… Urges innovation, better welfare as education reform takes centre stage under Renewed Hope Agenda
… As best teacher emerges big winner, goes home with N50m, house, car
First Lady Oluremi Tinubu on Tuesday described Nigerian teachers as the “quiet architects of great nations,” urging them to embrace innovation as the Federal Government and state governors unveiled fresh measures to revive the education sector under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Delivering the keynote address at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026, themed “Empowering Teachers; Strengthening the Education System,” held at the State House Conference Centre, Abuja, the First Lady stressed that “meaningful educational and national progress can only be achieved when teachers are adequately equipped, motivated, and supported.”
Drawing from her background as a former classroom teacher, the First Lady underscored the profession’s enduring influence.
“Teachers are the quiet architects of great nations, shaping young minds, instilling values, and nurturing hope. I understand first-hand the demands of teaching and the enduring impact of teachers in shaping societies”, she said.
She commended the Federal Ministry of Education for launching the EduRevamp Portal, a new platform for continuous professional development.
“I congratulate the Federal Ministry of Education on the launch of the ‘Edu Revamp Portal’, an initiative that will ensure continuous professional development for our teachers. The framework of this initiative will no doubt improve learning outcomes across the country. I say, well done,” she stated.
Mrs. Tinubu reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to education, noting: “Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, education remains an essential pillar of national development… The administration is committed to sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, professional development, and the skills needed to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.”
Addressing teachers directly, the First Lady said “to my fellow teachers, I thank you for your hard work, commitment, and dedication. I charge you to continue to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and uphold integrity as you shape the next generation of leaders.”
Also speaking, the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Borno State Governor Babagana Zulum, described teachers as “nation builders, character shapers, and custodians of our collective future.
“No education system can rise above the quality, motivation, professionalism, and welfare of its teachers”, Professor Zulum said, noting that teachers serve more than 70 million learners across urban, rural, conflict, riverine and nomadic communities.
He outlined steps taken by governors, including mass recruitment, professional development in literacy, numeracy, STEM and inclusive education, improved wages, rural incentives, promotion reforms and performance rewards.
“These efforts reflect a shared understanding that meaningful education reform begins with placing qualified and motivated teachers in our classrooms,” he said.
Earlier, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced substantial cash rewards for outstanding teachers and formally unveiled the EduRevamp portal.
“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 said.
Alausa explained that after a rigorous, merit-based process, 12 finalists emerged nationwide, each to receive ₦25 million, while the overall Best Teacher of the Year would earn ₦50 million.
“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 of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmad, pledged to “restore pride in the teaching profession,” urging educators to seize new opportunities under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
The summit’s highlight was the emergence of Solanke Francis Taiwo from Ogun State as Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher for 2026, winning ₦50 million, a two-bedroom flat pledged by Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun, and a car donated by Governor Zulum.
The 12 finalists, representing the six geopolitical zones across basic and secondary education, each received ₦25 million, with Kebbi State Governor Nasir Idris adding ₦5 million to their rewards.
