At the 21st Edition of the Annual District Awards and Honors Day, held at Government Senior College, Eric Moore, Surulere, the Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary (TG/PS) of Education District III, Prince Segun Osinaike, praised the dedication of teachers, students, and non-teaching staff, while aligning the district’s achievements with the state’s education and technology agenda.
The event, tagged “Unlocking the 21st Century Educators,” celebrated outstanding contributions across the education community.
Osinaike in an interview stated that the significance of the ceremony was to appreciate teachers and students for the good works they’ve done, adding that Non-Teaching staff members have been included in the awards.
Speaking further, he emphasized that the initiative reflects the third pillar of the Governor’s agenda, where education and technology are central to development.
“What we’re doing is just in line with Mr Governor’s agenda whereby education and technology take a center pillar. The theme has been aligned, it is an upgrade of the 21st century teachers. And this is also the 21st edition of the annual merit award/honors day,” he said.
Osinaike proudly noted that the district is implementing the Governor’s mandate and grooming students to become global citizens.
“This shows how we in the educational sector have dived into the mandate given to us by the Governor, and we’re grooming our students to become global standards. The competitions that the students have won have qualified them to compete in international competitions, for example, robotics,” he explained.
He stressed the importance of preparing students to engage at a global level.
“This helps our students to see themselves as global students. They are to compete favorably with other international students like Europe, Asia and so on.”
Speaking on the atmosphere of the event, the TG/PS highlighted the joy and motivation seen among teachers, non-teaching staff, and students.
“I saw that teachers, non-teaching staff, and students displayed love to each other. They showed that they can still do better in all their undertakings. Most of them are now eager with what they experienced today, seeing their colleagues winning prizes and a vehicle,” he said.
“They now have the conviction that they can do likewise or even better. You can see them celebrating and taking pictures with the winner of the vehicle, which shows that they align with what is happening.”
Looking ahead, Osinaike announced plans to expand the reward system. “As the blooming district, we’re willing to do better. Today we are giving out just one vehicle. In subsequent awards/honors days, we’re going to raise the bar l, from one vehicle and other prizes to one vehicle for the senior and junior school participants.”
He also took the opportunity to advise students to avoid harmful behavior and focus on academics and personal growth. “I will advise our students to shy away from all bad activities like cultism, drug abuse, and all activities that can destroy their future. They should embrace their academic pursuit, affect their attitudes, and ensure they show good character.”
Addressing educators, he encouraged continued dedication and ambition.
“To the teachers, they should show more conviction to this job. We have done it to a certain level and gotten to the pinnacle of our career, the Tutor-General and Permanent Secretary. They can also attain and go higher. I advise the teachers to remain loyal.”
Osinaike concluded by commending the Lagos State Government’s ongoing support for education, noting that District IV is following its lead.
“The state is doing a lot for them. In our own district, we’re only emulating what is being done at the state level. We cannot match up to what is being done by the Governor,” he added.
The event underscored Education District IV’s unwavering commitment to excellence, innovation, and the empowerment of both staff and students in a fast-evolving global educational landscape.
