RismadarVoice Reporters
February 8, 2026
A teacher from Yobe State, Gambo Lawan, has been named the Best Teacher in the North-East at the 2026 National Teachers Award Ceremony organized by the Federal Ministry of Education.
Lawan, who teaches at Yerimaram Government Day Junior Secondary School, Potiskum, was announced as the regional winner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, and received a N25 million cash prize for her outstanding contributions to teaching.
The event recognized teachers for excellence, dedication, and innovation in classroom practice, making her one of the top awardees nationwide.
Officials of Yobe State Universal Basic Education Board (YSUBEB) described the selection process as rigorous, transparent, and merit-based, focusing on professionalism, classroom innovation, and measurable learning outcomes.
In an exclusive interview on Sunday, Lawan said her achievement was the result of dedication and passion for teaching.
“I am extremely grateful to God for this recognition. It is the result of years of hard work, patience, consistency, and love for teaching. This award has encouraged me to do even more for my students,” she said.
Lawan admitted that the announcement came as a surprise. “Honestly, I was overwhelmed. I did not expect it, but I kept believing that whatever the outcome, God’s will would prevail. This is a great honour, not just to me, but to Yobe State and my school,” she added.
She also expressed her commitment towards mentoring younger teachers and continuing to instill knowledge, values and discipline in her students.
Reacting to the award, YSUBEB Executive Chairman Umaru Hassan-Babayo said Lawan’s achievement projected Yobe State positively at the national level.
“Her success underscores Yobe State’s steady emergence as a serious stakeholder in education. It reflects the investments being made in education and human capital development across the state,” Hassan-Babayo said, adding that the recognition validates the state government’s commitment to supporting teachers and improving learning outcomes.
In addition to the N25 million cash prize, Lawan received a tertiary education scholarship in recognition of her exceptional performance.
The honour follows months after three Yobe State students, Nafisa Abdullahi, Rukayya Muhammad-Fema, and Hadiza Kashim-Kalli, won at the 2025 TeenEagle Global Finals in London, excelling in spelling bee contests, writing challenges, and knowledge quizzes.
