Gov Abiodun presents cheques to outstanding students, teachers, schools in Ogun

In line with his administration’s commitment to rewarding excellence in the education sector, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has presented cash awards to outstanding students, teachers and schools across the state.

The beneficiaries include students from public and private primary, secondary and tertiary institutions, as well as teachers and schools that distinguished themselves in state-based and national competitions.

Presenting the cheques in Abeokuta, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said the gesture fulfilled the governor’s promise to reward academic excellence and exceptional performance.

He explained that during the 2025 combined convocation ceremonies of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, and Ogun State Polytechnic of Health and Allied Sciences, Ilese, Governor Abiodun had pledged to award the best graduating students cash prizes ranging from ₦2 million to ₦2.5 million.

Prof. Arigbabu noted that the consistent achievements recorded by pupils and students across primary and secondary schools were clear evidence that the state government’s investment in education was yielding positive results.

He added that Ogun State had not only become a reference point for other states but also a model for the Federal Ministry of Education.

“For about five years and still counting, our state contingents have continued to top various competitions. This shows that we are doing very well in the education sector,” he said.

Also speaking, the Director of Education in the Department of Science and Technology, Mrs. Abosede Edun, described the performances of Ogun students at the 2025 National Institute of Physics Conference, the National Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (NSTAN) competition, and the Joint Engineering, Technical and Science (JETS) competition as impressive.

She disclosed that the state contingents secured seven first positions in different categories, two second positions, three third positions and one fourth position at the various competitions.

Commending the ministry for its sustained support, the Ogun State Chairman of the Science Teachers Association of Nigeria (STAN), Dr. Yomi Onanuga, praised Prof. Arigbabu’s leadership and experience in the education sector, describing him as “a round peg in a round hole”.

Expressing appreciation to the state government, the 2025 overall best graduating student of Moshood Abiola Polytechnic, Ojere, Joseph Owolabi, and the 2025 Best Teacher in Nigeria (Primary Category), Mr. Francis Solanke, thanked Governor Abiodun for fulfilling his promise.

They pledged to remain good ambassadors of their institutions and Ogun State.

Highlights of the event included the presentation of cash awards to the overall best graduating students from tertiary institutions and winners in various categories at the 2025 Dapo Abiodun Teachers and Schools Excellence Awards.