WHY ONLY SOME STATES? GOVERNORS IN KWARA EKITI AND OYO GIVE TEACHERS THE DAY OFF WHILE OTHERS STAY SILENT ON WORLD TEACHERS DAY
Three Nigerian states Kwara Ekiti and Oyo have declared Monday 5 October 2026 a work free day for teachers in honour of World Teachers Day. The move allows educators to take part in celebration activities. Day students in the affected states are expected to remain at home. Officials praised teachers for their contributions to education and human capital development.
Teachers in three Nigerian states will stay away from classrooms on Monday as state governments mark World Teachers Day with a work free declaration.
The governments of Kwara Ekiti and Oyo have announced that Monday 5 October 2026 will be a work free day for teachers. The move is intended to allow educators to participate fully in activities organised to celebrate the annual global event.
World Teachers Day is observed every year on 5 October. The date marks the anniversary of the 1966 ILO UNESCO Recommendation concerning the Status of Teachers.
In Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq made the announcement through a statement issued by his Deputy Chief Press Secretary Mashood Agboola. The governor extended best wishes to teachers across the state and commended them for their contributions to human capital development and their resilience in carrying out their duties. He also reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of teachers and all residents of the state.
In Ekiti State the Commissioner for Education Dr Adebimpe Aderiye issued the directive. She stated that the work free day would enable teachers to take part in activities marking the 2026 World Teachers Day. Day students are expected to stay at home. Parents guardians school authorities and students have been advised to make the necessary arrangements. The commissioner also praised teachers for their dedication and contributions to the development of education and the future of children in the state.
In Oyo State the government announced the directive in a circular issued by the Secretary to the State Government Prof Musibau Babatunde. A statement from the Special Adviser to Governor Seyi Makinde on Media Sulaimon Olarenwaju said the declaration reflects the administration’s commitment to the welfare dignity and professional development of teachers. It described teachers as the backbone of the state’s educational system and key drivers of human capital development. The work free day is meant to give teachers the chance to celebrate their contributions reflect on progress in the education sector and strengthen unity within the teaching community.
The announcements have been welcomed by many in the education sector. At the same time the selective nature of the declarations has drawn quiet attention. While Kwara Ekiti and Oyo have granted the day off other states have not issued similar directives as of the latest reports.
Teachers form a critical part of Nigeria’s education system. Officials in the three states used the occasion to highlight their appreciation for the work done by educators often under challenging conditions.
Parents and school administrators in the affected states are adjusting schedules for the day. Many day students will remain at home while teachers take part in organised events.
The 2026 observance comes as education stakeholders continue to discuss issues affecting the teaching profession including welfare conditions of service and professional development.
