By Allen Sowore, Esq.
Tony Blair, the former Prime Minister of Great Britain, once remarked during the launch of Labour’s Education Manifesto at the University of Southampton on May 23, 2001:
“Our top priority was, is, and always will be education, education, education. To overcome decades of neglect and make Britain a learning society, developing the talents and raising the ambitions of all our young people.”
Education has been the cornerstone of development and a top priority for all great nations.
Since yesterday, when Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa approved the recruitment of another 1,100 teachers to fill vacancies and improve the student-teacher ratio in the state’s public primary schools, I have been reflecting on the depth of his commitment to education, teachers, and the fundamental role of learning in society. After all, it is often said that no nation can rise above the level of education of its citizens.
This is not the first time I have pondered the Governor’s dedication to education.
On May 1, 2024, during the Workers’ Day Celebration, Governor Aiyedatiwa stood for the first time to take salutes from various cadres of workers in the state. The event took place at the Gani Fawehinmi Arcade Ground, the traditional venue for major state functions.
Workers dressed in colourful attires filled the grounds, while security agencies, including the state-owned Amotekun, stood on guard. By 10:00 a.m., the efficient Police Band had taken their stand and commenced their symphonic renditions.
Soon, the comperes, Ms. Laurel Ojo and Mr. Kayode Olorunfemi, announced the Governor’s arrival, signaling the official start of the event. The ovation that greeted his entrance had barely subsided when the DJ played the National Anthem, and the crowd joined in with enthusiasm. This was followed by the state anthem. As the crowd settled, the MC introduced the Governor’s entourage: Deputy Governor Olayide Adelami, Speaker of the State House of Assembly Rt. Hon. Oladiji Oladeji, attending Commissioners, the Chief of Staff, the Secretary to the State Government, Special Advisers, and other senior government officials.
The Governor was soon called upon to acknowledge greetings from the marching workers, grouped into various associations, including the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW). The parade moved in sync with the rhythm of the Police Musical Band, while the Governor waved in acknowledgment.
Then came the turn of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT). Dressed in uniform, they marched confidently, raising their right hands as if writing on an imaginary chalkboard. The Governor instantly caught the signal and, for a moment, lost his composure—waving both hands enthusiastically.
From my vantage point on an elevated platform, I noticed a middle-aged man approach the Master of Ceremony to whisper something. Meanwhile, the crowd, already charged with excitement, grew more curious. Why did the Governor react so passionately to the teachers?
Moments later, the MC’s voice rang out: “The Governor was a teacher!” He repeated it for emphasis. The revelation electrified the crowd, who responded in unison, “The Governor was a teacher! No wonder!”
Indeed, Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa was once a teacher.
That moment on Workers’ Day stayed with me, and I became even more curious about his background in education.
After completing his secondary education, the Governor worked as a Store Assistant at Scua Motor, Apapa, for about a year, saving up some money. He was later admitted to the prestigious Lagos State College of Education, Ijanikin (now Adeniran Ogunsanya College of Education), where he studied Economics/Government in Education. He was trained as a teacher and graduated in 1986.
He went on to teach at Reliance International School—first as a class teacher, and later, as an assistant head teacher.
It’s one thing to be a teacher; it’s another to have empathy for teachers. Governor Aiyedatiwa has empathy for all.
Recently, on March 8, 2025, Governor Aiyedatiwa unveiled the Odatiwa Women Initiative Grant, a financial empowerment scheme designed to support 1,000 low-income women across the state.
He officially launched the grant distribution during the 2025 International Women’s Day celebration, held at the International Culture and Event Centre (The Dome) in Akure.
Dr. Seun Osamaye, Special Adviser to the Governor on Women Affairs, revealed that the Governor specifically directed that at least 100 street sweepers be included in the initiative. This is empathy in action.
A good leader must not only lead but also care for the most vulnerable in society. Governor Aiyedatiwa exemplifies this principle.
Now you know! With a former teacher at the helm, our education system is in safe hands.
The 1999 Constitution states that a Governor shall be the Chief Executive of a State—chief in all aspects. If you ask a Yoruba elder to describe a governor who has recruited more than 2,000 teachers in a single month, he would likely call him Olùkó Àgba—the Grand Teacher.
Allen Sowore, Esq.
SSA to the Governor on Strategic Communication
March 18, 2025
