The Ogun Deputy Governor, Mrs Noimot Salako-Oyedele, has urged teachers to teach with purpose, describing them as the first identifiers and nurturers of children’s potential.
Salako-Oyedele made the call at the Teachers Conference 2026, Ogun State Edition, held on Saturday in Sagamu.
The the programme was organised by Sparkle Foundation in partnership with Alpha Global.
The conference had the theme: “Teaching with Purpose: Equipping Educators and Raising Change Makers.”
The deputy governor said that teachers played a vital role in shaping minds, building character and creating opportunities for learners through quality education.
She noted that teachers also served as counsellors, motivators and role models whose influence extended beyond the classroom.
Salako-Oyedele urged teachers to be compassionate, competent and demonstrate good character in discharging their responsibilities.
According to her, children learn enduring values through the conduct and examples set by their teachers.
Salako-Oyedele also said that the administration of Gov. Dapo Abiodun remained committed to strengthening education through sustained reforms and strategic investments.
She said that the government would continue to support partnerships that enhanced learning outcomes and provided stronger support systems for learners.
Gov. Dapo Abiodun’s administration has continued to prioritise reforms and investments that strengthen the education sector, improve learning outcomes and provide greater support for teachers.
“Our commitment is to ensure that our children, whether in urban centres or rural communities, have access to quality education that prepares them for life,” the deputy governor said.
Salako-Oyedele commended the organisers for the initiative and urged teachers to remember that classrooms were places where destinies could be transformed.
“A classroom is not just a room with desks and chairs; it is a place where destinies can be redirected.
“Pupils may not always remember what they were taught, but they will always remember how their teachers made them feel and what they opened their eyes to,” she said.
In a training session, Mrs Caroline Popoola, Chief Executive Officer of Alpha Childcare and Alpha Chains Ltd., urged teachers to adopt more creative teaching methods.
Popoola encouraged teachers to inspire curiosity, promote meaningful conversations, remain passionate and maximise available resources in educating learners.
Earlier, Mrs Olasinbo Ojuroye, Chief Executive Officer of Sparkle Foundation, described teachers as key drivers of societal transformation. She said that teachers nurtured future problem-solvers and nation-builders by choosing to teach with purpose.
Ojuroye said the foundation remained committed to improving children’s access to education and supporting teachers to enhance learning outcomes.
She disclosed that the foundation had supported over 5,000 pupils with educational materials and solar-powered ICT facilities, while training students in vocational skills to promote self-reliance.
