RismadarVoice Reporters
October 4, 2026
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced plans to select 14 awardees for recognition under the 2026 President’s Teachers’ and Schools Excellence Awards, with the selection process now fully digitalised.
The Federal Ministry of Education said the new system was introduced to strengthen transparency, accountability, and proper documentation in identifying outstanding teachers and schools nationwide.
The ministry’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, disclosed this in a statement on Saturday.
Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, said the digital process replaces the previous manual system and is being implemented in collaboration with state ministries of education.
According to Ahmad, the initiative aims to provide a more credible, well-documented framework for recognising excellence in the teaching profession while maintaining reliable records for future reference.
She said the process also aligns with relevant African Union guidelines.
Speaking ahead of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration, themed “Transforming the Teaching Profession for Africa’s Future,” Ahmad identified innovation, mobility, artificial intelligence, inclusion and professional excellence as major areas of focus.
She said innovation should encourage creative teaching methods and locally relevant approaches to improving learning, while professional mobility could strengthen collaboration and knowledge-sharing among educators.
On artificial intelligence, Ahmad said emerging technologies could support personalised learning and improve educational delivery but stressed that technology should complement rather than replace teachers’ professional judgement.
She also called for equitable access to quality education regardless of gender, ability, socioeconomic circumstances or geographical location.
According to the minister, achieving professional excellence would require continuous training, improved welfare, supportive government policies and greater recognition of teachers’ contribution to national development.
The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Teachers, coordinates the annual World Teachers’ Day celebration and its associated awards.
The 2026 programme will include a symposium bringing together education stakeholders and heads of relevant agencies and institutions to examine strategies for strengthening the teaching profession.
The main World Teachers’ Day celebration is scheduled for October 5, with teachers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory expected to participate in a march-past featuring state flags and cultural attire.
A major highlight will be the presentation of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day and President’s Teachers’ and Schools Excellence Awards, with 14 awardees expected to receive recognition for outstanding contributions to education.
The first, second and third-best teachers are expected to receive major prizes, while other recipients will be presented with laptops. Outstanding schools will also be recognised.
Deputy National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Kizito Kalu, speaking on behalf of NUT National President Audu Titus Amba, called for sustained investment in teachers’ digital skills, continuous professional development and workplace support.
He said artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies should strengthen teachers’ expertise rather than diminish their professional role.
Kalu reaffirmed the union’s commitment to working with the government and other stakeholders to build a stronger, respected and adequately supported teaching profession.
