₦airaland Forum

I am moved

An exemplary deed by a rare gem,may Almighty God continuue to bless you and your family as you see to it that the chilldren of the poor have a shot at life too.

I also want to express my delight at your being an alumnus of the Great Olabisi Onabanjo University.EXCELLENCIA HUMANA ET PATRIAE OPUS.Keep the flag flying ma....

Wow!

.

Emmysteve:
Later when I finished, I told the State Universal Basic Education Board that I wanted to dedicate the class in memory of my mother and they allowed me. My mother solely funded my education; I lost my father at a tender age. If not because of her, I won’t be where I am today. The children are enjoying the classroom now. They are so happy and eager to learn, I noticed that their grades improved greatly after the renovation. They are so enthusiastic to learn.

The highlighted is the part that really got me.
I hope the SUBEB and the school allows her to put a small plaque by the classroom door or some other appropriate place signifying that the renovation is dedicated to her mother's memory. I am inspired to do such, which I have always had in mind.
This is one of the good things that oyinbo people do to make their WHOLE society better while we are so focused on Me, I & Myself yet wondering why we are still the scums of the earth

Not very often, but just once in a while,
Just p ce in a while; I see "ordinary" people do extraordinary things and I am reminded that no matter now hard Bono Haram + Corruption + economic situation of Nigeria makes things look, ALL is not lost band there is still a glimmer of HOPE.
I celebrate this ACHIEVER even if the government of the day will not and I am personally encouraged.

Kudos

God will always remember your labour of love. Your children will never beg for bread in Jesus Name.

victorazy:
Just for one classrom?
She must have studied in abroad!

why do you say so?

redcliff:
National award for what?

Oh Genevieve , omotola, aki and pawpaw deserve award. So ask yourself that dumb question again.

Jonthan's steward and all looters also deserve.


She spent 400,000 out of her annual salary to renovate a class and equip it. Common don't be daft.

kolykoldy:
How I wish I had a good heart.

It's your heart. You can choose what you want it to be - good or bad.

dammytosh:
Oh Genevieve , omotola, aki and pawpaw deserve award. So ask yourself that dumb question again.

Jonthan's steward and all looters also deserve.


She spent 400,000 out of her annual salary to renovate a class and equip it. Common don't be daft.

I would do the same too so gej can give me a national award.. now i know i can buy it with 400,000 naira.

Mumuni alao

God bless you woman.
this woman deserves national award .
she should be promoted to principal immediately .

I recomend this woman for national award

Great teacher may what you desire never delay

colossus2:
In naija, inflation is constant

do you think renovation of a room cost lesser amount pls #400,000 is not much for all what the woman listed she did go and price each one you will know afterall she didnt request for refund

Emmysteve:
A teacher, Mrs. Ayoade Opeogun, who renovated her classroom at Methodist Nursery and Primary school, Abeokuta, Ogun State, speaks with MOTUNRAYO JOEL about what motivated her action

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Ayoade Opeogun and I have five children. I was trained as a nursery and primary
school teacher at Olabisi Onabanjo University; I graduated in 2003. I teach Nursery Two pupils at
Methodist Nursery and Primary School.

When did you join your current school?

I was transferred to the school in 2011. I was previously at St. Johnson Primary School, Kuto,
Abeokuta in Ogun State.

How many pupils do you have in your class?
I have about 36 pupils.

When you were transferred to the school, what were the things you noticed?

When I joined the school, I noticed that it was not conducive to learning. The buildings were
dilapidated; the floor in the classrooms had potholes, even the classroom’s ceiling was off. It
wasn’t a classroom to teach children. I complained to the school management that I couldn’t
teach in such an environment and they said I should do whatever I felt had to do. That was when
I decided to renovate the classroom.

What did you do?

I got a bricklayer to re-plaster the floor, then I fixed the ceiling and roof. I repainted the walls
inside and outside and I decorated them with educational nursery images and symbols. I also
equipped the classroom with teaching and learning aids such as television, DVD and picture
chats. I also brought in a standing fan and window blind.

There was no electricity in the class; so I went to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria and
pleaded with the workers there to install electricity in the class which they did. I did other minor
things in the classroom. At the end of the day, I spent about N400, 000.

Did the school management make a complaint about the state of the school to the government?

They did complain, but I believe the state government is doing its best to renovate all public
schools. But if a teacher is teaching in a classroom that isn’t conducive, the teacher should do
what is necessary, even if it means spending his or her money. If we have to wait till the
government is ready to renovate our classrooms, pupils will be the ones to suffer.

What motivated you to spend so much?

My love for my pupils motivated me. I couldn’t stand seeing them learning in such an
environment. When I started renovating the class, I started little by little; I never thought I would
go that far. I spent 11 months salaries to renovate the classroom. Each month, after collecting
my salary, I would remove a certain amount to renovate the class. Later when I finished, I told
the State Universal Basic Education Board that I wanted to dedicate the class in memory of my
mother and they allowed me. My mother solely funded my education; I lost my father at a tender
age. If not because of her, I won’t be where I am today. The children are enjoying the classroom
now. They are so happy and eager to learn, I noticed that their grades improved greatly after the
renovation. They are so enthusiastic to learn.

How did the school react?

At first when I started, I got discouraged by teachers, they kept giving me reasons why I
shouldn’t renovate the class, but I stood my ground and followed my heart. I made up my mind
to do it. When it became a reality, they now realised the importance of all what I did. The school
authorities were happy about it. I wanted the classroom to be like the ones I see in private
schools. Even the pupils’ parents expressed happiness. People didn’t expect me to do what I did,
I was happy that I made a difference in the lives of the pupils.

How did the government react?

I don’t know. I’m not aware if SUBEB informed the government or not.

What else do you plan to do in your classroom?

I’m planning to buy a two and a half mattress, chairs and tables for the pupils. Now, we have
wooden benches in the classroom. I hope to have bought all these things before resumption.

Didn’t the money you spent drain your purse?

No, maybe because all my children except one are grown up thus I don’t have many
responsibilities.

Did you get help from any individual or corporate organisation?

No I didn’t. I didn’t even approach anyone. I did it all by myself with God by my side.
If you didn’t spend that money on your class, what would you have used it for?

Maybe I could have bought a new car or bought myself something expensive, but nothing beats
education. I’m happy to see my pupils happy. I kept wondering how I would leave a beautiful
home to teach in a dilapidated classroom. It was saddening, and moreover, I was a level 12
officer then, it would be a shame on my part to teach in such a classroom.

Do you regret your action?

No. Rather, I’m happy and full of joy.

What is your advice to the government?

When a governor comes into power, they make so many promises, but don’t keep half of them.
Governors should learn to keep their promises especially in the area of education. Also,
whenever, they give out a contract that has to do with education, they should follow it up, until it
becomes a reality.

What is your advice to teachers?

They should help the indigent, most of them are found in public schools. Teachers should try
and make a difference in their lives. One may think they won’t appreciate it, but it’s not true.

What is your view about teachers’ welfare?

Teachers need to be celebrated. A large percentage of teachers in the country are poorly paid,
and when there is no money, a teacher will not be motivated to teach. Governments across the
country should boost teachers’ welfare. Whether we like it or not, teachers play a major role in
the society; a lot of us won’t be where we are if not because of the teachers that taught us.
How did your husband feel about the expenses you incurred while renovating the classroom?
He was very supportive. He gave me the go-ahead.

Do you sometimes wish you were in a private school?

I do, however, I left the private sector for the public sector because they didn’t have pension at
that time.

If you were not a teacher, what would you have been?

Teaching is my passion, but if I weren’t a teacher, I would have been a nurse. I like taking care of
people.


We are proud of our mum —Opeogun’s children

Were you comfortable with her spending her salary on renovating a classroom?

Adeola: At the initial stage, I wasn’t comfortable with it. I felt unhappy, but after some time, I got
over it. I realised that I couldn’t stop her. She is the type of person that wants her impact to be
felt wherever she is.

Adebisi: I’m proud of what she did, if I had my way, I would do much more for those children.
Most pupils in public schools don’t have the opportunity of learning in a good classroom. She
brought the private school setting into her classroom.

Adefemi: I must say, not everyone can afford to send their children to private schools. All what
my mother did was to give her pupils an opportunity to see what a private school classroom
looks like. I’m proud of what she did; one rarely finds someone who can give out money to help
others.

How do you feel about what your mother did?

Adeola: When she first informed me about her plans, I felt happy and I felt it was necessary. My
mother is someone who likes to help people. She has a soft heart.

www.punchng.com/education/teacher-spends-n400000-on-classroom-for-pupils/

a good citizen,,,keep it up

victorazy:
Just for one classrom?
She must have studied in abroad!

do you think renovation of a room cost lesser amount pls #400,000 is not much for all what the woman listed she did go and price each one you will know afterall she didnt request for refund

Wow! Awesome. An award.

redcliff:
I would do the same too so gej can give me a national award.. now i know i can buy it with 400,000 naira.

Mumuni alao

You will be proud of yourself that you are making sense.

ODEmingwe.

So aki and pawpaw, and Jonathan's cook deserve national award than a teacher who out of her meager pay did something extra ordinary. Have you heard any public school teacher go out of her way for any reason before.

Hmmm.....why didn't she buy a new car or expensive sfuffs from Dubai and proudly post it on instagram? Just to show....there is more to life than vanity. I hope what she did would result in bringing attention and having the whole school rebuilt.

mako007:
She did well, I'm proud we still have such humans as Nigerians but let's clear the air a bit, A good school is not by it's building but it's structure, so beautifying a sole class doesn't bring in private school experience into her class. We do have beautiful private schools that are more or less a public school, it goes beyond building. This is a step in the right direction, she should keep up and major on the modus operandi of teaching, I rest my case.

If you read the article, you would know she did much more than "beautify" that classroom.

TrollMan:
The Nigerian educational section is a Hoax. This is nothing out of the ordinary. A norm.

Permit me to call you an IDIOT!

Someone spends that much on a primary school, non-profit and this all you had to say?

What have you done for yourself talk less of your community.

Just shut up!!!

*Calms down*

May God and the Government reward you ma'am, amen.

dammytosh:
You will be proud of yourself that you are making sense.

ODEmingwe.

So aki and pawpaw, and Jonathan's cook deserve national award than a teacher who out of her meager pay did something extra ordinary. Have you heard any public school teacher go out of her way for any reason before.

You are not getting the point. If not because of the kind of president you have, we would not be discussing this issue...the award is supposed to be for people either dead or alive who have sacrificed and done something great the nation would not forget or who have fought galantly in their respective field for the nation.. so what i say is this, the award has been so bastardized that everyother person can have it even whilst doing nothing... so thats why people like you can suggest that a class teacher who spent 400k on her class deserves it too.. there is so many good going on in the world and there is no fuss about it, but because Nigeria is in a place where poverty has caused so much hatred and wickdness, you and folks alike see every good deed done as deserving a reward.

redcliff:
You are not getting the point. If not because of the kind of president you have, we would not be discussing this issue...the award is supposed to be for people either dead or alive who have sacrificed and done something great the nation would not forget or who have fought galantly in their respective field for the nation.. so what i say is this, the award has been so bastardized that everyother person can have it even whilst doing nothing... so thats why people like you can suggest that a class teacher who spent 400k on her class deserves it too.. there is so many good going on in the world and there is no fuss about it, but because Nigeria is in a place where poverty has caused so much hatred and wickdness, you and folks alike see every good deed done as deserving a reward.

You are still not making any sense. You are simply beating about the bush.

Answer the question. If aki and pawpaw, genevieve, omotola, and all the politicians given award were given national award, tell me how this woman does not deserve it.

Before you think 400k was the value for the award and to you it is chicken change, i am not a pauper and earn much more as monthly net.

It is not the money, it is the spirit. Get that into your tiny brain.

Another good story coming from Nigeria. May God bless that teacher abundantly. I pray she will lack nothing in jesus name.

This is why Nigerian Gorverment do not provide the basic nesserceties for nigerians , because they will provide for themselves, which is wrong the poor teacher is already struggling with poor pay package

God bless her.
Its always a great feeling knowing that you have put a smile on people's faces. I pray God should please help me to do more but the Government no try at all, does it mean that we'll now be providing everything for ourselves? Then whats the duty of the Government

M d fool to ask ds question
























































Pics orrrrrr..........

Emmysteve:
A teacher, Mrs. Ayoade Opeogun, who renovated her classroom at Methodist Nursery and Primary school, Abeokuta, Ogun State, speaks with MOTUNRAYO JOEL about what motivated her action

Please introduce yourself.

My name is Ayoade Opeogun and I have five children. I was trained as a nursery and primary
school teacher at Olabisi Onabanjo University; I graduated in 2003. I teach Nursery Two pupils at
Methodist Nursery and Primary School.

When did you join your current school?

I was transferred to the school in 2011. I was previously at St. Johnson Primary School, Kuto,
Abeokuta in Ogun State.

How many pupils do you have in your class?
I have about 36 pupils.

When you were transferred to the school, what were the things you noticed?

When I joined the school, I noticed that it was not conducive to learning. The buildings were
dilapidated; the floor in the classrooms had potholes, even the classroom’s ceiling was off. It
wasn’t a classroom to teach children. I complained to the school management that I couldn’t
teach in such an environment and they said I should do whatever I felt had to do. That was when
I decided to renovate the classroom.

What did you do?

I got a bricklayer to re-plaster the floor, then I fixed the ceiling and roof. I repainted the walls
inside and outside and I decorated them with educational nursery images and symbols. I also
equipped the classroom with teaching and learning aids such as television, DVD and picture
chats. I also brought in a standing fan and window blind.

There was no electricity in the class; so I went to the Power Holding Company of Nigeria and
pleaded with the workers there to install electricity in the class which they did. I did other minor
things in the classroom. At the end of the day, I spent about N400, 000.

Did the school management make a complaint about the state of the school to the government?

They did complain, but I believe the state government is doing its best to renovate all public
schools. But if a teacher is teaching in a classroom that isn’t conducive, the teacher should do
what is necessary, even if it means spending his or her money. If we have to wait till the
government is ready to renovate our classrooms, pupils will be the ones to suffer.

What motivated you to spend so much?

My love for my pupils motivated me. I couldn’t stand seeing them learning in such an
environment. When I started renovating the class, I started little by little; I never thought I would
go that far. I spent 11 months salaries to renovate the classroom. Each month, after collecting
my salary, I would remove a certain amount to renovate the class. Later when I finished, I told
the State Universal Basic Education Board that I wanted to dedicate the class in memory of my
mother and they allowed me. My mother solely funded my education; I lost my father at a tender
age. If not because of her, I won’t be where I am today. The children are enjoying the classroom
now. They are so happy and eager to learn, I noticed that their grades improved greatly after the
renovation. They are so enthusiastic to learn.

How did the school react?

At first when I started, I got discouraged by teachers, they kept giving me reasons why I
shouldn’t renovate the class, but I stood my ground and followed my heart. I made up my mind
to do it. When it became a reality, they now realised the importance of all what I did. The school
authorities were happy about it. I wanted the classroom to be like the ones I see in private
schools. Even the pupils’ parents expressed happiness. People didn’t expect me to do what I did,
I was happy that I made a difference in the lives of the pupils.

How did the government react?

I don’t know. I’m not aware if SUBEB informed the government or not.

What else do you plan to do in your classroom?

I’m planning to buy a two and a half mattress, chairs and tables for the pupils. Now, we have
wooden benches in the classroom. I hope to have bought all these things before resumption.

Didn’t the money you spent drain your purse?

No, maybe because all my children except one are grown up thus I don’t have many
responsibilities.

Did you get help from any individual or corporate organisation?

No I didn’t. I didn’t even approach anyone. I did it all by myself with God by my side.
If you didn’t spend that money on your class, what would you have used it for?

Maybe I could have bought a new car or bought myself something expensive, but nothing beats
education. I’m happy to see my pupils happy. I kept wondering how I would leave a beautiful
home to teach in a dilapidated classroom. It was saddening, and moreover, I was a level 12
officer then, it would be a shame on my part to teach in such a classroom.

Do you regret your action?

No. Rather, I’m happy and full of joy.

What is your advice to the government?

When a governor comes into power, they make so many promises, but don’t keep half of them.
Governors should learn to keep their promises especially in the area of education. Also,
whenever, they give out a contract that has to do with education, they should follow it up, until it
becomes a reality.

What is your advice to teachers?

They should help the indigent, most of them are found in public schools. Teachers should try
and make a difference in their lives. One may think they won’t appreciate it, but it’s not true.

What is your view about teachers’ welfare?

Teachers need to be celebrated. A large percentage of teachers in the country are poorly paid,
and when there is no money, a teacher will not be motivated to teach. Governments across the
country should boost teachers’ welfare. Whether we like it or not, teachers play a major role in
the society; a lot of us won’t be where we are if not because of the teachers that taught us.
How did your husband feel about the expenses you incurred while renovating the classroom?
He was very supportive. He gave me the go-ahead.

Do you sometimes wish you were in a private school?

I do, however, I left the private sector for the public sector because they didn’t have pension at
that time.

If you were not a teacher, what would you have been?

Teaching is my passion, but if I weren’t a teacher, I would have been a nurse. I like taking care of
people.


We are proud of our mum —Opeogun’s children

Were you comfortable with her spending her salary on renovating a classroom?

Adeola: At the initial stage, I wasn’t comfortable with it. I felt unhappy, but after some time, I got
over it. I realised that I couldn’t stop her. She is the type of person that wants her impact to be
felt wherever she is.

Adebisi: I’m proud of what she did, if I had my way, I would do much more for those children.
Most pupils in public schools don’t have the opportunity of learning in a good classroom. She
brought the private school setting into her classroom.

Adefemi: I must say, not everyone can afford to send their children to private schools. All what
my mother did was to give her pupils an opportunity to see what a private school classroom
looks like. I’m proud of what she did; one rarely finds someone who can give out money to help
others.

How do you feel about what your mother did?

Adeola: When she first informed me about her plans, I felt happy and I felt it was necessary. My
mother is someone who likes to help people. She has a soft heart.

www.punchng.com/education/teacher-spends-n400000-on-classroom-for-pupils/

dammytosh:
You are still not making any sense. You are simply beating about the bush.

Answer the question. If aki and pawpaw, genevieve, omotola, and all the politicians given award were given national award, tell me how this woman does not deserve it.

Before you think 400k was the value for the award and to you it is chicken change, i am not a pauper and earn much more as monthly net.

It is not the money, it is the spirit. Get that into your tiny brain.

Smhidespair. There are 1001 good spirited people in nigeria including myself.. we all deserve a national award too..

WELL DONE SISTER
Thanks for rising to the challenge, you have no doubt put to shame those who are supposed to handle the situation you just managed successfully. The students will forever be grateful to you, because you have lifted their spirit with the beautiful environment you have created for their learning. With the millionaires we have in Nigeria no Nigerian Student should study under poor conditions.

God Bless You ma'am and your generation

Its people like you that should be given the National Award..

Its a pity for our leaders tho....can Philantrophy be better defined?