The Federal Government has inaugurated the Planning and Implementation Committee for the 2026 World Teachers’ Day Celebration and the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Awards as part of efforts to recognise outstanding educators and strengthen Nigeria’s teaching profession.
Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, described teachers as the foundation of sustainable educational development, stressing that Nigeria’s human capital goals depend on a motivated, qualified and professionally supported teaching workforce.
Enitan urged members of the committee to conduct their responsibilities with fairness, transparency, accountability, integrity and merit.
He said the committee would oversee nominations, screen and verify candidates from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, develop the programme for the October 5, 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration, mobilise partnerships and establish monitoring and evaluation mechanisms.
The Director of Education Support Services, Amudipe Gabriel Oluwole, said the inauguration marked the official commencement of preparations for the annual celebration.
Representatives of key education stakeholders, including the Nigerian Educational Research and Development Council (NERDC), the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), and development partners, pledged their support to ensure a transparent and credible selection process.
According to the ministry, the committee comprises representatives of the Federal Ministry of Education, its agencies, professional bodies, development partners and other stakeholders.
The Federal Government said the initiative underscores its commitment to promoting quality education, rewarding excellence in teaching and advancing human capital development under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.