The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has digitalised the selection process for the 2026 President’s Teachers’ and Schools Excellence Awards (PTSEA), replacing the manual system with a technology-driven process aimed at improving transparency, accountability and fairness.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Sani’ah Ahmad, disclosed this in Abuja during a press briefing ahead of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration scheduled for Monday, October 5.
According to the Minister, the digitalised selection process, implemented in collaboration with State Ministries of Education and in line with relevant African Union guidelines, will provide a more credible and properly documented framework for identifying and rewarding excellence in the teaching profession.
She said the new system would strengthen the integrity of the awards by ensuring reliable records for future reference, while promoting greater transparency, accountability and fairness in the selection of awardees.
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 celebration, “Transforming the Teaching Profession for Africa’s Future,” Ahmad identified innovation, mobility, artificial intelligence, inclusion and professional excellence as five interconnected pillars that would shape discussions and activities during the celebration.
She explained that innovation would promote creative teaching approaches and locally relevant solutions to improve learning, while mobility would encourage professional collaboration and knowledge-sharing across borders.
On artificial intelligence, the Minister said the technology could support personalised learning, data-informed decision-making and the reduction of administrative burdens, provided it was deployed responsibly, ethically and inclusively.
Ahmad, however, stressed that technology must complement rather than diminish the professional role of teachers, noting the need to preserve teachers’ professional judgment while equipping them with the digital skills required to navigate the rapidly changing education landscape.
On inclusion, she called for equitable access to quality education for learners irrespective of gender, ability, socioeconomic circumstances or geographical location.
She added that professional excellence would require continuous professional development, improved welfare, supportive policies and greater recognition of teachers’ leadership roles in national and continental development.
The Minister said the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), coordinates the annual World Teachers’ Day celebration and associated awards.
She disclosed that this year’s programme would feature a symposium bringing together education stakeholders and heads of relevant agencies and institutions to examine the five thematic pillars and develop practical approaches to strengthening the teaching profession.
The main celebration on October 5 will bring together teachers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for a colourful march-past featuring state flags and cultural attire, symbolising Nigeria’s unity, diversity and the collective contribution of teachers to national development.
A major highlight of the celebration will be the presentation of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day and President’s Teachers’ and Schools Excellence Awards, with 14 awardees to be recognised for outstanding contributions to education.
The first, second and third-best teachers will receive major prizes, while other award recipients will receive laptops. Outstanding school performance will also be recognised as part of the awards programme.
The Minister acknowledged the support of state governments, government agencies, development partners, organisations and individuals contributing to the success of the celebration, while calling on the media to provide accurate and comprehensive coverage that would deepen public appreciation of the vital role of teachers.
In her welcome address, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr. (Mrs.) Folake Olatunji-David, described teachers as central to national development and commended their dedication to educating and moulding young Nigerians despite the challenges confronting the profession.
She said World Teachers’ Day provides an important opportunity to recognise teachers’ contributions while renewing commitment to their welfare, professional development and dignity.
Olatunji-David also advocated greater involvement of teachers in education policy and decision-making, noting that their participation would strengthen ownership and implementation of reforms.