Teachers Are Nation Builders, Says Adekanmbi …Promises sustained development for teachers under Omituntun 3.0

The governorship candidate of the Allied Peoples Movement (APM) in Oyo State, Hon. Bimbo Adekanmbi, has described teachers as nation builders, saying their contributions remain critical to the development of society.

Adekanmbi stated this in a message to commemorate the 2026 Teachers’ Day, where he commended teachers across Oyo State for their dedication to nurturing young minds and preparing future generations for leadership and professional responsibilities.

He said no nation could rise above the quality of its teachers, stressing that the contributions of educators extend beyond classroom teaching to shaping the character, values and abilities of citizens.

“As the world marks the 2026 Teachers’ Day, I salute the men and women of honour who have devoted their time and lives to nurturing young minds into becoming renowned professionals across various fields,” Adekanmbi said.

He added: “The development of any country is directly tied to the quality of its teachers, who mould citizens to contribute meaningfully to the socio-economic growth of society.”

Adekanmbi also commended teachers in Oyo State for their role in the improvement recorded in the state’s education sector.

He noted that Oyo recorded 55,543 candidates who obtained at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in the 2026 National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination, placing the state third nationally by the number of candidates meeting the benchmark. (Premium Times Nigeria)

According to him, the performance reflected the commitment and professionalism of teachers, as well as the efforts of other stakeholders in the education sector.

“As we celebrate this year’s Teachers’ Day, I honour the incredible men and women who shape minds, build character, and light the path to a brighter future,” he said.

“Teachers do far more than teach academic lessons; they teach resilience, kindness, critical thinking, and belief in one’s potential.”

Adekanmbi described teachers as the foundation upon which other professions are built, noting that doctors, engineers, scientists, leaders and other professionals were products of the efforts of teachers who had contributed to their intellectual and character development.

He acknowledged the patience, energy and sacrifices of teachers, saying that although their efforts were sometimes not immediately recognised, their impact continued to be felt across generations.

The APM candidate pledged that, if elected, his administration would sustain and strengthen policies and programmes aimed at improving the welfare and professional development of teachers, building on what he described as the foundation laid by Governor Seyi Makinde.

Adekanmbi promised to maintain prompt payment of teachers’ salaries, including the payment of salaries on the 25th of every month, popularly referred to as “GSM Day.”

He also pledged to sustain the promotion and upgrading of teachers in line with global standards, as well as allowances and incentives, including the 27.5 per cent teaching allowance, leave bonuses and 13th-month salary bonuses.

According to him, opportunities for educators to occupy leadership positions within the state’s public service would also be expanded.

He said teachers who had risen to positions such as Permanent Secretaries, Tutors General and Inspectors General had demonstrated that educators could contribute meaningfully beyond the classroom.

Adekanmbi said his administration would build on existing gains while introducing further reforms to strengthen the education sector and empower teachers.

“Teachers are the architects of Oyo State’s future, and under Omituntun 3.0, they will continue to receive the respect, support, and opportunities they deserve,” he said.