The Federal Government has said 14 teachers will be selected digitally for the 2026 President’s Teachers’ and Schools Excellence Awards as part of efforts to improve transparency, accountability and documentation in the recognition of outstanding teachers.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, on Saturday.
The statement quoted the Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, as saying the Federal Ministry of Education had digitalised the selection process, replacing the manual process with a technology-driven system.
Ahmad said the digitalised process was designed to “strengthen transparency, accountability, documentation and confidence in the recognition of outstanding teachers and schools.”
She said the process, implemented in collaboration with state ministries of education and in line with relevant African Union guidelines, would “provide a more credible and properly documented framework for identifying and rewarding excellence in the teaching profession.”
She added that the digital system would strengthen the integrity of the process “by ensuring reliable records for future reference, while promoting greater transparency, accountability and fairness in the selection of awardees.”
Speaking on the theme of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration, “Transforming the Teaching Profession for Africa’s Future,” Ahmad identified innovation, mobility, artificial intelligence, inclusion and professional excellence as five interconnected pillars that would shape discussions and activities during the celebration.
She said innovation would promote “creative teaching approaches and locally relevant solutions to improve learning,” while mobility would encourage “professional collaboration and knowledge-sharing across borders.”
On artificial intelligence, the minister said it would support personalised learning and improve educational delivery.
Ahmad emphasised that “technology must complement rather than diminish the professional role of teachers,” stressing the importance of preserving teachers’ professional judgement while equipping them with the digital skills required to navigate the rapidly changing education landscape.
On inclusion, she stressed the need to “guarantee equitable access to quality education for learners irrespective of gender, ability, socioeconomic circumstances or geographical location.”
The minister said professional excellence would require “continuous professional development, improved welfare, supportive policies and greater recognition of teachers’ leadership role in national and continental development.”
Ahmad said the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with the Nigeria Union of Teachers, coordinates the annual World Teachers’ Day celebration and the associated awards.
She said the 2026 programme would include a symposium bringing together education stakeholders and heads of relevant agencies and institutions to examine the five thematic pillars and develop practical approaches to strengthening the teaching profession.
The main celebration on October 5 will bring together teachers from the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory for a march-past featuring state flags and cultural attire, symbolising Nigeria’s unity, diversity and the collective contribution of teachers to national development.
A major highlight will be the presentation of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day and President’s Teachers’ and Schools Excellence Awards, with 14 awardees to be recognised for 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 Deputy National President, Kizito Kalu, said the changing nature of education made it imperative to strengthen rather than diminish the professional role of teachers.
He called for “sustained investment in teachers’ digital skills, continuous professional development and workplace support,” stressing that artificial intelligence and other technologies should complement teachers’ expertise and professional judgement.
Kalu reaffirmed the NUT’s commitment to constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders to build “a strong, respected and adequately supported teaching profession.”