The National Investment Bank (NIB) has presented a cheque for GH?55,000 to the Ministry of Education towards this year's Best Teacher awards.

The donation is in line with efforts by corporate institutions to motivate teachers to improve the quality of teaching and learning in the country, and to spotlight exemplary teachers

The General Manager in charge of Risk at the NIB, Gariba Alex Amadu, said the gesture forms part of NIB's corporate social responsibility intended for the purchase of a vehicle for the runner-up of this year's National Best Teacher awards to be held in the Central Region.

The Minister of Education, Prof. Jane Naana Opoku-Agyemang who received the cheque, said the objective of the National Best Teacher awards scheme is to award excellence, professionalism, and dedication in the teaching profession.

She also underscored the role of teachers in society, saying: "This donation will help to appreciate teachers who have a played a vital role in making all of us who we are today. The role of the teacher indeed cannot be over-emphasised.

“It also recognises the complementary role played by the non-teaching staff of the Ghana Education Service for quality education delivery,’ she said.

About 55 teachers are expected to be awarded at the national level this year, while 360 others will be recognised at the regional level and 3,312 at the district level on Sunday 5th October 2014, which coincides with the World Teachers Day Celebrations.

Some sponsors of this year's awards also include SEDCO, IPMC, Best Vesteda, Afram Pubilcation, KAB Kork Publication and Sam Wood.