By Fakunle Sheriff Ekundayo
One of the 22 semi-finalists at the Lagos State Teachers Merit Award, Mrs. Olayinka Arẹmu, has described every teacher at the award ceremony as winners.
The bespectacled junior secondary school administrator at Army Cantonment secondary school, said it was a milestone to be among the glorious 22 semi-finalists from there 3,529 applicants at the second edition of the Merit Award ceremony, held at the State House in Alahusa on Wednesday.
She added: “It was a privilege and a life changing experience for me as a school administrator to have been part of this award ceremony.”
Mrs. Arẹmu, applauded Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, for the initiative, adding that the second term seeking Governor has changed the narratives of teachers reward with excellence, here on earth.
According to her, the event is an eye opener for teachers to become dedicated towards the quality standard in education for pupils, across public schools in Lagos State.
“The initiative by Governor Sanwo-olu is motivating teachers in the State to become hardworking and commited by improving their teaching and administrative skills for the benefit of pupils and students,” she submitted.
Mrs. Aremu congratulated the 13 finalists who were presented with brand new Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV), saying the award was well deserved and highly commendable for the eventual winners.
On her part, she calls for support from private organisations and corporate bodies to invest in public schools across Lagos State, through partnership with relevant education agencies.
“I will be willing to recieve educational support in the area of ICT skills and other academic related projects and programs for students in my school,” she said.
The administrator for junior secondary school, Mrs. Arẹmu used the medium to dedicate her progress at the teachers merit award to members of staff in her school, and to all that have supported her career as a teacher and school administrator.
The Lagos State Teachers Merit Award is an annual competition opened for teachers in Lagos State, organized by the Lagos State Government through the Commissioner and Ministry of Education.
The event which is now in the second year, has merit awards for teachers and school administrators in the Primary, Junior and Secondary school categories.