The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Olatunji Alausa, CON, has reaffirmed that the prosperity of the nation depends on the success and wellbeing of its teachers. Speaking at the 2025 World Teachers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square, Abuja, he emphasised that when teachers are supported to collaborate, innovate, and thrive, the entire education system — and ultimately the nation — flourishes. The event provided a platform for the Federal Government to restate its commitment to improving teachers’ welfare, strengthening teamwork, and repositioning teaching as the cornerstone of national renewal.
Dr. Alausa commended Nigerian teachers for their resilience, dedication, and vital role in shaping the country’s human capital. He explained that this year’s theme, “Recasting Teaching as a Collaborative Profession,” aligns with Nigeria’s education reform agenda and global initiatives championed by UNESCO, ILO, UNICEF, and Education International.
He highlighted key Federal Government initiatives under the Education for Renewed Hope Agenda, including the National Teacher Policy, which empowers and motivates teachers; peer support structures at school and zonal levels; and ICT-based learning networks that connect teachers across states to share best practices. He added that the future of education requires openness, trust, and shared responsibility, stressing that teaching is no longer an isolated task but a collective mission of national development.
The Honourable Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, reaffirmed the Ministry’s commitment to promoting teamwork and innovation in schools. She noted that challenges such as large class sizes, digital transitions, and evolving curriculum needs make collaboration essential. Prof. Ahmad further highlighted reforms such as the National Teacher Development Policy (2022), the Digital Literacy and Skills Framework, and the establishment of Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) as measures to build teacher capacity nationwide. She added that recognising and rewarding excellence will enhance morale and attract new entrants to the profession.
The Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr. Abel Olumuyiwa Enitan, commended teachers for their dedication to national development and reaffirmed the Ministry’s ongoing reforms through UBEC, NTI, and school-based management committees. He stated that these initiatives aim to enhance teacher professionalism, strengthen community participation, and align national practice with the 1966 ILO/UNESCO Recommendation on the Status of Teachers.
Also speaking, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Comrade Audu Titus Amba, lauded President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for sustaining the President’s Teachers and Schools Excellence Awards. He called for the full implementation of approved teacher incentives and the restoration of funding to the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) to ensure continuous professional development. Comrade Amba also drew attention to the nationwide shortage of nearly 195,000 teachers, as revealed in UBEC’s 2024 report, and urged immediate action to close the gap.
In recognition of excellence, the Federal Government honoured individuals and states for their remarkable contributions to education. Katsina State Governor, Malam Dikko Umar Radda, was named the 2025 Education Governor of the Year for recruiting over 7,000 teachers, approving a ₦70,000 minimum wage, and constructing more than 3,000 classrooms and staff quarters. Other governors recognised include Alhaji Ahmed Usman Ododo of Kogi State, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Francis O. Oborevwori of Delta State, and Rt. Hon. Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri of Adamawa State for their outstanding investments in teacher welfare and infrastructure.
Individual awardees included Solanke Francis Taiwo of Ansar-Ud-Deen Main School, Abeokuta (Best Teacher, Primary Category); Woliwo Primary School, Onitsha (Best Primary School); Onike Girls Junior High School, Lagos (Best Junior Secondary School); and Odenike Fausat Mobolaji of Elepe Community Junior High School, Ikorodu (Best School Leader). Other winners were Emmanuel Ozor Charles of Greater Tomorrow International College, Ondo, and Ubani Roseblund Ibiyiye of Federal Government College, Abuloma.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to strengthening teacher professionalism, welfare, and collaboration as the pillars of Nigeria’s educational transformation. It pledged to continue working closely with state governments, teacher unions, and development partners to ensure that every Nigerian teacher is empowered, motivated, and equipped to inspire the next generation.
ELIJAH ADEYEMI
