Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to strengthening the education sector through sustained investment in teachers’ training and capacity development.
The Governor gave the assurance on Monday at the 2026 World Teachers’ Day Celebration themed, “Standing With Teachers: 60 Years of Protecting the Profession, Advancing its Status and Shaping Our Future,” held at the NUT Pavilion, CBD, Agidingbi, Ikeja. Represented by Deputy Governor Dr. Kadri Obafemi Hamzat, he said government would continue to promote technology in teaching and learning and improve learning environments.
“The classroom of today is not the classroom of yesterday. Our teachers must be equipped for a future shaped by technology, artificial intelligence, innovation, entrepreneurship and a changing global economy,” Sanwo-Olu said, noting UNESCO and ILO are revising the 1966 Recommendation due to new pressures.
He disclosed that between 2023 and 2025, the state recruited 4,353 teachers across education districts and LASTVEB, with fresh recruitment approved through SUBEB, adding that salaries are paid on the 23rd of every month and N102.5 million housing loans approved for teachers.
“We will keep recruiting on merit, because our classrooms still need more teachers. Your requests on the retirement age for teachers and on the Annual Teachers’ Merit Award are receiving attention,” he said.
First Lady Dr. Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu, represented by former Tutor-General, Education District IV, Mrs. Anike Adekanye, commended teachers, saying their impact is measured by the doctors, engineers and entrepreneurs produced from their classrooms.
Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, said the education narrative is changing through improved welfare, infrastructure and WAEC performance, confirming that government has approved the return of the Teachers’ Merit Award.
Guest lecturer Dr. Olatoye Makaila Ayinde called for investment in AI training, smart classrooms and teacher licensing through TRCN, while NUT Chairman, Lagos Wing, Comrade Akintoye Hassan, listed demands including improved school security, appointment of Headmaster-Generals, infrastructure upgrade and welfare enhancement.
