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Seeth a man diligent in his business, he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men – Proverbs 22 v 29

Like any other one as is done annually, the 2025 edition of the ever-glamorous and glorious Teachers’ Day has come and gone. However, for Mr Francis Taiwo Solanke, October 5, 2025 has only come to stay as a permanent resident, a tenant inevictable in the minds, souls and cerebral apartments of the immediate, extended and the entire relational familiar empire of the Solankes. Yes. This is a fact validly infallible. In deed, the 5th day of October, 2025 was, and remains the day that the Lord has made for the petite-physique but mighty brain, God-fearing, not-too-young teacher with a large heart of sacrifice. All hail the favoured teacher of divine choice.

He never set out to be the best by mindset but he has trained himself to always give the best of himself to all that he has to do. Unknown to this portable man of immutable feats, he has been living out the letters and spirit of the Word of God in Proverbs chapter 22 v 29 that says “Seeth thou a diligent man in his business (profession, duty, vocation, service, assignment, et al), he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men”.

Today, the world has found one diligent, dedicated teacher in Francis Taiwo,(Winiwini lójú orogún, èjì wòrò l’oju ìyá rè), the torch-bearing son of Mr. Babatunde and Mrs Bolanle Solanke, a full- fledged Ẹgba-born and bonded couple who emerged the Best Teacher, first in Ogun State and also  Best in Nigeria, 2025 overall.

This rather utopian feat, which the humble, soft-spoken teacher in Ansar-Ud-Deen Main School 1 Kemta-Ilawo Abeokuta, has credited solely to the glory of Almighty God, has earned him a brand new car as reward for his diligence, discipline and unwavering dedication to duty since his appointment on the 1st day of December, 2022.

Solanke recalled: “The car gift was presented to me by the Honorable Minister for Education, Doctor Olatunji Alausa, at the National World Teachers’ Day celebration held at Eagles’ Square Abuja on 5th October, 2025.

“I couldn’t believe even myself despite the fact that the whole world, represented by the global press, was watching even as fellow teachers present were hailing and thanking God on my behalf.

“No doubt, I have always asked God to do His wonders and shine His glory to the world through me in His own way but I never foresaw myself emerging the best teacher nationwide in Nigeria. Just who am I? What do I know that others do not know better? It is only God that can, and has done this. And of course, it is marvellous in my sight “; the award -winning Best Teacher of The Year, Ogun State and Nigeria, submitted humbly.

He joined the civil service of Ogun State on 1st December, 2002 through the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB).
Mr. Francis Taiwo Solanke, an inspiring teacher, coach, and mentor, was born to Mr. Babatunde Solanke and Mrs. Bolanle Solanke in Abeokuta over 40 years ago.
He completed his primary education at Saint James’ African Church School 1, Idi-Ape, Abeokuta in 1990.
He proceeded to Lantoro High School and completed his secondary education in 1996.
Solanke, known for his insatiable appetite for knowledge, obtained his NCE at the esteemed Federal College of Education, Osiele, Abeokuta in 2002 and proceeded to obtain his Bachelor of Education degree in Educational Management from the prestigious University of Ilorin in 2008.
With over two decades of experience as an educator, Solanke has coached students in various curricular and extracurricular activities, including debates, spelling bees, quizzes, and sports.
Various learners who went through tutelage under him have excelled as overall champions, earning cash awards, scholarships and certificates of participation in local, divisional, state and national competitions.
He has actively engaged in critical assignments such as content writing for Ogun Digital lesson plans, preparing Ogun learners for the National Debate Championship, and serving as a volunteer facilitator for Teacher Professional Development with the Bunmi Adedayo Foundation, among others.
Mr. Solanke is an advocate of the Teach For Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs, 2030).
He is an alumnus of Teach For Nigeria.

He has received numerous awards and commendation letters from the Ogun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Abeokuta North Local Government Education Authority, the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Abeokuta North, and Teach For Nigeria, among others.

Solanke has also been recognized as the Best Urban Male Teacher of the Year and the Best Male Teacher of the Year by the Association of Primary School Teachers of Nigeria (APSTON) and the Nigeria Union of Teachers in Abeokuta North Local Government.
His passion for youth development has earned him the Award of Impactful Delivery from the leadership of The Apostolic Church Nigeria, LAWNA Youths/Witnesses Movement.
Mr. Solanke is an Elder in The Apostolic Church Nigeria, where he holds various leadership positions to date.
He is also a conference speaker with keen interest in youth capacity development and marriage counselling.
This thoroughly disciplined gentleman, Solanke, is happily married to Grace Oluwakemi Solanke, a union that is blessed with jolly, brilliant children.