Mrs. Helen Ibiyinka Coker, a retired school principal of Bashorun Ogunmola High School, Ring road, Ibadan on Friday urged his colleagues in the Teaching Service Commission of Oyo State (TESCOM) to support Governor of the State, Engr. Seyi Makinde beyond 2023 in office.
Makinde is yet to declare intention to run for second term. But Coker popularly called ‘Iya Coker’ believed that Makinde deserves second term and should be supported to govern the State beyond a single term.
Speaking during her retirement programme attended by scores of her colleagues, friends and family members in the school premises, Coker said, “since 2019 that the Governor came to power, the lives of teachers have changed for the better.
According to her, “my special thanks goes to the TESCOM and the Governor for my promotion to level 17, the peak of my career. That level was made possible by the Governor who directed that deserving school principals should henceforth be made to retire on level 17.
“It is a rare honour for me, because all along I had thought I was going to retire on level 16 but the Governor directed otherwise and allowed some of us who are deserving of it, to be so promoted. In my zone here, I am the first principal to get such opportunity.
“Besides that, our salaries are being paid every 25th on monthly basis, a development that have changed living standards of teachers and other workers who are Government employees,” she remarked.
She reminisced on the challenges she encountered while her service lasted and gave thanks to God for the grace to succeed and end her career on a good note.
Coker then charged her colleagues to put God first in everything they do and support the government’s efforts in turning around the fortune of the State’s education sector for the better.
Teachers and students who took turns to speak at the event, eulogised Coker as a great administrator who used her experience, wealth and Godly disposition to support everyone around her.
Mrs Helen Ibiyinka Coker nee Olajobi married to Mr. Olumuyiwa Coker, was born six decades ago and had her primary school in Lagos State before proceeding to Ile Ife for her secondary school and University of Ife for her Bachelors in Education and later University of Lagos for her Master’s degree program in educational administration in 1989.
She was at various times school teacher, Vice Principal and later Principal between 2018-2021.
