The Federal Government has announced plans to digitally select 14 outstanding teachers for the 2026 President’s Teachers’ and Schools Excellence Awards.
The initiative is part of efforts to promote transparency, accountability and proper documentation in the recognition of exceptional teachers and schools across Nigeria.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade.
According to the statement, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, said the ministry had digitalised the award selection process, replacing the previous manual system with a technology-driven approach.
Ahmad said the digital system would strengthen the credibility of the selection process by ensuring transparency, fairness, reliable records and proper documentation.
She explained that the process was being implemented in collaboration with state ministries of education and in line with relevant African Union guidelines.
The minister said the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration would focus on the theme, “Transforming the Teaching Profession for Africa’s Future,” with discussions centred on five key areas: innovation, mobility, artificial intelligence, inclusion and professional excellence.
She noted that innovation would encourage creative teaching methods and locally relevant solutions, while mobility would promote professional collaboration and knowledge-sharing across borders.
On artificial intelligence, Ahmad said technology could support personalised learning and improve educational delivery, but stressed that it should complement rather than replace teachers’ professional judgement.
She also called for greater inclusion to ensure equal access to quality education regardless of gender, ability, socioeconomic status or geographical location.
According to the minister, professional excellence would require continuous professional development, improved welfare, supportive policies and greater recognition of teachers’ contributions to national development.
The Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Teachers, coordinates the annual World Teachers’ Day celebration and the associated awards.
The 2026 celebration will feature a symposium involving education stakeholders and heads of relevant agencies and institutions, where practical strategies for strengthening the teaching profession will be discussed.
The main celebration, scheduled for October 5, will bring together teachers from Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for a march-past featuring state flags and cultural attire.
A major highlight of the event will be the presentation of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day and President’s Teachers’ and Schools Excellence Awards.
Fourteen awardees will be recognised for their 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.
Speaking on behalf of the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Audu Titus Amba, the union’s Deputy National President, Kizito Kalu, urged the government to continue investing in teachers’ digital skills, professional development and workplace support.
He said artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies should be used to strengthen teachers’ expertise rather than undermine their professional role.
Kalu reaffirmed the NUT’s commitment to working with the government and other stakeholders to build a strong, respected and adequately supported teaching profession.
Tags
National News