The Federal Government has awarded a total of N350 million to 12 outstanding teachers drawn from across the six geopolitical zones of the country, in recognition of their dedication, innovation, and impact on Nigeria’s education sector.
Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, disclosed this on Tuesday at the ongoing Nigeria Teachers Summit 2026 held in Abuja.
The summit, organised under the theme “Empowering Teachers, Strengthening the System: A National Agenda for Education Transformation and Sustainability,” brought together key stakeholders to deliberate on reforms aimed at strengthening the teaching profession and improving learning outcomes nationwide.
Giving a breakdown of the awards, Alausa said the 12 best-performing teachers were selected from both basic and senior secondary education levels across the six geopolitical zones.
He explained that each of the teachers would receive N25 million, while the overall best-performing teacher nationwide would receive a special award of N50 million.
According to the minister, the initiative underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to recognising excellence in teaching and motivating educators as critical drivers of national development.
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“Teachers are the foundation of education, and education is the foundation of national development. 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,” Alausa said.
He noted that the summit was designed to strengthen the teaching profession, advance sustainable education reforms, and foster dialogue that would shape national education policy and inform future reform initiatives.
Also speaking at the event, Suwaiba Said Ahmad, Minister of State for Education, emphasised that empowering teachers remains central to national education reform. She urged participants to engage actively in the summit’s deliberations and ensure that discussions translate into tangible actions.
“No education system can rise above the quality, motivation, and empowerment of its teachers. Empowering teachers is not an isolated intervention; it is the foundation upon which sustainable education reform is built,” she said
In his remarks, Titus Amba, President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), commended the Federal Government for organising the National Teachers’ Summit and for its continued investment in teacher development programmes.
He stressed the need to recognise and professionalise teachers as key pillars of the education system, noting that effective education depends on motivated, supported, and professional educators.
“Education transmission can only be achieved if teachers are professionalised, friendly, motivated, and supported to guide the learning process.
“The teacher is always the teacher. We are proud to be here with our mother teachers of Nigeria. We commend the Federal Government for funding programmes that promote the professionalism of teachers in Nigeria,” Amba said.
