The Ekiti State Government has promoted more than 5,000 public primary school teachers, including 231 head teachers, to Grade Level 16 in a move aimed at strengthening the state’s basic education sector.
The development marks the first time in the history of Ekiti State that head teachers of public primary schools will attain Grade Level 16.
The promotion fulfills a pledge earlier made by Biodun Oyebanji, who had promised to elevate primary school head teachers to the same grade level as their counterparts in the core civil service.
Presenting the promotion letters over the weekend, the Executive Chairman of the Ekiti State Universal Basic Education Board, Femi Akinwumi, described the exercise as a major milestone for the education sector.
He said the move reflects the administration’s commitment to improving the quality of basic education in the state.
“This monumental event underscores the unwavering commitment of Governor Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji’s administration to enhancing the quality of education in Ekiti State,” Akinwumi said.
He explained that the promotions were in recognition of the teachers’ dedication and outstanding service, noting that the initiative demonstrated the government’s determination to reward excellence in the teaching profession.
Akinwumi urged the beneficiaries to maintain high professional standards and remain committed to their responsibilities in the classroom.
He added that education remains a key legacy for which Ekiti State is widely known, stressing that the government will continue to strengthen the sector by motivating teachers and improving their welfare.
According to him, the elevation of 231 head teachers to Grade Level 16 is unprecedented in the state’s public service history.
He also noted that Ekiti currently records one of the lowest rates of out-of-school children in Nigeria, attributing the achievement to sustained investments in school infrastructure, teacher development and policies that promote access to education.
The SUBEB chairman said the promotions are expected to boost teacher morale and contribute to improved academic performance in public primary schools across the state.
Some of the teachers who received their promotion letters expressed gratitude to the governor, describing the gesture as unprecedented. They pledged to remain dedicated to their duties and continue providing quality education to pupils across the state.
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