The Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evangelist Olalekan Ifede, has framed the state’s recognition of Mr. Francis Solanke as proof of a governance model that rewards excellence and drives performance in the education sector.

Solanke, a teacher at Ansar-ud-Deen Main School, Kemta-Ilawo, emerged as Nigeria’s Overall Best Primary School Teacher for the 2025/2026 academic session and was rewarded with a two-bedroom bungalow and a brand-new car donated by the Federal Government. Ifede described the achievement as both phenomenal and reflective of sustained state investment in foundational education.

According to the SUBEB chairman, the milestone is not isolated. He noted that Solanke had previously represented the state with distinction and hinted at a broader talent pool within Ogun’s public primary schools capable of national recognition.

Ifede also credited Governor Abiodun’s administration for strengthening teachers’ welfare through prompt salary payments, improved entitlements, digital teaching tools such as tablets, and ongoing infrastructure upgrades across public primary schools.

The underlying message is strategic: talent thrives where systems support it. By aligning incentives, welfare, and infrastructure, Ogun State is positioning its basic education sector not just for applause, but for sustained competitive excellence.