By Adeniji Samuel
The Federal Government has introduced a digital system for selecting recipients of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day Awards as part of efforts to strengthen transparency, accountability and proper documentation in the recognition of outstanding teachers.
The Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, disclosed this in Abuja on Friday during a news conference ahead of activities marking the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration.
Ahmad explained that the Federal Ministry of Education digitalised the selection exercise for the first time, in accordance with African Union guidelines, to promote safety, accountability and effective record-keeping.
She said the selection exercise was facilitated through the various State Ministries of Education.
According to the Minister, activities lined up for the celebration are also intended to create greater awareness, encourage critical thinking and recognise teachers whose contributions deserve commendation.
She noted that the Federal Government was working towards attracting highly qualified professionals into the teaching profession while also retaining those already serving in the sector.
Ahmad announced that 14 awardees would be recognised during the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration. The three best teachers will receive cars, while the best Federal Unity College will be presented with a bus.
She added that all award recipients would receive laptops as part of the government's efforts to acknowledge outstanding performance and encourage teachers to make greater contributions to the development of Nigeria's education sector.
The 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration is being held under the theme, “Transforming the Teacher Profession for Africa’s Future.”
Ahmad said the theme would centre on five interconnected pillars: innovation, mobility, Artificial Intelligence (AI), inclusion and professional excellence.
She explained that the innovation pillar would promote creative approaches to teaching, the use of digital tools and locally developed solutions aimed at making learning more engaging, flexible and effective.
On mobility, the Minister said the focus would be on teacher exchange programmes, cross-border partnerships and flexible career opportunities that would support knowledge-sharing and strengthen education systems across Africa.
She said Artificial Intelligence would be explored to support personalised learning, data-based decision-making and the reduction of teachers’ administrative workload, while ensuring that its application remains ethical and inclusive.
According to her, the inclusion pillar would promote equal access to quality education for learners irrespective of gender, ability, socioeconomic background or geographical location. It would also encourage teaching approaches that reflect different cultural contexts.
She explained that professional excellence would focus on improving the standing of teachers through continuous professional development, fair remuneration, supportive policies and greater recognition of teachers as leaders in shaping Africa's future.
The Minister said the five pillars were designed to strengthen the teaching profession and prepare educators to respond effectively to emerging challenges within the education sector.
FG Automates Academic Qualification Verification
Speaking on reports of a possible United States travel or entry ban affecting Nigerians and Ghanaians, Ahmad said the Federal Government had not received any official communication from the United States Government on the matter.
She, however, disclosed that the Ministry of Education had automated its Education Support Services (ESS) department to enable foreign institutions and employers to verify the authenticity of Nigerian academic qualifications online.
According to her, the digital verification system would help tackle fraudulent claims involving academic certificates while protecting Nigerians with genuine qualifications who seek educational or employment opportunities outside the country.
The Minister expressed appreciation to education agencies, state governments, organisations and individuals for their support towards the successful organisation of the 2026 World Teachers’ Day celebration.
Adeniji Samuel
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