneer professorship recognition award, while three schools received a combined ₦9 million for emerging as winners of the Best Kept School Award.
Governor Promises More Support for Teachers
Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, said the recognition was designed to appreciate teachers’ contribution to education and encourage higher standards across schools.
“We will continue to do our part, including improving your welfare and working conditions on a sustainable basis.”
The governor said his administration remained committed to building an education system that gives children the opportunity to learn, develop useful skills and compete globally.
He noted that the state’s education reforms included merit-based teacher recruitment, continuous professional development, improved school infrastructure and the use of technology and data through KwaraLEARN.
AbdulRazaq also highlighted the implementation of the 27.5 per cent Teachers’ Specific Allowance and regular promotions as part of measures aimed at improving teachers’ welfare.
“We needed to improve the quality of teaching and learning itself as well as sustainably restore the dignity of our teachers,” he said.
Female Teachers to Benefit From Proposed Share Scheme
The governor also announced plans for the state government to purchase shares in the ongoing Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals initial public offering for selected outstanding female teachers.
He said the initiative was being developed in collaboration with the Aliko Dangote Foundation to encourage investment, financial inclusion and asset ownership among women.
According to AbdulRazaq, serving female teachers under TESCOM and SUBEB who qualify for the programme are expected to receive 10 shares each, while consideration would also be given to outstanding retired female teachers.
“This discussion is about promoting investment culture among women, financial inclusion, investment, assets and shareholding,” he said.
The governor directed the Head of Service, Dr Olufunke Mercy Shittu, to work out the modalities for the initiative.
However, details of the final number of beneficiaries and eligibility requirements were yet to be announced.
Government Approves Teachers’ Promotion Exercise
The Chairman of the Kwara State Universal Basic Education Board, Prof. Sheu Raheem Adaramaja, announced that the government had approved the 2026 promotion exercise for eligible teachers.
He said the promotion examination had been scheduled for Saturday and expressed the expectation that Kwara would become the first state in the country to conduct its 2026 promotion exercise for eligible teachers.
Commissioner for Education and Human Capital Development, Dr Lawal Olohungbebe, congratulated the award recipients and urged teachers to continue developing their professional skills.
Teachers Seek Improved Welfare
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Kwara State, Yusuf Wahab Agboola, commended the government for its investment in education infrastructure and teachers’ welfare.
He, however, urged the state to adopt the national harmonised retirement age for teachers and consider other welfare-related requests.
Similarly, former Kwara State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress and keynote speaker, Umar Farooq, called for sustained support for teachers.
He described investment in teachers as an investment in children and communities, rather than simply support for a profession.
The event brought together government officials, education administrators, labour leaders and representatives of the Nigeria Union of Teachers.
AbdulRazaq said the government would continue to prioritise teachers’ welfare while pursuing reforms aimed at improving teaching quality and educational outcomes across Kwara State.
