The Nigerian Government says it is working to raise the quality and professional pride of teachers across the country.
It explained that this would be achieved through collaborative policies, digital literacy, and improved welfare packages aimed at promoting teachers’ development and enhancing learning outcomes.
Minister of Education, Maruf Olatunji Alausa stated this in Abuja during the commemoration of World Teachers’ Day, themed “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession.”
Alausa said “experience has shown that when teachers are supported to work together through peer mentoring, joint lesson planning, co-teaching, and the use of digital platforms, learning outcomes improve, and teachers themselves experience professional growth and fulfilment.”
According to him, “the ministry has initiated numerous policies to revitalise the teaching profession, including the National Teacher Policy, which ensures that teachers are professionally empowered and motivated.”
The Minister said that peer support structures are also being encouraged at school and zonal levels nationwide.
Alausa said; “the sector is also leveraging ICT to connect teachers across states and provide access to global best practices.”
The minister noted that the commemoration and its theme align with Nigeria’s education reform agenda and the global initiative championed by UNESCO, ILO, UNICEF and Education International.
“It is remarkable that the global community is acknowledging the selfless dedication of teachers who remain the foundation of development in all climes. Rewarding teachers is an investment in quality education, student achievement, and national progress,” he said.
President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Audu Amba commended the Nigerian Government for efforts being made to make teachers comfortable.
Amba however, called on the government to employ over 194,000 teachers to meet gaps in rural and urban areas.
He urged all tiers of government to address the teacher shortage as it undermines Nigeria’s commitment to Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) on quality education for all.
“It is alarming that Nigeria has a shortage of 194,876 teachers in public primary schools across the country. The situation in our secondary schools is not encouraging either. This manpower crisis has grave implications for the quality of education and learning outcomes in our schools.
“We add our voice to the global call to make teaching more attractive to younger generations. Government must employ the right number and quality of teachers to sustain effective education delivery in our school system,” Amba said.
The Nigerian Government honoured exceptional teachers and schools at the event, which celebrated the grand finale of the 2025 World Teachers’ Day and the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Awards, held at Eagle Square, Abuja.
Leading the pack of awardees was Emmanuel Ozor Charles of Greater Tomorrow International College, Ondo, who emerged Best Public Private School Teacher, with a cash prize of N3.5 million.
Solanke Francis Taiwo of Ansar-Udeen Main School, Kemta, Abeokuta, Ogun State, won the Best Teacher (CAR) award for his outstanding commitment to nurturing young minds and driving academic excellence.
In the Basic School category, Woliwo Primary School, Onitsha, Anambra State, clinched the Best School (BUS) award, while Onike Girls Junior High School, Lagos, was named Best Junior Secondary School (BUS) for its remarkable performance in academic standards, discipline, and girl-child empowerment.
The award for Best School Leader, with a cash prize of N3.5 million, went to Mrs Odenike Fausat Mobolaji of Elepe Community Junior High School, Ikorodu, Lagos, who was recognised for her exceptional leadership, mentorship, and commitment to school improvement and teacher development.
Similarly, Fayomi Felix of Idepe High School, Okitipupa, Ondo State, was honoured as Best Public School Teacher, with a N3.5 million cash award, in recognition of his innovative teaching methods and dedication to student success.
Crowning the list was Ubani Roseblund Ibiyiye of Federal Government College, Abuloma, who bagged the coveted Best Teacher prize of N3.5 million, representing the pinnacle of excellence in Nigeria’s teaching community.
The award ceremony formed part of activities marking the 2025 World Teachers’ Day, celebrated annually on October 5, to highlight teachers’ empowerment, motivation, and their role in shaping the future of education.
The event also witnessed the presentation of awards to deserving state governors and trophies for the best march past.
The Governors of Zamfara, Kogi, and Niger States were among the dignitaries at the commemoration and were commended for their contributions to the growth of education in their respective states.
PIAK