Nigeria’s First lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu has urged Nigerian teachers to continue to pursue excellence, embrace innovation and uphold integrity in order to shape the next generation.
The first lady made the call at the opening ceremony of a two day 2026 National Teacher’s Summit, held in Abuja, Nigeria, with the theme: “Empowering Teachers, Strengthening the System: a National Agenda for Education Transformation and Sustainability.”
She said the charge became necessary as teachers dedication, sacrifice and commitment are the foundation for the future.
“As an educationist and lifelong teacher, I understand first-hand the demands of teaching and the enduring impact of teachers in shaping societies,” she said.
According to her, under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, education remains an essential pillar of national development with a clear recognition that sustainable development begins with quality teaching and learning.
“The administration is committed to sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, professional development, and the skills needed to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.
“Teachers are the quiet architects of great nations, shaping young minds, instilling values and nurturing hope. Therefore, meaningful education and national progress can only be achieved when teachers are adequately equipped, motivated and supported,” she said.
She noted that the theme of the summit is timely and relevant in addressing the challenges within Nigeria’s education system.
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The first lady also congratulated the Federal Ministry of Education for the launch of the EduRevamp portal designed to ensure continuous development of teachers in the country.
“I am confident that the outcomes of this summit will strengthen our education system” she said.
“I congratulate the Federal Ministry of Education on the launch of EduRevamp Portal, an initiative that will ensure continuous professional development for our teachers. The framework of this initiative will no doubt improve learning outcomes across the country,” she added.
Welfare Award
The first Lady also declared the overall winner of a welfare award instituted by the Nigerian government for the teachers.
The winner, Mr. Francis Taiwo from Ogun state was awarded 50 million Naira. The award was also supported by the Governors of Borno and Ogun states.
Twelve winners in the basic and secondary schools categories selected from the 36 states of the federation, including the FCT, equally went home with N2.5 million naira each.
“I’m glad to inform you that, the Governor of Borno State, has decided to award the overall winner also with a brand new car. The Ogun state governor Dapo Abiodun is equally supporting with a two bedroom flat fully furnished.
“So, teachers, your reward are no longer in heaven. They are right here on earth.
And I can tell you, if you teach with all your heart and your soul, God will definitely reward you. So I say congratulations to all of you,” she said.
The First lady was recognised by the Federal Ministry of Education for her contributions to the education sector.
National Statement
The Minister of Education, Dr.Maruf Alausa said the national Teachers Summit is a national statement that shows that Nigeria values its teachers because the profession matters, as the future of the country begins in the classroom.
“This administration understands that sustainable development, economic growth, innovation, and social cohesion depend on a strong and responsive education system. A system that depends on the teachers. Empowering teachers means continuous professional development that reflects a reality of today,” he said.
He added that under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu, Nigerian teachers are no longer an afterthought but the strategy.
“Nigerian teachers are the strategy. Together, we will restore pride in the teaching profession,” he said.
He explained that the launched EduRevamp portal during the summit aligns with the new growth agenda and global best practices and focused squarely on improving what matters the most, which are teaching and learning in the country’s classrooms.
“Let me declare, EduRevamp is open to all teachers in Nigeria, both across the public and private schools. Professional growth must never be restricted.
Every teacher deserves access to quality training, modern tools, and updated skills.
“However, the principles of fairness and responsible use of public resources, the performance-based incentive package under EduRevamp is reserved only for the public school teachers. This incentive will be earned by teachers who complete the certified training,” he said.
He urged participants at the summit to focus on actionable outcomes as true measure of success will not be the quality of discussions, but the impact of the outcomes in classrooms, schools, and in the lives of learners across Nigeria.
Strategic Imperative
The Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, who is also the Governor of Kwara State, expressed the forum’s commitment to the outcomes of the summit, noting that in Nigeria, teachers shape the future of over 70 million learners across urban centres, rural communities, conflict-affected areas, riverine settlements and nomadic populations; as such, empowering teachers is not optional.
“It is a strategic imperative for national development, social stability and economic growth that we must continue to under take,” he said.
According to him, the forum over the years has been extensively involved in infrastructure development, recruitments to address teachers shortages, skills acquisition, pedagogy and ICT training among others.
Abdulrazaq was represented by Professor, Babagana Zulum the governor of Borno State.
The Chairman of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Amba, said the summit underscores the importance of teachers as a key pillar in the Nigerian project.
He said the Awards will promote excellence and restore pride among teachers in Nigeria.
Amba commended the Federal Ministry of Education for organising the event and the Nigerian government for restoring funding to the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria,