The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s teaching profession through improved welfare, continuous professional development, better working conditions, digital capacity-building and stronger recognition of excellence in teaching.
Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this in Abuja during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day commemoration and President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards (PTSEA) ceremony.
The event was held under the theme, “Protecting and Advancing the Status of the Teaching Profession in a Rapidly Changing World.”
Alausa described teachers as central to Nigeria’s human capital development, stressing that the Federal Government, under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, would continue to strengthen teacher preparation, digital competencies, professional development and working conditions.
According to him, the government recognises the critical role teachers play in shaping the nation’s future and is committed to creating an enabling environment where educators can perform effectively and develop professionally.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, also called for sustained investment in digital literacy, innovative teaching methods, teacher welfare and professional recognition.
She emphasised the need for the teaching profession to remain responsive to the rapid changes taking place in technology and the wider education sector.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), through its Deputy National President, Elder Comrade Kizito Kalu, pledged continued collaboration with the Federal Government and other stakeholders towards the professional transformation of the teaching sector.
The union, however, called for further improvements in teachers’ welfare, provision of adequate teaching and learning resources, enhanced digital skills, as well as effective recruitment and retention strategies.
A major highlight of the celebration was the digitalised selection process adopted for the President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards.
The process was designed to enhance transparency and accountability while strengthening public confidence in the selection and recognition of outstanding educators and institutions.
The awards recognised outstanding teachers, school administrators, schools and other individuals and institutions that have made significant contributions to the development of education in Nigeria.
The Federal Government said the reforms were part of broader efforts to reposition teaching as a highly respected and professionally rewarding career while ensuring that Nigerian teachers are equipped to meet the demands of a rapidly changing educational landscape.
The World Teachers’ Day commemoration provided an opportunity for government, teachers’ unions and other education stakeholders to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening the teaching profession and improving learning outcomes across the country.
