The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has said the progress recorded in the education sector is possible because President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has chosen to invest in the future of the Nigerian child under his Renewed Hope Agenda.
He spoke at the 2026 World Teachers’ Day Commemoration and President’s Teachers’ and Schools’ Excellence Awards (PTSEA) ceremony held in Abuja.
It was themed: “Protecting and Advancing the Status of the Teaching Profession in a Rapidly Changing World.”
The Minister said “I especially thank His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, for his extraordinary commitment to education and to the Nigerian child. Mr President has made education a central part of his Renewed Hope Agenda,
“His belief in the promise of our young people has been unwavering... the progress we are making is possible because Mr. President has chosen to invest in the future of the Nigerian Child.”
Alausa celebrated teachers serving in cities and rural communities, public and private schools, describing their work as one of the most consequential in society.
“Every Doctor, Engineer, Scientist, Entrepreneur and Public Servant has benefited from a teacher... When we honour teachers, we honour the people who make every other profession possible,” he said.
According to him, this year’s theme asks the nation to turn appreciation into lasting support, noting teachers deserve professional respect, opportunities for career development, appropriate resources, fair recognition and good working conditions.
He said technology and Artificial Intelligence are changing how knowledge is accessed and used, but the judgement, encouragement and human connection of a skilled teacher remain indispensable.
Government, he said, must equip teachers to use new tools responsibly while safeguarding standards.
Under President Tinubu’s leadership, he said, education renewal efforts have been directed at providing better learning environment, stronger institutions, skills for a changing economy, reliable data for decisions, and better teacher welfare and continued professional development.
“A child’s opportunities must not be limited by Geography, Family income or Circumstance,” Alausa stressed.
The Minister said the PTSEA recognises outstanding teachers, administrators and schools for professionalism, innovation and leadership, adding that Mr. President’s association with the awards sends a powerful message that teaching excellence deserves the highest national regard.
He congratulated all 2026 award recipients, urging them to uphold professionalism and integrity and inspire others, while assuring teachers not receiving awards that their work is seen and valued.
He reaffirmed Federal Government’s commitment to provide leadership and resources, working with State Governments, school leaders, professional bodies, organised labour, development partners, communities and parents to strengthen teacher preparation, development and recognition.
“Your service calls for more than words of thanks on one day each year. It calls for sustained respect, investment and partnership through each day of the year,” he told teachers.
The Minister concluded by calling for renewed collective commitment to protect the dignity of teaching, advance its professional standing and equip Nigerian teachers for a rapidly changing world.