Ogun State has granted permanent appointments to 460 interns who completed their two-year internship under the OgunTEACh program, while 367 others have been enlisted into the scheme.

This initiative was part of the celebrations for the 2024 World Teachers’ Day at the June 12 Cultural Centre in Abeokuta, themed “Valuing Teachers' Voices: Towards a New School Contract For Education.” The event also honored outstanding teachers from the last academic year.

During the celebration, Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun acknowledged the vital role teachers play in nation-building, emphasizing that the welfare and professional development of educators are top priorities for his administration.

"A teacher's influence extends far beyond the classroom; they nurture generations, shape character, and build the nation," he stated.

Evang. Olalekan Ifede, Chairman of the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), congratulated the teachers and urged them to remain dedicated to their roles, highlighting the immeasurable impact of their contributions. He also encouraged the newly appointed teachers to strive for excellence in their careers.

"The government has been generous; the appointment of these 460 permanent teachers completes the 1,200 OgunTEACh enlistments initiated in 2021. Additionally, 594 new interns are joining the program, demonstrating our commitment to education and teachers," he noted.

Union leaders, including Comrade Oladipupo Sewakanu from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and Comrade (Dr.) Felix Agbesanwa of the Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), expressed satisfaction with the welfare improvements under the Abiodun administration. They also called for the adoption of e-lessons in schools and an increase in stipends for OgunTEACh interns.

New teachers Mustafa Ahmed and Raheem Fatimah expressed gratitude to the state government for fulfilling its promise, calling the move unprecedented.

The event concluded with awards in various categories, including Mr. Ogunfeso Tajudeen from Ishara Secondary School, Remo, who was recognized as the Overall Best Teacher in the 2024 Cambridge Dedicated Teachers' Award, receiving a prize of N2.5 million.