Solanke, UNILORIN alumnus, emerges Nigeria’s best performing teacher
By Mubarak Oladosu
A 2010 graduate of the Department of Education Management, University of Ilorin, Mr Francis Taiwo Solanke, has emerged as the 2025 overall best teacher in Nigeria in the Primary School Category.
The former Unilorite, who now teaches at the Ansaru-deen Primary School in Abeokuta, Ogun State, was presented with the award during the 2026 National Teachers Summit held at the Eagle Square, Abuja.
While presenting Mr Solanke his award the First Lady of Nigeria, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu, who described herself as a lifelong teacher with firsthand experience as a classroom teacher, urged teachers to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and uphold integrity in their work noting that teachers have an enduring impact in shaping the society.
Mrs Tinubu, who also called for continued support for teachers, noted that “meaningful education and national progress can only be achieved when teachers are adequately equipped, motivated and supported.
In his remarks at the event, the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, noted that since teachers are the foundation of education and education is the foundation of national development, no nation can rise above the qualities of its teachers.
According to the Minister, “no reform, no matter how well designed, can succeed unless teachers are empowered, motivated, supported and respected.”
Responding, Mr Solanke told newsmen that over the last 23 years of his career as a teacher, he has groomed his pupils on both curricula and extra-curricula activities, which have made them win awards at local, state and national competitions.
The Federal Government rewarded the Unilorite with the sum of N50 million and gave the 11 other awardees N25 million each. The Governor of KebbiState, Muhammad Nasir Idris, also gave each of the 12 winners N5 million
On his part, the Governor of Ogun State, Prince Dapo Abiodun, gave Mr Solanke a two bedroom apartment while the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zullum, presented him a brand new car.
Meanwhile, the Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Wahab Olasupo Egbewole, SAN, has congratulated Mr Solanke describing him as a great pride to the University.
Speaking through the Director of Corporate Affairs, Mr Kunle Akogun, the Vice Chancellor noted that excellence and distinction are never an exception at the University of Ilorin, but an every day norm.
Prof. Egbewole, therefore, called on all students and alumni of the University to keep the flag of excellence flying wherever they may be.
