…..warns against examination malpractices……
Oriola Afolabi
Ekiti State Government has rewarded thirty-six teachers in public primary and secondary schools with about fifty million naira for their outstanding performances, with a warning that any school caught encouraging examination malpractices will be sanctioned.
At this year’s World Teachers Day held at the Ekiti Parapo Pavilion, Ado Ekiti on Saturday, 5th of October, 2024, public and private school teachers across the sixteen Local Government areas appeared in the same Ankara with different styles and they all defied the rain to grace the occasion.
Out of the thirty-six, the best teachers in Primary and secondary schools got six million naira each, second position received two million naira each while third position got one point five million naira and those who got consolation prize went home with two hundred thousand naira and Recognition Award received two hundred and fifty thousand naira.
In his message, Governor Biodun Oyebanji who expressed resolve of his administration to stamp out examination malpractices, said that such could tarnish the integrity of government and the state.
Represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Monisade Afuye, Governor Oyebanji maintained that Ekiti was not in any competition to make name in education, saying that the state had made its mark in education without any influence from any quarter and such reputation should be sustained.
Governor Oyebanji reassured the people of his administration’s commitment to prompt payment of salary, promotion of teachers and other emoluments that would spur them to work, while urging them not to relent in efforts to make Nigeria great.
“I want to sternly warn all school managers at all levels that government has zero tolerance for examination malpractice and investigations are ongoing to look into some of the allegations of connivance in examination malpractice in some schools which led to seizure of SSCE results.
“I haven’t sent any school manager to impress me with bogus results to prove anything to me. We are not in any competition to earn fake glory that is cancerous to the future of our young ones.
“Ekiti has a great name as a land of scholarship, learning and integrity, we will not tolerate any unwholesome and unethical practice from any school or staff that could tarnish this glorious reputation”, Oyebanji stated.
Earlier, the Chairman, Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools, ASUSS, Mr Sola Adigun urged Government to always recognize teachers in policy making to bring about meaningful changes and academic excellence across the country.
Mr Adigun also advocated a legislative backing for the office of Tutor General and should be given a paraphernalia that would make them to be at par with Permanent Secretary in the Civil service.
On his part, the NUT Chairman, Mr Daodu Bamidele urged government at all levels to value teachers voices to address some of the problems confronting the education sector which include lack of adequate teachers, poor renumeration and ratio of pupils to teachers, among others.
Mr Bamidele also listed some of their demands to include employment of more teachers , provision of security in schools, appointment of retired teachers into political offices, especially in education and implementation of sixty-five years retirement age for teachers, among others.
They however applauded Governor Oyebanji for massive renovation of schools, provision of free buses and approval of promotion of primary school teachers to level sixteen.
Some the awardees including the Best Teachers in Primary School, Mrs Folatemi Modupe and Secondary School, Mr Odunayo Ariloye appreciated the Governor for the gesture and promised to always contribute their quota to the development of the state.
