By Eteteonline
Twelve outstanding educators from all over Nigeria have been honored by the Federal Government for their commitment, professionalism, and influence on education. The prizes were given out at the Nigeria Teachers’ Summit 2026 in Abuja, which aims to promote reforms in the education sector and honor teaching excellence.
“Empowering Teachers, Strengthening the System: A National Agenda for Education Transformation and Sustainability” was the theme of the event, which was organized by the Office of the Wife of the President in cooperation with the Federal Ministry of Education and held at the Banquet Hall, State House, Abuja.
All 36 states, as well as the Federal Capital Territory, submitted nominations for the teachers. Basic and senior secondary levels participated in a demanding, merit-based selection process.
Twelve exceptional educators each received ₦25 million in cash. In addition to the ₦50 million awarded to Ogun State’s Solanke Francis Taiwo, the Overall Best Teacher of the Year, state governors also pledged a car and a two-bedroom apartment as gifts.
The government gave the top performers cash rewards totaling about ₦350 million.
Teachers are “the quiet architects of great nations,” according to officials, including the First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, and the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. They underlined that enhancing learning outcomes requires consistent investment in teachers, that education is essential to the development of the country, and that teaching should be a respected and cherished profession.
“EduRevamp,” an online platform for ongoing teacher professional development aimed at improving teaching quality and skill sets across the country, was also introduced by the government during the summit.
This is the list of the 12 exceptional educators who were recognized by the Federal Government of Nigeria during the Nigeria Teachers’ Summit in Abuja in 2026.
- Solanke Francis Taiwo – Overall Best Teacher of the Year (Ogun State)
- Blessing Ikong (Basic Education category)
- Chinwe Ituma (Basic Education category)
- Gombo Lawan (Basic Education category)
- Khadijat Galadima (Basic Education category)
- Okide Ochike (Basic Education category)
- Johanna Gilando (Secondary Education category)
- David Kachollom Joseph (Secondary Education category)
- Musa Abubakar Garba (Secondary Education category)
- Hope Ifetike (Secondary Education category)
- Obafemi Peter Lawal (Secondary Education category)
- Bashar Hantsi (Secondary Education category)
As the overall best teacher, Solanke Francis Taiwo won ₦50 million, while the other 12 recipients each received ₦25 million.
State governors promised Taiwo more assistance, including a car and a two-bedroom apartment.
An important step to improve teacher morale, elevate the profession, and promote ongoing educational changes in Nigeria is the Federal Government’s awarding of 12 exceptional teachers with cash prizes and other support.
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