Lagos State Government has assured teachers across the state of an increased commitment to their welfare, commending them for their deep dedication to public service.
The State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, who was represented by his Deputy, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, gave the assurance on Monday at the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration.
The event, organised by the Lagos State wing of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), was held at the Teachers’ Pavilion in Alausa, Ikeja.
This year’s event, themed ‘Standing with teachers: 60 years of protecting the profession, advancing its status, and shaping our future,’ was attended by teachers from various Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
Leadership from the state’s primary and secondary education agencies, including the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and the Teaching Service Commission (TESCOM), was also present.
Governor Sanwo-Olu lauded the courage and resilience of the educators, describing Nigerian teachers as some of the best globally.
‘As we continue to build a Lagos where every child has the opportunity to thrive, we must also ensure that the people entrusted with their education-the teachers-have the support and respect they deserve,’ Sanwo-Olu said. ‘Therefore, we will keep listening to them, improving their welfare, and putting them first in our policies and programmes.’
The Governor noted that teachers are key change agents who shape future generations of leaders, and he urged them to remain committed to high-quality service delivery.
He added that great teachers derive their greatest satisfaction from seeing their students become role models and leaders.
Disclosing policy updates, the Governor revealed that the state government has restored the annual State Teachers’ Merit Awards and is currently fine-tuning its modalities. Furthermore, he noted that the implementation of the 65-year retirement age (or 40 years of service) policy is currently being processed.
He acknowledged that salary increments alone are insufficient, stating that teachers also require a better working environment, modern teaching tools, decent and affordable housing, and a secure teaching environment. He promised that the state administration would keep these issues on the front burner.
In his goodwill message, the Commissioner for Basic and Secondary Education, Mr. Jamiu Alli-Balogun, congratulated the teachers and reaffirmed the government’s determination to sustain investments in education.
He emphasised that any school system thrives on the quality of its teaching, which directly impacts student performance.
Earlier, the State Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Hassan Akintoye, stated that protecting the teaching profession is essential to building a sustainable education system.
According to him, standing with teachers goes beyond celebrating them during award ceremonies or after excellent examination results.
‘It means ensuring decent working conditions, listening to their concerns, providing adequate teaching resources, protecting them from insecurity, supporting professional development, and ensuring their contributions are valued,’ Akintoye said. ‘We must make teaching attractive to young professionals while retaining experienced hands. We must also address excessive workloads and administrative failures that undermine effectiveness.’
Akintoye expressed appreciation to the Sanwo-Olu administration for its significant support of the education sector over the last eight years. He, however, presented eight key demands to the state government. These include the immediate implementation of the new retirement age policy, improved welfare, enhanced school security, better infrastructure, the appointment of a Headmaster-General, and the formal restoration of the state merit awards.
He promised that teachers would reciprocate the government’s gestures with improved service delivery.
The celebration also featured a keynote lecture delivered by Dr. Olutoye Mukaila Ayinde, who spoke on the impact of teachers on human capital development and the economy.
Additionally, the Executive Chairman of Ibeju-Lekki Local Government, Hon. Abdullah Sesan Olowa, received a recognition award from the union.