The Federal Government has awarded ₦50 million to Nigeria’s Best Teacher of the Year, while 11 other outstanding teachers received ₦25 million each, as part of efforts to strengthen teacher welfare and drive education reform.
The awards were presented on Tuesday in Abuja at the Nigeria Teachers’ Summit 2026, where the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the government’s commitment to empowering teachers and restoring dignity to the profession.
Alausa explained that the award process was transparent and merit-based, with three teachers nominated from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory at both the basic and senior secondary school levels. From the pool of nominees, 12 teachers—six from basic education and six from senior secondary education—emerged as national award recipients.
The Overall Best Teacher of the Year, Solanke Taiwo from the South-West, received an additional ₦25 million on top of the ₦25 million award, bringing his total prize to ₦50 million. He is also to receive a brand-new car from the Governor of Borno State, Babagana Zulum, and a fully furnished two-bedroom flat from the Ogun State Governor, Dapo Abiodun. The Governor of Kebbi State, Nasir Idris, further pledged an additional ₦5 million to each award winner.
Describing the honourees as exemplary professionals, Alausa said the awards send a strong national message about the value of teaching.
“This is more than a reward. It is a national signal that teaching is a noble, respected and valued profession in Nigeria,” he said.
As part of the Federal Government’s broader education reform agenda under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, the minister also unveiled EduRevamp, a nationally coordinated online Continuous Professional Development portal for teachers.
According to Alausa, EduRevamp is designed to modernise teacher training, improve classroom outcomes and provide structured professional growth opportunities. While the platform is open to teachers in both public and private schools, he noted that performance-based incentives would be reserved for public school teachers who complete certified training.
The minister added that the initiative complements other ongoing reforms, including the Ignite digital platform to reduce teacher workload, the Diaspora Bridge programme to strengthen STEMM education, and the distribution of 60,000 tablets to support teachers’ access to training resources.
Speaking at the summit themed Empowering Teachers, Strengthening the System: A National Agenda for Education Transformation and Sustainability, Alausa stressed that no education reform can succeed without motivated and well-supported teachers.
“Teachers are the foundation of education, and education is the foundation of national development. No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers,” he said.
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.