The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to transforming Nigeria’s teaching profession through improved welfare, continuous professional development, better working conditions and increased digital capacity.
The Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, stated this in Abuja at the 2026 World Teachers’ Day Commemoration and President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards ceremony.
The event was held under the theme, “Protecting and Advancing the Status of the Teaching Profession in a Rapidly Changing World.”
Alausa described teachers as central to Nigeria’s human capital development, saying the Federal Government would continue to strengthen teacher preparation, digital competencies, professional development and working conditions under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Teachers are central to the development of our human capital and the future of our nation. We must therefore continue to invest in their professional development, welfare and capacity to deliver quality education,” he said.
The minister said the government was focused on equipping teachers with the skills required to respond to the changing demands of the education sector, particularly through digital learning and innovative teaching methods.
“We are committed to ensuring that our teachers are not left behind in this rapidly changing world. Digital competencies, continuous professional development and improved working conditions remain key priorities,” Alausa said.
Also speaking, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, called for sustained investment in digital literacy, innovative pedagogy, teacher welfare and professional recognition.
She said strengthening the teaching profession required a coordinated effort involving government, teachers, education stakeholders and the wider society.
“We must continue to invest in our teachers because the quality of education cannot be separated from the quality of those who deliver it,” Ahmad said.
The Nigeria Union of Teachers, through its Deputy National President, Elder Comrade Kizito Kalu, pledged continued partnership with the Federal Government and other stakeholders towards transforming the teaching profession.
Kalu, however, called for improved teacher welfare, adequate teaching resources, digital skills development, recruitment and retention of qualified teachers.
He said teachers needed the necessary support and working environment to effectively perform their responsibilities.
“The NUT remains committed to partnering with government and other stakeholders to advance the teaching profession. However, improved welfare, adequate teaching resources and continuous capacity-building are essential for attracting and retaining quality teachers,” Kalu said.
A major highlight of the ceremony was the digitalised President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards selection process, which was designed to promote transparency, accountability and public confidence.
The awards recognised outstanding teachers, administrators, schools and other contributions to the development of education in Nigeria.
The Federal Government said the recognition of excellence was part of broader efforts to motivate teachers, promote professionalism and strengthen the status of teaching as a career.
The government also reiterated its commitment to creating an enabling environment where teachers can develop professionally and contribute effectively to Nigeria’s human capital development.