The First Lady of Nigeria, Oluremi Tinubu, has called on Teachers to embrace innovation amid government pledges to revamp education under the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Mrs Tinubu who hailed the good work of teachers in the country described them as the “quiet architects of great nations.”
Delivering the keynote address at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026, themed: “Empowering Teachers; Strengthening the Education System,” at the State House Conference Center, Abuja, Mrs Tinubu emphasized that “meaningful educational and national progress can only be achieved when teachers are adequately equipped, motivated, and supported.”
As a former classroom teacher and educationist, the First Lady drew from personal experience to underscore teachers’ pivotal role.
She said: “Teachers are the quiet architects of great nations, shaping young minds, instilling values, and nurturing hope. I understand firsthand the demands of teaching and the enduring impact of teachers in shaping societies.”
Professional Development
The First Lady commended the Ministry of Education’s new “Edu Revamp Portal,” launched to drive continuous professional development.
“I congratulate the Federal Ministry of Education on the launch of the ‘Edu Revamp 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. I say, well done,” she stated.
Mrs Tinubu said the Renewed Hope Agenda of the current administration is a pillar for the education sector as well as for national development.
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, 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.
“To my fellow teachers, I thank you for your hard work, commitment, and dedication. I charge you to continue to pursue excellence, embrace innovation, and uphold integrity as you shape the next generation of leaders,” the First Lady explained.
Custodians Future
Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, described teachers as nation builders, character shapers, and custodians of our collective future.
Top Educators
Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced cash rewards for top educators and announced the launch of EduRevamp portal at the Nigeria Teachers’ Summit 2026, declaring teachers the “foundation of national development.”
“No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. No reform, no matter how well designed, can succeed unless teachers are empowered, motivated, supported, and respected. When teachers thrive, learners succeed, systems grow stronger and nations move forward,” he stressed.
The Minister revealed a merit-based awards process, with three nominees from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory at basic and senior secondary levels.
After rigorous selection, 12 finalists emerged -six from basic education and six from senior secondary.
The highlight of the summit was the emergence of Solanke Taiwo from Ogun State as Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026, scooping ₦50 million, a two-bedroom flat as promised by Ogun Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun (to be built in any area of his choice in the state), and a car pledged by Borno Governor Prof Babagana Zulum.
Lateefah Ibrahim