2026 World Teachers’ Day: Ministry of Education digitalises teachers’ awards, unveils five-pillar agenda

Education

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) has digitalised the selection process for the 2026 President’s Teachers’ and Schools Excellence Awards (PTSEA), replacing the manual process with a technology-driven system aimed at strengthening transparency, accountability, documentation and confidence in the recognition of outstanding teachers and schools.

The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, disclosed this in Abuja during a press briefing ahead of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration scheduled for Monday, Oct. 5.

According to a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, Ahmad said the digitalised selection 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.

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She said 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 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, Ahmad said the technology could support personalised learning, data-informed decision-making and the reduction of administrative burdens, provided it was deployed responsibly, ethically and inclusively.

She 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 digital skills to navigate the rapidly changing education landscape.

On inclusion, the minister stressed the need to guarantee equitable access to quality education for learners irrespective of gender, ability, socioeconomic circumstances or geographical location.

She 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 (NUT), coordinates the annual World Teachers’ Day celebration and associated awards.

She disclosed that 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 Oct. 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 teachers’ collective contribution 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 as part of the awards programme.

The minister acknowledged the support of state governments, government agencies, development partners, organisations and individuals contributing to the success of the celebration.

She also called on the media to provide accurate and comprehensive coverage to deepen public appreciation of the role of teachers.

In her welcome address, the Acting Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Dr Folake Olatunji-David, described teachers as central to national development and commended their dedication to educating and moulding young Nigerians despite the challenges confronting the profession.

She said World Teachers’ Day provided an opportunity to recognise teachers’ contributions while renewing commitment to their welfare, professional development and dignity.

Olatunji-David also advocated greater involvement of teachers in education policy and decision-making, noting that their participation would strengthen ownership and implementation of reforms.

The Director, Educational Support Services, Mr Gabriel Amudipe Oluwole, highlighted the indispensable role of teachers in delivering quality education and supporting the holistic development of learners.

He said the planning process involved reviewing relevant instruments, coordinating assessment activities, and collecting and verifying applications, with attention to safeguarding, facilities and governance.

Oluwole reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to equipping teachers with modern tools and creating supportive working environments that promote effective teaching.

Speaking on behalf of the NUT National President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, the Deputy National President, Elder Comrade 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.

The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment under the Renewed Hope Agenda to placing teachers at the centre of Nigeria’s education transformation through stronger professional development, digital innovation, improved recognition and supportive working environments.

The ministry said it would continue to work with state governments, education agencies, development partners, teachers’ organisations and other stakeholders to build a resilient, inclusive and globally competitive education system that empowers teachers, improves learning outcomes and equips Nigerian children and young people with the knowledge, skills and values required for national development.