Gafar Alabi,

The Chairman of the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Evang. Olalekan Ifede, has commended the 2025 Overall Best Teacher in Nigeria, Mr. Francis Solanke, for giving back to his immediate community through the renovation of classrooms at Ansar-Ud-Deen Main Primary School 1, Kemta-Ilawo, in Abeokuta North Local Government Area of the State.

Ifede, gave the commendation during the commissioning of the renovated classrooms, describing the initiative as a commendable way of contributing to the development of education and improving the learning environment for pupils and teachers.

The renovation was undertaken by Mr. Solanke, who happened to be an education ambassador, embarked on it as part of his contribution to the development of education in his community.

The SUBEB Chairman appreciated Solanke, for making Ogun State proud through his achievement and urged the pupils to emulate his dedication by remaining focused and committed to their studies, encouraging the pupils to pay attention to their teachers and strive for excellence in order to become successful and contribute meaningfully to society in the future.

Also speaking, the Education Secretary, Abeokuta North Local Government, Chief Oluwole Ayorinde, congratulated Ambassador Solanke for making the local government proud, prayed that God would continue to bless and enrich him for his contributions to the development of education in the community.

The Chairman of the Association of Primary School Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON), Comrade James Ahmed, represented by Alhaji Sanni Babatunde; Chairman, Parent Club, Chief Taofeek Kupoluyi; and Chairman of the Association of Primary School Teachers of Nigeria (APSTON), Abeokuta North, Prince Sunday Oyero, also commended the initiative, noting that the renovation would provide a better, safer and more conducive learning environment for pupils and teachers, not only for the present generation but also for generations to come.

Lending his voice, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT), Abeokuta North, Comrade Olusesi Olayinka, lauded Solanke for bringing national recognition to Abeokuta North through his achievement, urging him to continue to uphold the standard and keep the flag flying.

   In her welcome address, the Headteacher of the school, Mrs Grace Amoo, disclosed that two classrooms had undergone extensive renovation, resulting in a more attractive, safer and conducive environment for teaching and learning, explaining that the approved renovation was completed as planned, while additional improvements were also extended to the frontage of a third classroom and the adjoining side of the building.

She charged the pupils to cherish and protect the facilities, urging them to make the classrooms not only beautiful spaces, but also laboratories for discovering talents, nurturing character and developing the leaders of tomorrow.

Responding, Ambassador Solanke, said the project was not about one individual but about the school, the community and a shared commitment to the future of the children, explaining that the intervention represented his contribution to the school community, which according to him, had remained an important part of his journey.