The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s teaching profession through improved teacher welfare, continuous professional development, better working conditions, digital capacity-building and stronger national recognition of excellence in teaching.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, stated this on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 World Teachers’ Day Commemoration and President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards ceremony, held under the theme, “Protecting and Advancing the Status of the Teaching Profession in a Rapidly Changing World.”
Alausa described teachers as the foundation of Nigeria’s human capital development, stressing that the quality of education received by Nigerian children is closely linked to the professionalism, preparedness and wellbeing of the teaching workforce.
He said the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, was deepening education reforms to improve learning environments, strengthen institutions, develop skills for a changing economy, enhance education data and provide teachers with the support required to deliver quality learning.
The Minister noted that the rapid advancement of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and other digital technologies is fundamentally changing how knowledge is accessed and delivered, creating both opportunities and responsibilities for teachers. He said technology can support teachers in reaching learners, personalising instruction and improving learning outcomes, but cannot replace their professional judgement, encouragement, mentorship and human connection.
Alausa assured that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to equip teachers with the knowledge and digital competencies required to use emerging technologies responsibly and confidently, while safeguarding professional standards, values and identity. He stressed that teachers deserve professional respect, career-long development opportunities, appropriate teaching resources, fair recognition and working conditions that enable them to perform effectively.
He added that the Federal Government would continue to collaborate with State Governments, school leaders, professional bodies, organised labour, development partners, communities and parents to strengthen teacher preparation, professional development, certification, recognition and retention.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, said transforming the teaching profession was essential to building a resilient, innovative and future-ready education system in Nigeria and across Africa. She described teachers as the heartbeat of education and called for sustained investment in continuous professional development, particularly in digital literacy, innovative pedagogy and culturally responsive teaching methods.
Prof. Ahmad stressed that teacher transformation must go hand in hand with improved welfare, motivation and professional recognition, including stronger support systems, competitive remuneration, healthcare and housing assistance. She also emphasised the need to leverage digital learning platforms and emerging AI tools while ensuring that teachers are adequately prepared and no educator is left behind.
She called for collective action among governments, education stakeholders and teachers across Africa to strengthen collaboration, peer learning and the sharing of best practices, noting that the cost of inaction is far greater because Africa’s development depends significantly on the quality of its teachers.
The Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Folake Olatunji-David, commended Nigerian teachers for their dedication to educating and moulding young minds despite the challenges confronting the profession. She said teachers remain central to national educational and human capital development and called for greater recognition, respect and support, particularly for those serving under difficult circumstances.
Olatunji-David said the 2026 theme underscores the pivotal role of teachers in shaping the future of education and the importance of incorporating their perspectives into policy and decision-making. She expressed confidence that the Renewed Hope Agenda would translate into improved welfare, professional standing and working conditions, stressing that World Teachers’ Day should lead to sustained measures that address challenges facing the profession and restore teaching to its deserved status in Nigerian society.
Also speaking, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Titus Amba, represented by the Deputy National President, Elder Comrade Kizito Kalu, reaffirmed the Union’s commitment to constructive engagement with the Federal Government and other stakeholders to build a strong, respected and adequately supported teaching profession.
The NUT acknowledged the changing nature of education, driven by technology, AI, evolving societal expectations and new approaches to teaching and learning, stressing that these developments should strengthen, rather than diminish, the professional role of teachers.
The Union called for sustained investment in teachers’ digital skills, continuous professional development, improved teaching resources, stronger workplace support, better welfare and working conditions, as well as adequate recruitment and retention of professionally qualified teachers, particularly in underserved communities.
Kalu said the NUT valued its partnership with the Federal Ministry of Education and pledged continued collaboration with government, education agencies, development partners and other stakeholders to address challenges confronting teachers. He emphasised that a strong education system cannot be built without a strong and adequately supported teaching profession.
Digitalised Awards Strengthen Recognition of Excellence
A major highlight of the celebration was the presentation of the President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards (PTSEA), which recognised outstanding teachers, school administrators and schools for professionalism, innovation, leadership and measurable contributions to education.
For the first time, the Federal Ministry of Education digitalised the selection process, replacing the manual system with a technology-driven process designed to strengthen transparency, accountability, documentation and public confidence in the recognition of outstanding educators and schools.
Ondo State Governor, His Excellency Orimisan Lucky Aiyedatiwa, was honoured as the Most Outstanding Governor in Contribution to Education; Mrs. Mary Oluwaseun Adebayo emerged Best Teacher of the Year; Gloria Nkolika Odionu was named Overall Best Administrator; while Federal Government College, Otobi, emerged Overall Best School.
The outstanding awardees received various prizes, including cars, tricycles, motorcycles, laptops and other items in recognition of their contributions to teaching, school administration and educational development.
The Ministry noted that excellence in teaching extends beyond those formally recognised, acknowledging the thousands of teachers across Nigeria who prepare lessons, mentor learners, encourage children and build the confidence of young Nigerians every day. It reaffirmed that celebrating teachers must translate into sustained investment in the profession throughout the year.
Attached herewith is the link to the digitalised awards selection process.
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations
