…Ogun teacher, Solanke Francis Taiwo receives N55m, car, two-bedroom flat

By Johnbosco Agbakwuru & Joseph Erunke, Abuja

The federal and some state governments have celebrated teachers by rolling out record-breaking rewards for them at the National Teachers’ Summit 2026.

A total of 12 exceptional teachers were honoured for excellence in primary and secondary education, each receiving N30 million, while Solanke Francis Taiwo of Ogun State, named Overall Best Teacher of the Year, took home N55 million, a car, and a two-bedroom flat pledged by the Ogun State governor.

At the event held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, yesterday, additional cash rewards were pledged by other state governors to further boost the prizes

The awards followed a transparent, merit-based selection process, with three nominees from each of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, culminating in six finalists from basic education and six from senior secondary education after rigorous independent evaluation.

First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, described teachers as the “quiet architects of great nations” and called for sustained investment in teacher welfare, professional development, and digital skills training.

She praised the launch of the EduRevamp Portal, which provides a nationwide platform for continuous professional development.

“Education and national progress are only possible when teachers are adequately supported, motivated, and empowered,” she said, emphasizing that the summit’s theme, “Empowering Teachers; Strengthening the Education System,” reflects the urgent need for sustainable reform.

Representing the Nigerian Governors’ Forum, Borno State Governor Babagana Umara Zulum stressed that teachers shape the futures of more than 70 million learners across urban, rural, riverine, nomadic, and insecurity-affected communities.

He highlighted government efforts to recruit more teachers, improve training, and offer incentives to retain educators in hard-to-reach areas.

Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa underlined that no nation can rise above the quality of its teachers.

He formally launched EduRevamp, a nationally coordinated Continuous Professional Development programme open to teachers in both public and private schools, with performance-based incentives reserved for certified public school teachers.

Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmad, echoed the message, stating that teacher empowerment forms the foundation for sustainable education reform, with better welfare, skills, and motivation directly translating into improved learning outcomes.

The summit also featured participation from union leaders, state education commissioners, and international partners including UNESCO, underscoring the broad support for elevating the teaching profession.

Highlighting the human impact of the reforms, Taiwo’s win drew cheers and applause, with the car and housing pledges symbolizing the new recognition and dignity accorded to teachers. The initiative marks a turning point in Nigeria’s education landscape, aligning rewards with merit and performance.

Comrade Titus Amba, President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers ,NUT, praised the federal government’s initiative, noting that professionalizing and supporting teachers is crucial for improving education nationwide.

Governors’ initiatives were also spotlighted, with investments in digital skills acquisition, technical education, and structured professional partnerships aimed at modernizing teaching and aligning it with global standards.

Beyond cash prizes, the summit emphasized long-term structural reforms including teacher recruitment drives, welfare improvements, and performance-based incentives to motivate and retain educators.

With record-breaking awards, national recognition, and a clear policy focus, the summit sent a strong signal that teachers are no longer overlooked but are central to Nigeria’s national development and education transformation.

As Nigeria’s classrooms prepare for the next generation of learners, the summit underscored a renewed national commitment: invest in teachers, and the nation’s future will flourish.