Teacher spends N400,000 on classroom for pupils

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

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