Kudos to the Edo State Government for pioneering honour for teachers at long last, regardless. Interestingly, this initiative, a revolutionary programme that will reward and motivate teachers to improve basic education. A commendable step towards changing the long held notion that the rewards of teachers is not here on earth, but rather in Heaven- (where it could hardly be ascertained the teachers will ever get the reward for their work), Umar Dalhat Muaz writes.
The out-going governor of Edo state, Godwin Obaseki had announced that his administration would institute a Hall of Fame for teachers in his state. His target was to reward the teachers for their diligence. While he made the decision recently, there were doubts about how the governor who had only few days to complete his tenure in office would achieve the decision. If this is Obaseki’s parting gift for the teachers, then it should be sustained by his successor in office, because government is continuum.
“The mission of the Hall of Fame is to honour teachers, recognise their commitment to educational excellence, and restore the prestige of the profession in Edo State”, Obaseki stated.
He stressed, “By showcasing achievements and dedication of our educators, we inspire future generations and foster a culture that values teaching as a noble profession”.
When unveiled the Edo Hall of Fame will enter history books as Nigeria’s first Teachers’ Hall of Fame to recognise contributions of teachers to growth and development.
Speaking on the event, Commissioner for Education, Dr Joan Oviawe, praised Obaseki’s approach to education, which made the state the pace setter in education.
“Edo State Ministry of Education announces unveiling of Teachers’ Hall of Fame, an initiative to celebrate contributions of educators. This is a key component of EdoBEST 2.0, which aims to restore the prestige of teaching and professionalise teaching.
“The Hall of Fame is strategically housed in Edo State Ministry of Education, ensuring it serves as a reminder of the role teachers play in shaping pupils and future of our state.
“In addition, the government is committed to providing better emolument for teachers, further enhancing the profession’s appeal and ensuring our educators feel valued and supported.
“This is the first Teachers’ Hall of Fame in Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa, setting standard for recognition of teaching excellence on the continent.
“Edo is transforming the educational landscape, and we invite the nation to join us in celebrating teachers’ contributions,” Oviawe said.
The commissioner said the governor has taken education to a higher level, a development that saw many states taking a cue from it to start something similar to its EdoBEST programme.
“I have no doubt that history will have positive things to say about Obaseki as far as progress is concerned. The marks being left in the education sector are definitely indelible,” she added.
The initiative, launched in April 2018, has made significant strides in enhancing teaching and learning practices, with over 97% of primary schools in the state benefiting from the programme.
EdoBest Model
In a related initiative, the government in a statement by the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (Edo SUBEB) in July 2023, while briefing journalists in Benin City, alongside the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media Projects, Mr. Crusoe Osagie and the Commissioner for Communications and Orientation, Chris Nehikhare, Mrs. Ozavize Salami, has said that 380,000 students from various public schools across the State were currently benefiting from the EdoBEST Programme.
She noted that reforms in the State’s basic education sector by the Governor Obaseki-led state government have continued to improve learning outcomes in schools, preparing children in the State for global competitiveness.
According to her, “Over 380,000 children in our schools have benefited from our EdoBEST programme and the Edo State Government has trained 16,000 teachers in digital skills and classroom management. In Edo, basic education is free and compulsory for children as they are equipped with various digital skills.
“The Edo State Government has distributed 12,000 tablets; 7 million exam materials and 1.5 million textbooks across various EdoBEST schools in Edo State as parents have access to their children’s results. The EdoBEST Programme has been able to rebrand all schools, even those schools in the rural and riverine areas.”
Salami further noted, “We are currently intervening in 336 schools and have 181 projects which will be giving 200 classrooms and water projects in 41 schools and will affect 72,000 children. 46 percent of the projects are in urban areas and 58 per cent in rural areas and the majority are close to completion level.
Progressive Programmes for Schools
‘We have been able to design progressive programmes for schools that are in rural areas as the programme is data-driven. The activities of teachers can be easily monitored as 7,000 teachers are currently being trained online and 84.4 per cent are logged on the online class.”
Restoring Education in Edo State
Obaseki’s commitment to restoring education in Edo State back to its former glory and tackling learning poverty led to the launch of the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) Programme in April 2018.
EdoBEST leverages the transformative power of cutting-edge technology to deliver outstanding learning outcomes to primary school children across Edo State by better supporting their teachers.
Hinged on five critical pillars that encapsulate the goals of the reform, EdoBEST has equipped teachers with the tools and skills to execute a unique type of learning experience for children.
The programme has also bridged communication gaps between communities and schools, improved schools’ infrastructure, strengthened the curriculum and improved learning outcomes among Edo State pupils.
A Call to State Governments to Emulate Edo Example
A high-level delegation from Jigawa and Delta States recently visited Edo State to observe the Edo Basic Education Sector Transformation (EdoBEST) program, a widely celebrated model of educational reform.
The EdoBEST initiative known for its measurable advancing qualitative basic education impact on student learning outcomes, teacher empowerment, and community engagement, has garnered attention from educational stakeholders across Nigeria and beyond.
The visit, supported by Governor Umar Namadi of Jigawa State and Governor Sheriff Oborevwori of Delta State, was led by Sagir Mohammed Sani, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Basic Education, Jigawa State, and Dr. Ashobogwu Nze Kingsley, Honourable Commissioner for Primary Education, Delta State.
Representing their states’ renewed commitment to transforming education, both leaders explored Edo’s core educational model, which incorporates data-driven teaching methodologies, digital tracking tools, and extensive teacher training programs. Hosted by the Edo State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and NewGlobe, the implementing partner of the programme, the delegation engaged in in-depth discussions and live classroom observations to understand how these pillars contribute to sustainable educational improvement.
Teachers’ Rewards Shouldn’t Only be in Heaven; They Should Start Here
For centuries, the selfless dedication of teachers has been acknowledged with the phrase “teachers’ rewards are in heaven.” While this sentiment honors their noble profession, it’s time to challenge the status quo. Why must teachers wait until heaven to receive their due rewards?
Programs like EdoBEST show us that rewarding teachers can have transformative impacts on education. By investing in teacher development, technology integration, and student support, we can create a conducive learning environment that benefits both teachers and students.
It’s time to bring teachers’ rewards down to earth. Here are reasons why?
Improved morale: Recognizing teachers’ hard work boosts their motivation and job satisfaction.
Enhanced performance: Incentivized teachers are more likely to deliver exceptional results.
Talent attraction and retention: Competitive rewards attract top talent and reduce teacher turnover.
Better learning outcomes: Empowered teachers equip students with skills for success.
Let’s reimagine the narrative: Teachers’ rewards shouldn’t only be in heaven; they should start here, now.
Advocating for teachers’ rewards on earth doesn’t diminish the value of their selfless service. Rather, it acknowledges their worth and invests in the future of our children.
Restoring Education standard Across Nigeria
Other states should take a cue from Governor Obaseki’s innovative approach to education as Jigawa and Delta did.
By prioritizing teacher welfare, integrating technology, and focusing on learning outcomes, Edo State has set a high standard for education reform. It is time for other states across the country to follow suit and ensure that every child receives a quality education by encouraging and ‘appreciating’ the teachers for their labour. If they receive their rewards on earth like other professionals, it will be a great motivation and honour to these special people who mould us from the cradle.
