The auditorium of Government Senior College, Eric Moore, Surulere, came alive on Tuesday as Education District IV of Lagos State honoured outstanding teachers, principals, students and staff at its 2025 Merit Awards.
EpeInsights reports that the event themed “Unlocking the 21st Century Educators,” was a celebration of excellence, innovation, and resilience in public schools.
The highlight of the ceremony was the presentation of a brand-new car to Mr. Oyewole Wasiu Abioye, a teacher at Wesley Girls Senior Secondary School, who emerged Best Teacher in the Senior School Category. His recognition drew loud cheers from colleagues, students, and parents.
The Tutor-General/Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olusegun Osinaike, was praised for his leadership, with Hon. Adebola Rasheed Shabi, representing Lagos Mainland Constituency II, describing the awards as a way of “recognising those who go the extra mile to transform lives in the classroom.”
Shabi also presented cash prizes and tablets to top-performing students in the 2025 BECE and WASSCE, warning that the funds must be used strictly for educational purposes.
The Chairperson of the Teaching Service Commission, Mrs. Victoria Mopelola Peregrino, reminded guests that teachers are the “custodians of values and knowledge,” adding that “when we celebrate teachers, we are celebrating the future.”
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
- Miss Amaram Joy Chiamaka of Sari-Iganmu Senior Secondary School – Best WASSCE Student
Principals, vice-principals, and non-teaching staff were also recognised for their contributions.
Guest speaker, Pastor Adebayo Adeyemo, urged educators to see the awards as a call to greater service, stressing that “hard work, commitment, and passion never go unnoticed.”
Reaffirming the district’s vision, Osinaike pledged continued efforts to ensure every child thrives and every teacher is empowered, in line with Lagos State’s education agenda.
The ceremony was attended by top government officials, including Mr. Opeyemi Eniola, Senior Special Adviser to the Governor on Basic and Secondary Education, and Mr. Aluko Akintunde, who represented the SUBEB Chairman.
The evening ended on a high note, reinforcing the message that teachers remain the heartbeat of progress and education the key to sustainable development.
