…….Innovation, Mobility, Artificial Intelligence, Inclusion and Professional Excellence to Drive Nigeria’s Teaching Reform.
The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has digitalised the selection process for the 2026 President’s Teachers’ and Schools Excellence Awards (PTSEA), replacing the manual process with a technology-driven system designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, documentation and confidence in the recognition of outstanding teachers and schools.
The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, disclosed this in Abuja during a press briefing ahead of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration, scheduled for Monday, 5 October 2026.
Prof. Ahmad said the digitalised selection process, implemented by the Ministry in collaboration with State Ministries of Education and in line with relevant African Union guidelines, would provide a more credible and properly documented framework for identifying and rewarding excellence in the teaching profession.
She explained that the digital system would strengthen the integrity of the process by ensuring reliable records for future reference, while promoting greater transparency, accountability and fairness in the selection of awardees.
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 celebration, “Transforming the Teaching Profession for Africa’s Future,” the Minister identified innovation, mobility, artificial intelligence, inclusion and professional excellence as five interconnected pillars that would shape discussions and activities during the celebration.
She said innovation would promote creative teaching approaches and locally relevant solutions to improve learning, while mobility would encourage professional collaboration and knowledge-sharing across borders. Artificial intelligence, she noted, would support personalised learning, data-informed decision-making and the reduction of administrative burdens, provided it was deployed responsibly, ethically and inclusively.
Prof. Ahmad emphasised that technology must complement rather than diminish the professional role of teachers, stressing the importance of preserving teachers’ professional judgement while equipping them with the digital skills required to navigate the rapidly changing education landscape.
On inclusion, she stressed the need to guarantee equitable access to quality education for learners irrespective of gender, ability, socioeconomic circumstances or geographical location. Professional excellence, she added, would require continuous professional development, improved welfare, supportive policies and greater recognition of teachers’ leadership role in national and continental development.
The Minister stated that the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), coordinates the annual World Teachers’ Day celebration and the associated awards. She disclosed that the 2026 programme would include a symposium bringing together education stakeholders and heads of relevant agencies and institutions to examine the five thematic pillars and develop practical approaches to strengthening the teaching profession.
The main celebration on 5 October will bring together teachers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for a colourful march-past featuring state flags and cultural attire, symbolising Nigeria’s unity, diversity and the collective contribution of teachers to national development.
A major highlight will be the presentation of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day and President’s Teachers’ and Schools Excellence Awards, with 14 awardees to be recognised for outstanding contributions to education. The first, second and third-best teachers will receive major prizes, while other award recipients will receive laptops. Outstanding school performance will also be recognised as part of the awards programme.
The Minister acknowledged the support of State Governments, government agencies, development partners, organisations and individuals contributing to the success of the celebration, and called on the media to provide accurate and comprehensive coverage that would deepen public appreciation of the vital role of teachers.
In her welcome address, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Folake Olatunji-David, described teachers as central to national development and commended their dedication to educating and moulding young Nigerians despite the challenges confronting the profession.
She said World Teachers’ Day provides an important opportunity to recognise teachers’ contributions while renewing commitment to their welfare, professional development and dignity. She also advocated greater involvement of teachers in education policy and decision-making, noting that their participation would strengthen ownership and implementation of reforms.
Also speaking, the Director, Educational Support Services, Mr. Gabriel Amudipe Oluwole, highlighted the indispensable role of teachers in delivering quality education and supporting the holistic development of learners.
He said the planning process involved the review of relevant instruments, coordination of assessment activities, and the collection and verification of applications, with attention to safeguarding, facilities and governance. He reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to equipping teachers with modern tools and creating supportive working environments that promote effective teaching.
Speaking on behalf of the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, the Deputy National President, Elder Comrade Kizito Kalu, said the changing nature of education made it imperative to strengthen rather than diminish the professional role of teachers.
He called for sustained investment in teachers’ digital skills, continuous professional development and workplace support, stressing that artificial intelligence and other technologies should complement teachers’ expertise and professional judgement.
Kalu reaffirmed the NUT’s commitment to constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders to build a strong, respected and adequately supported teaching profession.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment, under the Renewed Hope Agenda, to placing teachers at the centre of Nigeria’s education transformation through stronger professional development, digital innovation, improved recognition and supportive working environments.
The Ministry will continue to work with State Governments, education agencies, development partners, teachers’ organisations and other stakeholders to build a resilient, inclusive and globally competitive education system that empowers teachers, improves learning outcomes and equips Nigerian children and young people with the knowledge, skills and values required for national development.
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
