Ogun Governor Rewards Nigeria’s Best Teacher with Bungalow, FG Gifts Car

Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has rewarded Mr. Solanke Francis Taiwo, a dedicated primary school teacher, with a two-bedroom bungalow for emerging as the Overall Best Primary School Teacher in Nigeria for the 2025/2026 session. The governor also presented the keys to a brand-new car donated by the Federal Government, adding to the ₦50 million cash prize Solanke received earlier at the National Teachers’ Summit in Abuja.

Solanke, who teaches at Ansa-Ur-Deen Main School I in Kemta-Ilawo, Abeokuta South Local Government Area, was honored for his exceptional contributions to education. This marks the second time Ogun State has produced the nation’s top teacher, highlighting the state’s commitment to educational excellence.

In a statement shared on his official X handle, Governor Abiodun emphasized the importance of investing in teachers. “We celebrated excellence in our education sector by rewarding Mr. Solanke Francis Taiwo, a primary school teacher at Ansa-Ur-Deen Main School I, Abeokuta, who emerged as the Overall Best Primary School Teacher in Nigeria for the 2025/2026 session,” he said. “In recognition of this outstanding achievement, we presented him with a two-bedroom bungalow under our State Housing Scheme, to be located in an area of his choice, and handed over the keys to a brand-new car donated by the Federal Government, in addition to the ₦50 million cash prize earlier awarded to him at the National Teachers’ Summit in Abuja.”

The governor further noted that this recognition reinforces Ogun State’s belief in sustained investment in education, teacher welfare, training, digitization, and innovation. “We remain committed to continuous reforms that empower our teachers and learners, reward excellence, and position Ogun State as a national benchmark in education,” Abiodun added. “As long as we lead this state, hard work, dedication, and exceptional performance will always be acknowledged and celebrated.”

NaijaChoice News reports that eleven other outstanding teachers from across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory also received ₦25 million each as part of the national awards. Solanke’s win has been celebrated widely, with social media buzzing about the impact of such incentives on Nigeria’s education sector.

This event underscores ongoing efforts by both federal and state governments to motivate educators and improve learning outcomes nationwide. Experts believe that rewarding teachers like Solanke will inspire more professionals to strive for excellence in the classroom.