Education District IV in Lagos State has awarded the best students and schools at its 17th yearly Award and Honours Day. With the theme “Celebration of Excellence,” the district rewarded students, teachers, and administrators for their dedication and hard work, and had special recognition for top performers.

The Tutor General / Permanent Secretary, Education District VI, Dr. Shareefah Yusuf, highlighted the significance of the event, stating that “the Merit Award is our yearly tradition of recognising the best among the rest, separating the boys from the men.”

Yusuf also outlined the rigorous selection process for the four award categories: merit (students and staff), extracurricular activities, outstanding teachers, and benefactors. The merit category involved online exams and oral interviews, enabling the committee to identify innovative, creative, and leadership skills. She said the merit awards recognised students and staff across various categories in the district’s 106 schools and headquarters.

Yusuf explained that the extracurricular awards recognised students who brought glory to the district through their accomplishments, while outstanding teacher awards acknowledged those who made exceptional contributions to student growth and success. Benefactors were honoured for their unwavering support of the district’s educational mission.

Alo Michael Olukayode and Yusuf Owolabi Fatai were crowned the best principals in the junior and senior categories, respectively. Oloyede Tinuoa Ade and Yekini Adebowale Waliu were named the best teachers in their respective categories, while Oladeji Tosin Deborah and Dairo Akinwale were named the best non-teaching staff in the junior and senior categories, respectively, and Daystar Christian Centre and the Committee of Wives of Lagos State Officials (COWLSO), among other benefactors, were also recognised for their charitable work.

Afolabi Ibrahim Abiodun from Ilupeju Grammar School in Mushin claimed the title of best student for the 2023 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), while Mulero Raphael Ilerioluwa from the same school was recognised as the best student in the 2023 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The Chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Lagos State chapter, Adedoyin Adesina, stated that the purpose of the event was to encourage those who had done exceptionally well and to inspire those lagging behind.

The Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Establishment and Training, Olubusola Abidakun noted the state system “believes in recognising workers who have done well in their respective fields.”

Abidakun also noted that the success of students in the previous external examinations was a direct result of the dedication and hard work of their teachers.