The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to repositioning teachers as the foundation of national development, rewarding outstanding educators with cash prizes totaling ₦350 million and unveiling EduRevamp, a national platform for continuous teacher professional development, at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026 held at the State House Banquet Hall, Abuja.
The Summit, themed “Empowering Teachers, Strengthening the System: A National Agenda for Education Transformation and Sustainability,” brought together educators, policymakers, state governments, unions, development partners, and the private sector to celebrate excellence in teaching and advance sustainable education reforms.
Delivering keynote address at the Summit, the First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, CON, described teachers as “the quiet architects of great nations,” stressing that no nation can progress without adequately motivated, supported, and equipped educators. Drawing from her experience as a former classroom teacher, she reaffirmed that education remains central to the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and urged teachers to embrace excellence, innovation, and integrity in shaping future leaders.
Speaking earlier, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, announced that 12 outstanding teachers drawn from basic and senior secondary schools across the six geopolitical zones were selected through a transparent, merit-based process from nominations across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory. Each awardee received ₦25 million, while the Overall Best Teacher of the Year, Mr. Taiwo Solanke from the South-West, received a ₦50 million grand prize. In addition to the cash award, Mr. Solanke was presented with a brand new car donated by the Governor of Borno State, Prof. Babagana Zulum, and a fully furnished two-bedroom apartment donated by the Governor of Ogun State, Mr. Dapo Abiodun.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that no education reform can succeed without empowered, motivated, and professionally developed teachers. He formally unveiled the EduRevamp Online Teacher Professional Development Portal, explaining that it represents a shift from attendance-based training to competency-driven, outcome-focused professional development. He further highlighted complementary initiatives, including the Ignite digital platform, Diaspora Bridge for STEMM education, the deployment of 60,000 tablets to teachers, and the strengthening of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) digital platform to support professional registration, career tracking, and structured development.
In her remarks, the Honourable Minister of State for Education,
Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, underscored that empowering teachers remains the cornerstone of sustainable education transformation. She described the Summit as a strategic platform for dialogue, shared learning, and collective action, urging stakeholders to commit to practical solutions that will strengthen teaching and learning nationwide.
Speaking on behalf of the Chairman of the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Governor Babagana Zulum commended the First Lady and the Federal Ministry of Education for placing teachers at the centre of national education reforms. He highlighted historic investments in education, improved conditions of service, student learning support programmes, and teacher incentive schemes, while reaffirming state governments’ commitment to improving teacher welfare, professional development, and morale.
Also speaking, the President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Titus Amba, commended the Federal Government for convening the Summit and sustaining funding for teacher development initiatives. He emphasized that effective education delivery depends on professionalised, motivated, and well-supported teachers, and called for continued investment in the teaching profession to improve learning outcomes across the country.
The National Teachers’ Summit 2026, which continues through 28 January, provides a national platform to celebrate excellence in teaching, address systemic challenges, and chart a sustainable path for education reform in Nigeria.
Signed
BORIOWO FOLASADE
Director, Press & Public Relations
