By Olivia Ambrose, JKNewsMedia Reporter
NIGERIAN TEACHERS have been lauded as the “quiet architects of great nations” by First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who urged them to embrace innovation as the government ramps up efforts to revamp education across the country.
Delivering the keynote address at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026, themed “Empowering Teachers; Strengthening the Education System”, at the State House Conference Center, Abuja, Senator Tinubu emphasised that “meaningful educational and national progress can only be achieved when teachers are adequately equipped, motivated, and supported.”
As a former classroom teacher and educationist, she drew on personal experience to highlight the pivotal role of educators in shaping society.
“Teachers are the quiet architects of great nations, shaping young minds, instilling values, and nurturing hope. I understand firsthand the demands of teaching and the enduring impact of teachers in shaping societies,” she said.
The First Lady commended the Federal Ministry of Education’s new Edu Revamp Portal, designed to drive continuous professional development for teachers.
“I congratulate the Federal Ministry of Education on the launch of the ‘Edu Revamp Portal,’ an initiative that will ensure continuous professional development for our teachers. The framework of this initiative will no doubt improve learning outcomes across the country. I say, well done,” she said.
She further reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to education, noting:
“Under the Renewed Hope Agenda of His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, education remains an essential pillar of national development with a clear recognition that sustainable development begins with quality teaching and learning.
“The administration is committed to sustained investment in teachers’ welfare, professional development, and the skills needed to prepare learners for a rapidly changing world.”
Senator Tinubu encouraged teachers to continue pursuing excellence, embrace innovation, and uphold integrity as they shape the next generation of leaders.
Speaking, Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) and Kwara State Governor, AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq, represented by Borno State Governor Prof Babagana Zulum, described teachers as “nation builders, character shapers, and custodians of our collective future.”
“No education system can rise above the quality, motivation, professionalism, and welfare of its teachers,” he said. Highlighting the scale of their responsibility, he noted teachers serve over 70 million learners across urban, rural, conflict, riverine, and nomadic areas, calling empowerment “a strategic imperative for national development, social stability, and economic growth.”
Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, reiterated that teachers are the “foundation of national development” while announcing the launch of the EduRevamp Portal.
“No nation can rise above the quality of its teachers. No reform, no matter how well designed, can succeed unless teachers are empowered, motivated, supported, and respected. When teachers thrive, learners succeed, systems grow stronger, and nations move forward,” he said.
He unveiled a merit-based awards process, where three nominees from each of Nigeria’s 36 states and the FCT were shortlisted for both basic and senior secondary levels.
Twelve finalists emerged, representing professionalism, integrity, innovation, and unwavering commitment to learners. Each finalist will receive N25 million, while the overall Best Teacher of the Year will win N50 million.
The summit’s highlight was the emergence of Solanke Francis Taiwo from Ogun State as Nigeria’s Overall Best Teacher. Taiwo scooped N50 million, a two-bedroom flat to be built anywhere of his choice in Ogun State, pledged by Governor Prince Dapo Abiodun, and a car, promised by Borno State Governor Prof Babagana Zulum.
A statement from Busola Kukoyi, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) Media to the First Lady, noted that the awards “represent a national signal that teaching is a noble, respected, and valued profession in Nigeria.”
