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To reward outstanding teachers and institutions, the Federal Government of Nigeria will reward teachers who have contributed to the transformation of the teaching profession in the country.
Those who qualify for the awards will receive prestigious car gifts and laptops, while the best Federal Unity College will receive a bus during the 2026 World Teachers Day scheduled for Abuja on Monday 5th October, 2026.
This was disclosed in Abuja on Friday by the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa'idu Ahmad, at a pre-2026 World Teachers Day press briefing.
According to her, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd best Teachers will receive prestigious car gifts, while others will receive laptops.
She said "On the D- Day, 5th Monday, 2026 stakeholders were invited to grace the occasion. They will witness Teachers from the thirty Six (36) states and Federal Capital Territory schools who will participate in colourful match past with respective Flags and cultural attire to highlight dedication, unity, diversity and cooperation.
"There were fourteen awardees for the 2026 World Teachers Day and President's Teachers' School's Education Award (PTSEA).
"The 1st, 2nd and 3rd best Teachers will receive prestigious car gifts and the best Federal Unity College receive a bus while other awardees receives laptops." she stated.
Noting that the 2026 World Teachers Day Celebration is themed: 'Transforming the Teaching Profession for Africa's Future", she said highlights of the Celebration focus and emphasizes reimagining education in Africa through five interconnected pillars, including:
"Innovation Encouraging creative teaching methods, digital tools, and locally relevant solutions to make learning more engaging, adaptable, and impactful.
"Mobility Promoting teacher exchange programs, cross-border collaboration, and flexible career pathways to share expertise and strengthen education systems across the continent.
"Artificial Intelligence (AI) Leveraging AI for personalized learning, data-driven decision-making, and reducing administrative burdens, while ensuring ethical and inclusive use.
"Inclusion Ensuring equitable access to quality education for all learners, regardless of gender, ability, socio-economic status, or location, and fostering culturally responsive teaching.
"Professional Excellence Elevating the status of teachers through continuous professional development, fair remuneration, supportive policies, and recognition of their leadership role in shaping Africa's future."
According to her, the Federal Ministry of Education in conjunction with the Nigerian Union of Teacher (NUT) coordinates the annual celebration processes while States Ministries of Education facilitate the nomination process.
"For the first time, the selection processes coordinated by the Federal Ministry of Education was digitalized in line with African Union guideline process to ensure safety, accountability and reference.
"The selection processes were facilitated by States Ministries of Education."
Some activities, the Minister said, are scheduled to create awareness, promote critical thinking and rewards to motivate deserving teachers within the states and the Federal Capital Territory.
"To this end, immediately after this Press briefing, a symposium on the theme of the year has been organized and some heads of parastatal will talk on each of the highlights" she said
The Minister added "It is also worthy to note that the annually, the Federal Ministry of Education receives supports from some Parastatals, States, Organizations and individuals to drive this celebration and reward teachers who transform the teaching profession in Nigeria."
Urging for objective reporting and wide coverage by the media, she said, it will help in disseminating accurate information on Commonwealth of Nations and the importance of unity, peace and collaboration for equitable sustainable development nationwide.
Speaking on the possibility of U.S. ban to affect Nigerians and Ghanaians, the Minister said the Federal Government has not received any official communication from the U.S. Government.
According to her, the ministry has automated its Education Support Services (ESS) department to enable foreign institutions and employers to verify the authenticity of Nigerian academic qualifications online.
This, she said, will help prevent fraudulent certificate claims and protect Nigerians with genuine qualifications seeking opportunities abroad.
The National President, Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Audu Amba, said teachers must remain central to the education process amid technological advancements.
Represented by the Deputy National President of the NUT, Kizito Kalu, Amba said innovation, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), should strengthen rather than diminish teachers’ professional roles.
He stressed the need for adequate investment in teacher training, welfare and professional development to enable teachers to adapt to emerging changes in education.
“The future of education must therefore be a future in which teachers are empowered to adapt, innovate and continue to exercise their professional judgment,” he said.
He commended the Federal Ministry of Education for its continued partnership with the union, expressing the NUT’s commitment to constructive engagement with government and other stakeholders to strengthen the profession.
He said the symposium would provide an opportunity to discuss challenges facing teachers and develop practical approaches to addressing them.