By Tony Obiechina, Abuja
The Federal Government has awarded 12 outstanding teachers across the six geopolitical zones a total sum of N350,000,000 in recognition of their dedication, innovation and impact on Nigeria’s education sector.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this at the ongoing Nigeria Teachers’ Summit 2026 in Abuja on Tuesday.
The summit was organised under the theme: “Empowering Teachers, Strengthening the System: A National Agenda for Education Transformation and Sustainability”.
Giving a breakdown, the minister 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 selected teachers would receive N25,000,000, while the overall best-performing teacher nationwide would receive N50,000,000.
The summit was designed to strengthen the teaching profession and advance sustainable education reforms, while fostering dialogue that will shape national education policy and inform future reform initiatives.
The First Lady of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, officially declared the summit open at Presidential Villa banquet hall.
Speaking, the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmad, emphasised that empowering teachers is central to national education reform. She encouraged participants to engage actively and ensure that deliberations translate into tangible actions for a resilient, inclusive, and future-ready education system.
She said; “No education system can rise above the quality, motivation, and empowerment of its teacher. Empowering teachers is not an isolated intervention; it is the foundation upon which sustainable education reform is built.”
On his part, Comrade Titus Amba, President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), commended the federal government for organising the National Teachers’ Summit.
He emphasised the importance of recognising and professionalising teachers as key pillars in education, noting that effective education depends on motivated, supported, and professional teachers.
He also commended government funding for teacher development programs and encouraged sustained support to transform the education system.
“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,” he added.
Comrade Titus Amba, commended the federal government for organising the National Teachers’ Summit.
According to him, effective education depends on motivated, supported, and professional teachers.
The NUT President also commended government funding teacher development programs and sought for sustained support to transform the education system.
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He said “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,”
Other stakeholders also spoke at the opening ceremony of the summit, which will end on Wednesday 28th January, 2026.
