Ekiti Government Hires 5,530 Teachers, Gives ₦70.5 Million to Top Performers

The Ekiti State Government announced on Monday that it has hired at least 5,530 teachers for public primary and secondary schools in the last four years.

Governor Biodun Oyebanji shared this news during the World Teachers Day 2026 celebration at Ekitiparapo Pavilion in Ado Ekiti. He also mentioned that his government has given out ₦70.5 million to outstanding teachers across the 16 local government areas of the state.

Mr Oyebanji provided details on the recruitment. He said 430 teachers were brought on board in the Teaching Service Commission in 2022. In 2023/2024, 500 teachers were recruited, and in 2025/2026, 1,600 teachers joined. For the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), 1,500 teachers were added in the 2022/2023 session, and another 1,500 are expected in 2026.

He explained that the teachers who received funds were recognized for their exceptional performance. They came from public primary and secondary schools, private schools, and various roles within the education sector.

Mr Oyebanji revealed that all 203 public secondary schools now have ICT labs, Interactive Boards, and 5KVA inverters. He added that 125 of these schools also have internet access.

"Old school buildings were renovated in all the schools, and perimeter fencing was provided for 54 public secondary schools. Also, 48 public secondary schools received CCTV cameras, and 85 more will get theirs this month," he stated.

He assured the teachers that the government will continue regular salary payments and provide revolving car and housing loans for eligible secondary school teachers. He emphasized that the government will prioritize welfare packages for all teachers in state public schools.

Mr Oyebanji thanked the teachers for their ongoing support. He said the government is committed to making the celebration meaningful and memorable.

"As a government, we appreciate the central place of teachers in the education value chain, and we will always strive to make this celebration worthwhile and memorable."

“I sincerely appreciate our teachers for their unwavering support since we began our administration. Their dedication has improved teaching and learning outcomes,” he added.

He also thanked leaders from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the All Nigeria Confederation of Principals of Secondary Schools (ANCOPSS), the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), the Association of Public School Head Teachers of Nigeria (APSHON), and the Coalition of Private School Owners. He described them as key partners in progress.

Oyebanji urged the teachers to support President Bola Tinubu in the presidential election on January 16. He said the president's re-election is vital for the continuation of the Shared Prosperity Agenda in Ekiti State.

Lawrence Adedeji, the state chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), and Austin Bamidele, representing the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), praised Mr Oyebanji for his commitment to teachers' welfare and education development.

They called on the governor to fulfill his promises regarding outstanding payments and welfare packages for teachers. They stressed that honoring teachers should not be limited to just one day in October.