Education
Oyo Promotes 7,460 Primary School Teachers to Boost Morale
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
In order to boost the morale of teachers in the state, the Oyo State government has promoted no fewer than 7,460 teachers in public primary schools on its payroll, with letters distributed to 9,227 teachers on Grade level 13-15.
At the presentation of the letters on Friday by the Executive Chairman of the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Dr Nureni Aderemi Adeniran, it was explained that it was in fulfilment of the promises made to teachers in the state by Governor Seyi Makinde.
Dr Adeniran noted that the category of teachers who received their letters of promotion was placed on a six-year waiting period by the previous administrations, adding that this policy had affected the morale of public primary school teachers as their counterparts in the secondary schools were not affected by the policy.
“I am pleased to be here this morning at the official presentation of Promotion letters to our teachers from grade level 13 to 15. You are all aware that a similar programme was held in October 2021 for teachers and non-teaching staff,” he said.
Dr Adeniran praised Governor Makinde for his love for teachers, which was demonstrated by the approval granted, that six years waiting period be reverted with immediate effect.
“This by implication means that all teachers affected are going to enjoy their promotions with a month’s arrears and this takes financial effect from the month of June 2022,” he said.
He added that teachers that have retired from service in the course of processing the approval for the lifting of the six-year waiting period will also enjoy the promotion due to them, simply by applying for the re-computation of their gratuity and pension in line with the Pension Act.
The Oyo SUBEB boss said, “The present administration has positively impacted the lives of both public and Civil Servants because of its people-oriented policies. In view of this, I want to admonish all our teachers to ensure that, to whom much is given, much is expected”.
He, therefore, called for the support of teachers, adding that the state government has left no stone unturned to better the lives of teachers in the state.
“This administration will request your support to enjoy continuity of prompt payment of salaries and promotion as and when due, as well as, a conducive working milieu,” he said.
Dr Adeniran acknowledged the support of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) and Association of Primary School Head-teachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) Oyo State Branch to the success of this exercise.
“In all, a total number of Nine Thousand, Two Hundred and Twenty-seven (9,227) letters of promotion were produced for teachers on GL. 13-15,” he said.
“This has taken care of those that will benefit from two promotions. Once again, I wish to admonish all teachers to be patient and appreciative of the present administration’s various kind gestures, geared towards ameliorating their sufferings, improving their career progression and their well-being, all of which are unprecedented. These gestures can only be reciprocated by being more committed to their duties at all times, with a view to ensuring improved learning outcomes in our schools,” Dr Adeniran added.
Speaking earlier, the NUT Chairman, Mr Raji Oladimeji, assured the state government that the gesture of the state government would never be forgotten, adding that this would further encourage teachers in Primary schools to deliver good, qualitative and efficient education to the pupils across the state.
Education
6,300 Benefit N1.7bn from Teachers’ Endwell Scheme in Oyo
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Over N1.7 billion has been disbursed to about 6,300 teachers and next-of-kin between 2022 and 2026 under the Teachers’ Social Security Scheme (Endwell Scheme) in Oyo State.
The Endwell scheme was conceived at a time when retiring teachers were abandoned by all tiers of government, and many faced severe psychological and financial distress due to late payment of gratuities and pensions.
But since its inception about three decades ago, the initiative has become a dependable social security support for thousands in the state.
At the 14th state (Biennial) general meeting of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) held at the Teachers’ House, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan, the chairman of the Board of Trustees, Mr Obasola Elijah Olayiwola, reaffirmed the scheme’s solid financial footing and consistent fulfilment of obligations to members.
During the presentation of the management report, he said the rise in benefit payments reflects an increasing number of retiring teachers and a growing subscriber base, boosted by the recruitment of new teachers by Governor Seyi Makinde.
He assured members that the scheme remains financially disciplined, saying, “The Endwell Scheme continues to be a strong pillar of support for our teachers. The steady increase in beneficiaries underscores our commitment to protecting the welfare of those who serve in our classrooms.”
He added that the board will continue to strengthen investment strategies to maintain sustainable returns for contributors.
On his part, the chairman of NUT Oyo State chapter, Mr Raji Oladimeji Ismael, said the new financial data confirms that the Endwell Scheme has entered a new era of stability, strength, and relevance.
He stated that the scheme’s uninterrupted performance over the last three decades, without any record of financial collapse, demonstrates its resilience despite past scepticism and opposition.
“Today marks another milestone in the history of Endwell. The gloomy days are completely over. The scheme has weathered storms, survived doubt, and continues to wax stronger daily,” he said.
Mr Oladimeji reiterated that the scheme has consistently paid Non-Refundable Terminal Benefits (NRTB) and death-in-service compensation to members and families across the state for three decades.
He praised past and present management teams, particularly the current Board led by Comrade Obasola, for consolidating the scheme’s successes, also commending subscribers for their loyalty and prompt dues payment.
A major highlight of the event was the special recognition and honour bestowed on the founding fathers and early contributors who played pivotal roles in the creation and successful take-off of the Endwell Scheme.
Those honoured included Comrade Anusat Babatunde Amuda, Comrade Ibrahim Bolomope, Comrade Elijah Olu Abiala, Comrade Suleiman Adediran, Mr Tade Ipadeola, Mrs J. L. Latunji, and Mr Oladiti Oladapo.
The union described them as visionaries whose courage and foresight midwifed a scheme that has now become a lifeline for thousands of educators in Oyo State, urging newly recruited teachers to join the scheme, stressing that Endwell remains one of the most reliable and effective welfare mechanisms available to educators in Oyo State.
Education
2026 Akada Children’s Book Festival Holds May 23
By Aduragbemi Omiyale
The 2026 edition of Akada Children’s Book Festival (ACBF) will take place on Saturday, May 23, at Rugby School Nigeria, Eko Atlantic, Lagos.
A statement from the organisers disclosed that this event, in its eighth year, will offer families a chance to engage their kids in fun, learning, and imagination all in one vibrant space.
The theme is Big Dreams, Brave Stories, and will feature different activities designed to move beyond passive participation, giving children the opportunity to engage actively with stories, explore their creativity, and connect with books in ways that feel natural and exciting.
Some of the rich and engaging line-up of activities designed to immerse children, parents, and educators in an interactive literary experience include author-led book readings, author meet-and-greet sessions, storytime sessions, book chats, book exhibitions and signings, workshops for children, workshops for parents and educators, writing and illustration competition announcements, scrabble and chess tournaments, theme song competition, sip and paint sessions, STEM activities, sensory play experiences, drama, music, and dance performances, and prizes and book giveaways.
The book festival encourages children to embrace courage, creativity, and self-expression. Through stories of adventure, bravery, and self-discovery, kids are inspired to dream boldly, ask questions, and see themselves as active participants in their own journeys.
As a result, some original children’s titles by Nigerian authors have been curated for the event. They include Lumi Drives from London to Lagos by Pelumi Nubi, Sim Sim Goes to the Salon by Tonye Faloughi-Ekezie, Amang Goes to the Village by Namse Udosen, and What Happened on Thursday? A Nigerian Civil War Story by Ayo Oyeku.
These books reflect diverse experiences and cultural contexts, allowing children to see themselves in the stories while exploring new worlds through literature.
Education
Controversial Nursery School English Language Textbook Not Approved—Lagos Govt
By Modupe Gbadeyanka
The Lagos State government has stressed that it did not approve the use of the controversial nursery school English language textbook in public and private schools in the state.
A mother had come online to criticise an alleged inappropriate content in her child’s textbook. It was claimed that the publisher of the book threatened to sue the woman.
Reacting to the development, the Permanent Secretary in the Lagos State Ministry of Basic and Secondary Education, Mrs Abisola Dokunmu-Adegbite, said the “textbook is not among the approved and recommended instructional materials authorised for use in public, or approved private schools across the state.”
According to her, the ministry maintains a strict policy on the selection and approval of educational materials to ensure that all learning resources are age-appropriate, morally sound, and align with the educational standards and values of the state.
She stated that based on preliminary findings, the “school featured in the video is located somewhere in Ojo Local Government, Lagos State.”
“The name of the school and publisher have been identified for further investigation and appropriate actions. The public is hereby assured of qualitative foundational education for our children in the state,” the senior government official said in a statement on Tuesday.
Mrs Dokunmu-Adegbite reiterated that only government-approved textbooks and instructional materials are permitted for use in schools in Lagos State, advising school administrators, proprietors, and teachers “to adhere strictly to these guidelines to safeguard the moral and academic development of our learners.”
She assured parents, guardians, educators, and the general public that the state government will always work hard to ensure children get quality education.
-
Feature/OPED6 years agoDavos was Different this year
-
Travel/Tourism10 years ago
Lagos Seals Western Lodge Hotel In Ikorodu
-
Showbiz3 years agoEstranged Lover Releases Videos of Empress Njamah Bathing
-
Banking8 years agoSort Codes of GTBank Branches in Nigeria
-
Economy3 years agoSubsidy Removal: CNG at N130 Per Litre Cheaper Than Petrol—IPMAN
-
Banking3 years agoSort Codes of UBA Branches in Nigeria
-
Banking3 years agoFirst Bank Announces Planned Downtime
-
Sports3 years agoHighest Paid Nigerian Footballer – How Much Do Nigerian Footballers Earn
