Oyo partners Unsung Hero Foundation to honour outstanding mathematics teachers
pannigeriannews
2 min read
The Oyo State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to rewarding excellence in education through strategic partnerships with Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and other education stakeholders.
The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Hon. Olusegun Olayiwola, made this known during an award presentation to the three best Mathematics teachers whose students excelled in the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The event, held in his office, was powered by the Unsung Hero Foundation in collaboration with the Ministry.
According to Hon. Olayiwola, when the Foundation visited the Ministry in August to express its intention of rewarding outstanding Mathematics teachers, the Ministry ensured transparency by engaging the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN), Oyo State branch, to select three teachers, one each from the state’s senatorial districts.
Olayiwola noted that the Ministry has always based its recognition of outstanding teachers and students on merit.
He recalled that, in a similar vein, six top-performing students were recently honoured from the six geopolitical zones of the state during the International Day of the Girl Child, organized by Her Excellency, Engr. (Mrs.) Tamunominini Makinde, wife of the Governor.
Hon. Olayiwola encouraged teachers to remain diligent and serve as role models to their colleagues, adding that their efforts play a vital role in shaping students’ careers.
“Many students shy away from Mathematics, but teachers must make the subject engaging and fun. Good work calls for more work, it is a challenge to remain the best, not only in Oyo State but across the nation,” he stated.
In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mrs. Bamidele Oyinloye, commended the Mathematical Association of Nigeria (MAN) for its continued collaboration with the Ministry and expressed the government’s readiness for more productive partnerships.
Speaking on behalf of the Unsung Hero Foundation, Mr. Ajiboye Oladapo, who represented the Founder, Mrs. Mariam Oladapo, explained that the award was designed to recognize and encourage teachers who demonstrate exceptional dedication. He noted that although this is the maiden edition in Nigeria, it would henceforth be an annual event.
A former chairman of MAN, Pastor Matthew Adisa, expressed appreciation to the Ministry for involving the Association in the selection process, describing the recognition as a pleasant surprise and a validation of the Association’s relevance.
The awardees are:
Mr. Musibau Yusuf – Igboora Secondary School, Igboora; Mr. Olumuyiwa Aikomo – Islamic Day Secondary School, Orita Bashorun, Ibadan; and Mr. Isaiah Akanmu – Adeniran Memorial Grammar School, Ogbomoso.
Speaking on behalf of the awardees, Mr. Aikomo expressed gratitude to the Ministry and the Unsung Hero Foundation for counting them worthy of the honour.
“Gone are the days when people said a teacher’s reward is in heaven,” he said, adding that Mathematics remains the simplest and most constant subject. He rounded off with a chant he often uses with his students:
“I love Maths, Maths is fun! It’s the easiest thing to do. Pay attention, and you’ll see, Maths is fun!”
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