MEET THE EXCEPTIONAL TEACHERS WHO WON N200,000 IN THE MAIDEN EDITION OF THE GROOMING ENDOWMENT TEACHERS APPRECIATION PROGRAM (GETAP)

Posted By Nimat Asunogie, Tuesday, May 14, 2024

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Teachers are the educational pillars of our society but their praises are often unsung. They are underpaid and underappreciated and this has given rise to GETAP.

The demographic most affected by the underfunding of teachers are students and learners, especially in underserved communities.

There are more factors contributing to the dismal state of education in these communities but the main denominator is the students who receive subpar education.

This prompted the GET team to provide financial support to 12 teachers across Nigeria in underserved communities who go beyond the paycheck. They ensure that their students receive the best learning irrespective of the challenges.

These are the beneficiaries of GETAP 2024:

1.Adetomiwa Awofeso:

Adetomiwa Awofeso is a graduate of the University of Ilorin. She studied chemistry and gained a passion for teaching during her NYSC service. This led her to pursue a postgraduate diploma in education at Ahmed Bello University, Zaria. She is currently a Teach for Nigeria fellow, an organization that provides education to underserved communities in Nigeria. She teaches at Whanyinna Children Foundation School, Makoko Lagos state. In a year she was promoted to headmistress and now juggles being a classroom teacher as well as the headmistress of the school. A prevailing challenge she helped solve for her school was transportation as the school and children in Makoko live above water. She has been able to provide 2 canoes for her students by spreading her story through social media platforms and getting aid.

2. Cornelia Udoh:

Cornelia Udoh studied Business Administration. She pivoted to teaching after being unable to find employment in her field of study. She was in Kings and Queens High School for about ten years where she taught business studies in the junior secondary and commerce in the senior secondary. She currently teaches at Faithword Embassy Academy, Rivers State. She has a strong passion for teaching and finds opportunities to teach women in her church who have not had formal education.

3. Abigail Ekot:

Abigail Ekot studied education biology at the University of Calabar. She ventured into teaching to impact lives and give people the opportunity to control their futures. She teaches ICT at Moslem Primary School, Ijebu-Ode. The ICT hub in her school still uses a chalkboard which presents itself as a challenge to her. She hopes eventually a whiteboard and a projector will be provided so as to ease the process of sharing materials with her students. She found TeachTech Consult with her colleagues where they train teachers alongside learners especially those in underserved communities. They have partnered with 1 million teachers equipping them with necessary digital skills to keep up with today’s world. She also works as a volunteer with Smiley Educational Support Foundation as a state coordinator for Ogun State.

4. Blessing Titiloye:

Blessing Titiloye is a teacher at Omole Senior Grammar School. She’s been teaching for the past fourteen years. She taught physical health education at the junior level for six years before moving to the senior secondary school. She graduated from the University of Ilorin and studied physical education. She pursued her master's in Sports Psychology from the University of Lagos. Studying psychology allowed her to understand students more. She started an NGO in 2007 called Blessing Liberty Foundation International during her NYSC youth service. She wants to make an impact in the life of teenagers and young adults especially girls and young women.

5. Faith Arigbe:

Faith Arigbe is a graduate of the College of Education, Akampka in Cross River State. She’s been teaching since she graduated from secondary school and started at a primary school close to where she lived at the time. She teaches because she loves children. It has been her dream and focus in her community to provide this training and support for the children.

6. Dorathy Stephen:

Dorathy Stephen graduated from the University of Maiduguri where she studied creative arts. She has amassed over ten years’ worth of experience in teaching. She has a postgraduate diploma in Education from the University of Maiduguri. She presently works with Maple Leaf Early Years Foundation in Bauchi state. The school is located in a community called Makarahuta in the outskirts of Bauchi town which has a majority of Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) from Yobe and Borno state. The members of the community have given her their full support and ensure their wards come to school every day.

7. Lucius Suku:

Lucius Suku graduated from Kaduna State University with a Masters degree in Sociology. He teaches because he believes education has the power to transform lives. It allows him to make a positive impact on the lives of others and contribute to the betterment of the society. He currently teaches at UBE primary school located in Kaduna state. He says his experience with the community has been enriching. He has been able to connect and build relationships with students and parents of all backgrounds and cultures.

8. Temitope Emosu:

Temitope Olaoluwa Emosu is an educator at the Emeritus Prof T. O. Ogunlesi Model Secondary School in Ogun State. With eighteen years of unwavering commitment, he has pioneered innovative teaching methodologies that have left an indelible mark on countless learners. A graduate of Mathematics Education (with options in Computer and Statistics) from the University of Ilorin and the University of Ibadan respectively for his first and second degree, an Information Technology /Computer Studies and Data Processing teacher, as well as a School Portal Admin in charge of 1,500 learners and 33 teaching staff databases. His contributions have been recognized both nationally and internationally, with accolades including the 2023 IDEE second runner-up and the 2023 Ogun State Best Teacher Award in the Junior Category. .

9. Christy Annger:

Christy Annger is a woman driven by an overwhelming passion to make a difference in the lives of others. Starting from her humble beginnings at Kent Academy Miango to her current role as a teacher at the same school, she has always had her heart set on serving those in need. Her journey from FGGC, Gboko to the University of Jos, where she studied Chemistry Education, was fueled by a desire to become a beacon of hope for the next generation. Her mission is clear: to see each student become the best version of themselves. Teaching at Kent Academy Miango, a school nestled in the heart of the close-knit community of Bassa, Plateau State, she has faced challenges that only fuel her determination to make a difference. Despite the recent attacks in the area, the community remains united and supportive of all like her who are dedicated to serving others. .

10. Deborah Daniel:

Deborah Daniel graduated from Innovative International School, Nasarawa State in 2020. Unable to gain admission after her O levels she focused on learning a trade till she was recommended for a teaching job as a math teacher. Initially, she wasn't sure she had the patience for it but three years later she says it’s the best choice she has ever made. She has grown to be patient and tolerant, valuing the importance of being a mentor to her students and having a positive impact on their lives. .

11. Nwana Calista:

Nwana Calista graduated from OSISATECH and studied science laboratory technology. She got into teaching due to her passion for educating young minds. It gives her great joy to bestow knowledge on the younger generation. She currently teaches at Imperial secondary school in Imo State. She says the people do not fully value education but her efforts have seen a massive improvement in the community members.

12. Obi Emmanuel:

Obi Emmanuel graduated from Michael Okpara University of Agriculture with a bachelor’s degree in biochemistry. He furthered his education with a diploma program at Alvan Ikoku Federal College of Education. His passion for teaching was ignited during his undergraduate days where he found joy in helping his fellow students to understand complex scientific concepts. He currently works at Elmot International School as a chemistry teacher. He enjoys breaking down chemistry and enabling his students to see the beauty and relevance of chemistry in their everyday lives.

Conclusion:

Speaking at the virtual award ceremony held on the Workers Day, May 1st, 2024. The Operations Manager of GET, Mr Michael Adoghe commended the teachers for their dedication and resilience in the face of challenges. He also reiterated GET’s commitment to supporting educators and is hopeful that the 2025 cohort of GETAP will be bigger and better.

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