In a rare and inspiring moment of leadership, the Governor of Ondo State, Lucky Aiyedatiwa, on Friday, May 9, 2025, returned to the classroom to teach pupils during a surprise visit to a public school in the state.
A widely circulated video, shared via the governor’s official Facebook page with the caption “Once a teacher, always a teacher,” captured the touching scene, showing Governor Aiyedatiwa standing before a class of attentive students, chalk in hand, writing the word “Drugs” on the blackboard.
The governor, a former educator, engaged the pupils in an interactive session, asking them to name three types of drugs. His presence and teaching style sparked excitement among the students, who responded enthusiastically to his questions. The moment was both nostalgic and symbolic, reflecting his continued passion for education and youth development.
This classroom appearance comes just weeks after Governor Aiyedatiwa approved the recruitment of 1,100 new primary school teachers across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State. The recruitment drive, funded through the 2023/2024 Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC) and State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) intervention, is part of a broader initiative by the state government to revitalize the education sector and address teacher shortages.
Speaking during the approval of the recruitment exercise in March 2025, Governor Aiyedatiwa emphasized his administration’s commitment to ensuring quality education for all school-aged children in Ondo State. He noted that the injection of fresh, qualified teachers into the school system was essential to improving learning outcomes and strengthening the foundation of basic education.
The governor’s return to the classroom has received widespread praise from citizens and stakeholders in the education sector, with many describing it as a practical demonstration of servant leadership. Education analysts say the governor’s move sends a strong message about the importance of education and the need for leaders to stay connected with the realities on the ground.
In an era where public officials are often seen as distant from the people, Aiyedatiwa’s spontaneous teaching moment not only rekindled admiration for the teaching profession but also served as a morale boost for teachers and students across the state.
The video of the governor's classroom interaction continues to gain traction on social media, drawing commendations for his humility, hands-on approach, and dedication to uplifting the standard of education in Ondo State.
