…First Lady hails teachers’ sacrifice, urges excellence, innovation
The Federal Government has awarded 12 outstanding teachers across the six geopolitical zones with N350,000,000 in recognition of their dedication, innovation, and impact on Nigeria’s education sector.
The awards were presented on Tuesday by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, at the Nigeria Teachers’ Summit 2026 in Abuja, with the theme: “Empowering Teachers, Strengthening the System: A National Agenda for Education Transformation and Sustainability.”
During the summit, Alausa stated that the government would sustain reforms aimed at empowering teachers and restoring dignity to the profession.
Giving a breakdown, the minister said the 12 best-performing teachers were selected from both basic and senior secondary education levels across the six geopolitical zones.
Alausa explained that the selection process was transparent and merit-based, with three teachers nominated from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory at both the basic and senior secondary school levels.
He said that each of the selected teachers would receive N25,000,000, while the overall best-performing teacher nationwide would receive N50,000,000.
The minister described the awardees as exemplifying professionalism, integrity, innovation, and dedication to learners, noting that they represent the best of the teaching profession in the country.
“This is more than a reward. It is a national signal that teaching is a noble, respected, and valued profession in Nigeria,” he said.
The minister said the recognition of the teachers reflected the government’s broader education reform agenda under Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
Alausa said, “Teachers are the foundation of education, and education is the foundation of national development. No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers.
“No reform, no matter how well designed, can succeed unless teachers are empowered, motivated, supported, and respected.”
He pledged that the government would continue to invest in teachers through structured training, improved career pathways, and fair rewards, noting that education remained central to national development.
Beyond the Federal Government’s awards, the Governor of Kebbi State also promised N5 million each to all the awardees, amongst other gifts from others.
The summit was designed to strengthen the teaching profession and advance sustainable education reforms, while fostering dialogue that will shape national education policy and inform future reform initiatives.
The First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, paid glowing tribute to teachers across the country, describing them as the quiet architects of nation-building.
She urged them to pursue excellence, embrace innovation and uphold integrity in shaping future generations.
The First Lady commended the Federal Ministry of Education for convening the summit, noting that its theme was timely and strategic in addressing longstanding challenges within Nigeria’s education sector.
“I am delighted to join you today at this National Teachers’ Summit, a gathering of teachers and education professionals whose dedication, sacrifice and commitment lay the foundation for our nation’s future,” she said.
According to her, meaningful education and national progress can only be achieved when teachers are adequately equipped, motivated and supported.
Drawing from her background as an educationist and former classroom teacher, the First Lady said she understood first-hand the demands of the profession and the lasting impact teachers have on society.
“Teachers are the quiet architects of great nations. They shape young minds, instill values and nurture hope. Sustainable development begins with quality teaching and learning,” she stated.
Senator Tinubu reaffirmed the commitment of the Tinubu administration to education under the Renewed Hope Agenda, stressing that education remains a central pillar of national development.
She said the federal government was committed to sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, professional development, and the acquisition of skills required to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.
She particularly lauded the launch of the EduRevamp Portal by the Federal Ministry of Education, describing it as a landmark initiative that would strengthen continuous professional development for teachers nationwide.
Also speaking, Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Ahmad, emphasised that empowering teachers is central to national education reform.
The minister encouraged participants to engage actively and ensure that deliberations translate into tangible actions for a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready education system.
She said, “No education system can rise above the quality, motivation, and empowerment of its teacher. Empowering teachers is not an isolated intervention; it is the foundation upon which sustainable education reform is built.”
On his part, the President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Titus Amba, commended the federal government for organising the summit.
He emphasised the importance of recognising and professionalising teachers as key pillars in education, noting that effective education depends on motivated, supported, and professional teachers.
The NUT president also commended government funding for teacher development programs and encouraged sustained support to transform the education system.
“Education transmission can only be achieved if teachers are professionalised, friendly, motivated, and supported to guide the learning process.
“The teacher is always the teacher. We are proud to be here with our mother teachers of Nigeria. We commend the federal government for funding programmes that promote the professionalism of teachers in Nigeria,” he added.
The event also witnessed the launch of Edurevamp Online teacher professional development portal designed specifically for the continuous professional development of teachers.
